South Korean boy band BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan, continues to break records and redefine global pop music success.
Recently, they became the first K-pop group to top the US Billboard 200 chart with their latest album Love Yourself: Tear. This milestone highlights their unprecedented rise as one of the most successful South Korean acts to conquer international markets.
A Record-breaking Album
Released in early May, Love Yourself: Tear sold 135,000 units in the United States by May 24. Combining album sales, downloads, and streaming data, the album secured the number one spot on Billboard’s 200 chart on May 27. Notably, this is the first foreign-language album to achieve such a feat in the US in 12 years.
Despite singing predominantly in Korean, BTS has successfully toured the US, selling out concerts in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Their upcoming world tour will also include stops in Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
How BTS Won Over America
Video by CNBC Make It
Who Are BTS?
BTS debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Beyond Korean songs, they have also released Japanese albums and boast over 15 million followers on social media.
The name BTS stands for "Bangtan Sonyeondan" in Korean, meaning "Bulletproof Boy Scouts." However, as the group expanded into Western markets, the name was reinterpreted as "Beyond the Scene." Their music often tackles themes such as bullying, elitism, and mental health—topics rarely explored in mainstream K-pop.
Their sound blends pop, R&B, and hip-hop, paired with meticulously choreographed dance routines that elevate their performances to a global standard.
The Secrets Behind Their Popularity
BTS's immense popularity is bolstered by their strong presence on social media. Fans, known as ARMY, feel a personal connection with the group, thanks to their active and genuine engagement online.
Angelica Bacani, a 19-year-old university student from the Philippines, explains that BTS’s social media interactions provide a sense of encouragement and closeness. “They feel approachable and relatable,” she says, contrasting them with other groups that seem distant or overly polished.
South Korean culture critic Kim Hyun-sik points out that BTS’s social media presence feels authentic rather than orchestrated. "Unlike larger companies that control every interaction of their idols, BTS's smaller agency allows them the freedom to interact with fans in a more genuine and human way,” he explains.
BTS's rise to the top of the US music charts is not just a reflection of their talent but also their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. By blending meaningful lyrics, diverse musical styles, and heartfelt engagement, BTS has carved out a unique space in the global music industry.
