BTS facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
BTS
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BTS at the White House in May 2022 (left to right): V, Jung Kook, Jimin, RM, Jin, J-Hope, and Suga
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| Origin | Seoul, South Korea | ||||||
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| Years active | 2013–present | ||||||
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| Hangul | 방탄소년단 | ||||||
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| Kanji | 防弾少年団 | ||||||
| Hiragana | ぼうだんしょうねんだん | ||||||
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BTS (which stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan, meaning 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts'), also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a super popular South Korean boy band. They formed in 2010 and debuted in 2013. The group has seven members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. These talented artists often help write and produce their own songs.
BTS started as a hip hop group but grew to include many different music styles. Their songs often talk about important topics like mental health, growing up, dealing with loss, and learning to love yourself. They also explore ideas from books, philosophy, and psychology, and even have an exciting alternate universe story in their music videos.
BTS quickly became famous worldwide. They were the first Korean group to get a Gold certification in the US for their song "Mic Drop". They also topped the Billboard 200 album chart with Love Yourself: Tear in 2018. In 2020, they made history by having three US number-one singles: "Dynamite", "Savage Love", and "Life Goes On". They continued this success with "Butter", "Permission to Dance", and "My Universe", becoming one of the fastest acts to earn six US number-one singles.
The members completed their mandatory South Korean military service by June 2025. