BTS (Hangul: 방탄소년단; RR: Bangtan Sonyeondan), also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a popular South Korean boy band. They formed in 2010 and officially debuted in 2013. The group has seven members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Many of their songs are co-written or co-produced by the members themselves.

BTS started as a hip hop group. Over time, they added many other music styles to their sound. Their lyrics often talk about important topics like mental health, growing up, finding self-love, and the challenges of fame. Their music and related projects also include ideas from books, philosophy, and psychology. They even have an alternate universe storyline in their work.

The group first gained attention in South Korea. By 2017, they became very popular worldwide. They helped lead the Korean Wave (the spread of Korean culture) into the United States. They were the first Korean group to get a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for their song "Mic Drop". They also became the first South Korean act to reach number one on the Billboard 200 album chart with Love Yourself: Tear in 2018.

In 2020, BTS made history again. They became the fastest group since the Beatles to have four US number-one albums in less than two years. Their album Love Yourself: Answer (2018) was the first Korean album to be certified Platinum by the RIAA. That same year, they were the first all-South Korean act to reach number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200 charts with their song "Dynamite". Other hit songs like "Butter" and "Permission to Dance" quickly followed.

As of 2023, BTS is the best-selling music act in South Korean history. They have sold over 40 million albums. Their album Map of the Soul: 7 (2020) is one of the best-selling albums ever in South Korea. It was the first album in the country to sell over four and five million copies. BTS was also the first non-English-speaking and Asian act to sell out concerts at famous venues like Wembley Stadium and the Rose Bowl in 2019.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) named BTS the Global Recording Artist of the Year for both 2020 and 2021. Their many awards include American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Golden Disc Awards. They have also been nominated for five Grammy Awards. Beyond music, BTS has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly three times. In 2017, they partnered with UNICEF for their "Love Myself" campaign, which aims to end violence and promote self-love.

Time magazine featured BTS on its international cover as "Next Generation Leaders." They have been called the "Princes of Pop." Time also included them in their lists of the 25 most influential people on the internet (2017–2019) and the 100 most influential people in the world (2019). In 2018, they received the South Korean Order of Cultural Merit. This award recognized their important work in spreading Korean culture and language around the world.

On June 14, 2022, the group announced they would take a break from group activities. This break allows members to complete their mandatory military service in South Korea. They plan to reunite as a group around 2025. Jin, the oldest member, started his service in December 2022. The other members followed in 2023.

What Does BTS Mean?

BTS stands for the Korean words Bangtan Sonyeondan. This phrase literally means 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts'. According to member J-Hope, the name shows the group's wish to "block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets." In Japan, they are known as Bōdan Shōnendan (防弾少年団).

In July 2017, BTS announced that their name would also stand for "Beyond the Scene." This new meaning was part of their updated brand identity. It shows their growth "from a boy to an adult who opens the doors that are facing forward."

BTS History: From Debut to Global Stars

How BTS Started (2010–2014)

BTS performing in 2013 at the Incheon Music Center

BTS was formed in 2010 by Big Hit Entertainment. The CEO, Bang Si-hyuk, wanted to create a hip hop group around RM. RM was an underground rapper well-known in Seoul. At that time, physical album sales were decreasing. Bang decided to form an idol group instead. This type of group could perform live concerts and get strong support from fans.

Many trainees did not want to be part of an idol group. However, J-Hope, RM, and Suga stayed. Bang wanted to create a group where members could be themselves and express their ideas. Auditions were held in 2010. The plan was to launch the group the next year. The band members lived together and practiced up to 15 hours a day. They first performed for a small group of music industry people in 2013.

BTS was managed by Big Hit, not one of the three big K-pop agencies. This allowed the members to show their unique personalities. They also had a say in their music. On June 12, 2013, BTS released their first album, 2 Cool 4 Skool. It included the song "No More Dream." This song talked about young people's worries about high expectations from parents. It was seen as a bold statement in K-pop. The album reached the top five on South Korea's Gaon Music Chart.

In September 2013, BTS released their second album, O!RUL8,2?. This album also focused on students feeling pressure and having to give up their dreams. Many of BTS's early songs showed rebellion against the system. This helped them gain fans among young people in North America and Europe.

Becoming Mainstream (2014–2017)

Exterior of the nightclub Troubadour (photo taken 2006) where BTS held their concert in the US for free

The final album in their "school trilogy," Skool Luv Affair, came out in February 2014. It topped the Gaon Album Chart. It also appeared on Billboard's World Albums Chart for the first time. After this album, BTS held their first fan meeting in Seoul. They chose the name A.R.M.Y. for their fan club. In July 2014, BTS had their first show in the United States in West Hollywood.

In August 2014, BTS released the album Dark & Wild. It reached number two in South Korea. The group then started their first concert tour, 2014 BTS Live Trilogy Episode II: The Red Bullet. This tour lasted from October to December 2014. They released their first Japanese album, Wake Up, in December 2014. It reached number three on the Oricon Albums Chart.

BTS started trying out other music styles besides hip-hop in 2015. Their album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1 explored the beauty and worries of youth. The song "I Need U" was a top-five hit in South Korea. It also earned the group a win on a TV show called The Show.

BTS performing at KCON France in Paris on June 2, 2016

In November, BTS began their third concert tour, 2015 BTS LIVE "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: On Stage". It started with three sold-out shows in Seoul. This album focused on the serious parts of youth. It talked about seeking success, loneliness, and the struggles of young people. The album topped the weekly Gaon Album and Billboard World Albums charts.

Their album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever was released on May 2, 2016. It included three new songs: "Epilogue: Young Forever," "Fire," and "Save Me." These songs debuted in the top three spots on the Billboard World Digital Charts. The album won Album of the Year at the 2016 Melon Music Awards.

BTS winning their first major Korean award for Album of the Year at the 2016 Melon Music Awards on November 19, 2016

In September 2016, BTS released their second Japanese album Youth. It sold many copies on its first day. One month later, in October, they released Wings. This album combined themes of youth with temptation and challenges. Wings quickly topped music charts in many countries. It became the best-selling album in Gaon Album Chart history.

In February 2017, BTS released You Never Walk Alone. The lead song was "Spring Day," which won Best Song of the Year at the 2017 Melon Music Awards. BTS's second world tour, 2017 BTS Live Trilogy Episode III: The Wings Tour, began in February. Tickets for their North American shows sold out very quickly.

BTS at their press conference in Seoul, South Korea after winning Top Social Artist at the 24th Billboard Music Awards on May 29, 2017

After their North American tour, BTS attended the 24th Billboard Music Awards in May. They won Top Social Artist. They were the first K-pop group to win a Billboard award. BTS fans cast over 300 million votes for the band. This broke a six-year winning streak by Justin Bieber. This event made international media notice the power of BTS's fandom.

Later that year, BTS started their "Love Yourself" album series. This series explored the idea of self-love. The first part, Love Yourself: Her, was released on September 18. The main song, "DNA," was seen as a new direction for BTS. Love Yourself: Her debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200. It was the first album in 16 years to sell over 1.2 million copies in South Korea.

BTS at the 45th American Music Awards shortly before making their US television debut on November 19, 2017

"DNA" became BTS's first song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This made them the first K-pop boy band to reach that chart. A remix of "Mic Drop" from the album also became a hit. Both songs earned Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in early 2018.

In November 2017, BTS became the first K-pop group to perform at the American Music Awards. They won Artist of the Year at the 19th Mnet Asian Music Awards in December. They won this award for the second year in a row.

In 2017, BTS partnered with UNICEF for the "Love Myself" campaign. This campaign aimed to help end violence and bullying. It also promoted self-esteem among young people. Both Big Hit and the group gave money to support the campaign. BTS also sold special merchandise and set up booths at concerts. This campaign was renewed in 2021 because it was so successful.

Continued Global Success (2018–2020)

BTS won major awards at the Golden Disc and Seoul Music Awards in January 2018. In March, they released an eight-episode documentary called Burn the Stage. It showed behind-the-scenes moments from their 2017 Wings Tour. Their third Japanese album, Face Yourself, was released on April 4, 2018. It quickly reached the top 5 of the U.S. iTunes Albums chart.

Their third Korean album, Love Yourself: Tear, came out on May 18, 2018. BTS promoted this album at the 25th Billboard Music Awards. They performed their song "Fake Love." The group also won Top Social Artist for the second time. This album talked about the challenges of loving without being loved.

BTS at their press conference for Love Yourself: Tear on May 24, 2018

Love Yourself: Tear debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It was BTS's first number-one album in the US. It was also the first K-pop album to top the US album chart. "Fake Love" became BTS's first top-10 song on the Hot 100. BTS released their album Love Yourself: Answer in August 2018. The album included the song "Idol."

Love Yourself: Answer sold over 1.9 million copies in August 2018. It became BTS's second number-one album on the Billboard 200. In November 2018, Love Yourself: Answer was the first Korean album to be certified Gold by the RIAA. "Idol" and Love Yourself: Answer both received Platinum certifications in the US.

New York City's Citi Field, the venue for BTS's first stadium concert in the US, sold out in 20 minutes.

After Love Yourself: Answer was released, BTS started their world tour, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself. Concert tickets sold out in seconds. In October, BTS released "Waste It on Me," their first all-English song. For the last stop of their North American tour, the group performed at Citi Field in New York City. This was the first time a Korean act performed at a US stadium.

In early November 2018, a Japanese music show canceled BTS's performance. This was due to a past controversy about some clothing and symbols. Their agency apologized, explaining it was not meant to cause harm and that they would be more careful in the future.

At the 20th Mnet Asian Music Awards, BTS won Artist of the Year. They were also listed as one of the 50 most influential people by Bloomberg. This was for their willingness to talk about social issues and mental health.

Map of the Soul Era and "Dynamite" (2019–2020)

In February 2019, BTS presented an award at the Grammy Awards for the first time. In April, Time named them one of the Time 100, the most influential people of 2019. Their album, Map of the Soul: Persona, was released on April 12. It included the song "Boy with Luv" featuring American singer Halsey.

BTS performing at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California, before 60,000 fans

Map of the Soul: Persona became the first Korean album to reach number one in the UK and Australia. It was also the group's third album to top the Billboard 200 in less than a year. "Boy with Luv" debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. This was the highest spot ever for a K-pop song at that time.

After winning two awards at the 26th Billboard Music Awards in May, BTS started their stadium tour, Love Yourself: Speak Yourself. Tickets for these shows sold out very quickly. In June 2019, BTS released several songs for their mobile game BTS World. These included "Dream Glow" with Charli XCX and "A Brand New Day" with Zara Larsson.

In November, BTS won three awards at the 2019 American Music Awards. They won for Best Tour, Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock, and Favorite Social Artist. In December, they made history at the 2019 Melon Music Awards and 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards. They were the first group to win all four major awards at both events.

In January 2020, BTS released "Black Swan" as the first song from their album Map of the Soul: 7. Later that month, BTS performed at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. This made them the first Korean act to perform at the Grammys. Map of the Soul: 7 was released on February 21. It included the song "On."

Map of the Soul: 7 sold over 4.1 million copies in nine days. It became the best-selling album in South Korean history. The album debuted at the top of the US Billboard 200. "On" debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. BTS planned a concert series for this album, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2020, BTS became the first K-pop artist to sell over 20 million albums in total. This made them the best-selling artist in South Korean history. In June, BTS held an online live concert, Bang Bang Con: The Live. It had 756,000 live viewers from 107 countries. This set a record for the largest audience for a paid virtual concert.

BTS released their first English-language song, "Dynamite," on August 21. "Dynamite" debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This was BTS's first number-one song and made them the first all-South Korean act to achieve this. The song also topped Billboard's new Global 200 chart.

On October 2, 2020, BTS released a remix of "Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)". It topped the Hot 100. On November 20, BTS released their fifth Korean album Be. It featured the song "Life Goes On." "Life Goes On" debuted at number one on the Hot 100. This was BTS's third number-one song in three months. It was also the first song sung mainly in Korean to top the chart.

On November 24, 2020, BTS became the first Korean pop artists to be recognized by the Recording Academy. "Dynamite" received a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Recent Activities and Military Service (2021–Present)

BTS performing "Butter" at the 49th American Music Awards on November 21, 2021

On March 4, 2021, the IFPI named BTS its Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2020. They were the first Asian and first non-English speaking act to top this list. On March 14, 2021, BTS performed "Dynamite" at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. They were the first Korean nominee to perform there.

On May 21, BTS released their second English-language song, "Butter." It debuted at number one on the Hot 100. This was their fourth number one in nine months. Their next English-language song, "Permission to Dance," was released on July 9. On September 24, 2021, the band released "My Universe" with Coldplay. This song also debuted at number one on the Hot 100.

On November 23, "Butter" received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Between November 27 and December 2, BTS performed live for an audience for the first time since the pandemic. They played four sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

On January 15, 2022, a fictional webtoon based on BTS, called 7Fates: Chakho, was released. The comic had over 15 million views globally in its first two days. On April 3, BTS performed "Butter" at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. On April 8, the band received seven nominations at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. They won three awards, making them the most-awarded group in the show's history.

On June 10, 2022, BTS released their three-CD album Proof. On June 14, during their ninth anniversary, the band announced a temporary break from group activities. This break would allow members to focus on solo projects and other activities. Their agency clarified that BTS was not breaking up. They would still work on individual careers while also doing some group activities.

In October 2022, Big Hit confirmed that Jin, the oldest member, would begin his mandatory military service. The other members planned to enlist later. The group plans to reunite in 2025 after their service. On November 15, BTS received three nominations at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Jin began his military service on December 13. J-Hope started his service on April 18, 2023.

On September 20, 2023, their agency, Hybe, confirmed that BTS would renew their contracts. This means they will continue to work together on future projects starting from 2025. Suga began his service on September 22, 2023. RM and V enlisted on December 11, 2023. Jimin and Jungkook followed on December 12. On June 12, 2024, Jin became the first BTS member to finish his military service.

BTS's Art and Music

What Inspires BTS?

BTS has mentioned many artists as their musical inspirations. These include Seo Taiji and Boys, Nas, Eminem, Kanye West, Drake, and Queen. They said they "grew up watching videos of Live Aid" by Queen. During their concert at Wembley Stadium, Jin honored Queen by leading the crowd in a chant like Freddie Mercury used to do.

Their 2016 album Wings was inspired by Hermann Hesse's novel, Demian. Their song "Blood Sweat & Tears" includes a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra. The music video for this song also shows images from famous paintings. Other books and ideas that have inspired their work come from writers like Haruki Murakami and Carl Jung. The Love Yourself series was influenced by Erich Fromm's book The Art of Loving.

BTS Music Style

From the beginning, BTS focused on hip hop music. This was largely because RM and Suga were underground rappers. When they first visited the US, American rappers mentored them.

Over time, BTS's music style became more diverse. They experimented with R&B, rock, and jazz hip hop in 2014. They added EDM to their The Most Beautiful Moment in Life albums. Their Wings and You Never Walk Alone albums included moombahton and tropical house. Their Love Yourself series featured future bass and Latin pop. Their Map of the Soul albums explored many styles, including Afro pop, funk, and pop rock. Their song "Dynamite" was a disco track. The members have also explored different genres in their solo songs.

What BTS Sings About

BTS believes that sharing their own stories helps young people connect with their music. They write many of their own lyrics. They talk about common life experiences like sadness and loneliness. They try to make these feelings seem lighter and easier to handle. RM said that BTS tries not to sound like they are lecturing. He explained that true love starts with loving yourself and accepting who you are.

When asked if it's hard to write about mental health, Suga said that artists with a platform should talk about these things more. He believes it helps bring these problems into the open.

BTS's songs cover many themes. They explore the "troubles and anxieties of school-age youth." They also sing about "love, friendship, loss, death, and more." Early BTS songs, like "No More Dream," talked about the strict education system in South Korea. They called for changes to society's expectations. These songs helped young fans relate to the group.

The group's album Wings focused on mental health. It also criticized the K-pop "idol" scene and shared a message of female empowerment. The Love Yourself series introduced new themes. These included the excitement of love, the pain of goodbyes, and the importance of self-love. BTS's 2020 album Be talked about how the group dealt with the sudden changes of the pandemic. It offered support to listeners going through similar challenges.

BTS's lyrics have also discussed topics beyond youth culture. The song "Am I Wrong" from Wings questioned why society was not trying to change things. "Not Today" from 2017 was an anti-establishment song. It encouraged "all the underdogs in the world" to keep fighting. "Spring Day" honored the victims of a national tragedy. Former South Korean president Moon Jae-in praised BTS. He said their songs are true to themselves and their lives. He also said their music and lyrics go beyond borders, languages, and cultures.

BTS's Impact on the World

BTS performing at the Korea-France Friendship Concert in Paris on October 14, 2018

On April 29, 2019, Time magazine named BTS one of the 100 most influential people of the year. They called them the "Princes of Pop." A Billboard executive compared the group's influence to that of the Beatles. An executive from MRC Data noted that BTS was the first K-Pop group to become truly mainstream worldwide. They appeal not just to young people, but also to older generations.

In 2020, BTS became the first non-Western and non-English speaking artist to be named IFPI's Global Recording Artist of the Year. In South Korea, BTS was responsible for a large share of album sales.

In 2022, Youna Kim said that BTS has led the Korean Wave. They have helped spread Korean culture globally. South Korea's central bank found that BTS added about US$5 billion per year to South Korea's economy. This was due to things like increased tourism and interest in Korean culture and language. A 2018 study showed that about 800,000 foreigners visited South Korea each year for reasons related to BTS.

Writers see BTS as leaders among K-pop groups. Their success shows how important a strong, active fan base is in the age of social media. Fans can help a song become successful. The group has also stood out in the business side of K-pop. They have less strict contracts with their company. This allows them more artistic freedom. This approach has helped BTS connect more with young people in South Korea. They encourage individuality and being true to oneself.

BTS and Diplomacy

BTS and President Joe Biden at the White House on May 31, 2022.

The idea of "soft power" means getting other countries to want what you want, through culture and values. Researchers have applied this idea to BTS. They see BTS as having "soft power" because they spread messages of harmony and acceptance globally.

BTS was invited to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2018. That same year, they performed in Paris for the Korea-France Friendship Concert. This event celebrated the good relationship between France and South Korea.

In 2018, BTS became the youngest people to receive the Order of Cultural Merit. This award is usually given for over 15 years of achievement. However, President Moon recognized the group after only five years. This was for their work in spreading Korean culture and language worldwide. In July 2021, they were named Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture by President Moon. In this role, they help raise awareness about global issues like sustainable development. They also strengthen South Korea's diplomatic power. On May 31, 2022, BTS visited US President Joe Biden at the White House. They discussed the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination.

The ARMY Fandom

BTS's success was helped by the growth of music videos on YouTube. It was also helped by the rise of idol groups, which include merchandise, games, and stories. The group has a large, well-organized online fan community called ARMY. ARMY stands for "Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth." These fans translate the group's lyrics and social media posts into other languages. They also match the charitable donations made by BTS members.

As of 2020, about 40 million ARMY members follow the band's YouTube channel. More than 30 million follow the official BTS Twitter and Instagram accounts. The fan community helps BTS get number-one chart rankings. They do this through organized campaigns on streaming platforms. They also push for BTS's music to be played on radio stations and television.

Fans at the BTS world tour concert 'Love Yourself' in Los Angeles on September 6, 2018.

BTS connected with their fans from their early days through social media. They also created the BTS Universe. This is an alternate storyline involving the members. It is told through music videos, mobile games, and books. This gives fans room to create their own theories.

Fans are drawn to BTS because the members are seen as underdogs. They came from a smaller Korean entertainment company. This allows young fans to identify with them. BTS's lyrics talk about social values. In response, fans often get involved in charity work and social issues. These include refugee crises, racial discrimination, children's rights, and climate change. The feedback from ARMY also affects BTS's actions and lyrics.

The relationship between BTS and ARMY is a "mutual exchange." It's not just about making sure the band is successful. It's also about "extending the band's message of positivity into the world." The band members agree. They have always recognized their fans' role in their success.

Other Activities

Endorsements

BTS has partnered with many well-known brands. They worked with Puma starting in 2015. They became global ambassadors for Puma in 2018. In 2019, BTS signed with Fila to promote their sportswear. BTS has also been global brand ambassadors for LG Electronics' smartphones. They also promoted Hyundai Motors' vehicles, like the "Palisade" SUV.

BTS became global ambassadors for the electric street racing series Formula E. This was to help promote how electric vehicles can fight climate change. In 2020, BTS partnered with Samsung Electronics. They released a special BTS-themed version of the Galaxy S20+ phone and Galaxy Buds+.

BTS was the first male pop group to work with Dior. They wore outfits from Kim Jones' collection at their concert in France. The band became global brand ambassadors for Louis Vuitton in April 2021.

Giving Back

BTS is known for their charity work. Several members have joined special donation clubs. These include the UNICEF Honors Club. This recognizes their large and frequent donations. They have also received awards for their donations. One member received a Patron of the Arts Award. BTS as a group received a UNICEF Inspire Award for their Love Myself campaign.

They often donate privately. Their donations are sometimes later made public by the organizations they support. The band's efforts have also inspired their fans to do charity work. Fans sometimes even match the donations made by the group.

Awards and Achievements

BTS has received many awards throughout their career. They have won the Billboard Music Award for Top Social Artist every year since 2017. They are the only K-pop group to win Top Duo/Group at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. As of 2022, they are the most-awarded group in BBMA history, with 12 wins.

BTS is also the only K-pop group to win Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock and Favorite Social Artist at the American Music Awards. In 2021, they were the first Asian act in the show's history to win Artist of the Year. They are the first Korean pop act to be nominated for a Grammy Award. They are also the first Korean artist to be nominated for a Brit Award.

With 30 awards, BTS is the most-awarded foreign artist in the history of the Japan Gold Disc Awards. They have also received a total of 50 trophies at the MAMA Awards.

Members

Jin (진) – vocalist
Suga (슈가) – rapper
J-Hope (제이홉) – rapper
RM (알앰) – leader, rapper
Jimin (지민) – vocalist
V (뷔) – vocalist
Jungkook (정국) – vocalist

Discography

Korean-language studio albums

Dark & Wild (2014)
Wings (2016)
Love Yourself: Tear (2018)
Map of the Soul: 7 (2020)
Be (2020)

Japanese-language studio albums

Wake Up (2014)
Youth (2016)
Face Yourself (2018)
Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey (2020)

Filmography

Films

Burn the Stage: The Movie (2018)
Love Yourself in Seoul (2019)
Bring the Soul: The Movie (2019)
Break the Silence: The Movie (2020)
BTS: Permission to Dance on Stage – LA (2022)
BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas (2023)

Online shows

Run BTS (2015–present)
BTS In the Soop (2020–2021)

Concert Tours

The Red Bullet Tour (2014–2015)
Wake Up: Open Your Eyes Japan Tour (2015)
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage Tour (2015–2016)
The Wings Tour (2017)
Love Yourself World Tour (2018–2019)
Map of the Soul Tour (2020; cancelled)
Permission to Dance on Stage (2021–2022)

Images for kids

BTS at the White House in 2022
BTS performing in 2013 at the Incheon Music Center
Exterior of the nightclub Troubadour (photo taken 2006) where BTS held their concert in the US for free
BTS performing at KCON France in Paris on June 2, 2016
BTS winning their first major Korean award for Album of the Year at the 2016 Melon Music Awards on November 19, 2016
BTS at their press conference in Seoul, South Korea after winning Top Social Artist at the 24th Billboard Music Awards on May 29, 2017
BTS at the 45th American Music Awards shortly before making their US television debut on November 19, 2017
BTS at their press conference for Love Yourself: Tear on May 24, 2018
New York City's Citi Field, the venue for BTS's first stadium concert in the US, sold out in 20 minutes.
BTS performing at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California, before 60,000 fans
BTS performing "Butter" at the 49th American Music Awards on November 21, 2021
BTS performing at the Korea-France Friendship Concert in Paris on October 14, 2018
BTS and President Joe Biden at the White House on May 31, 2022.
Fans at the BTS world tour concert 'Love Yourself' in Los Angeles on September 6, 2018.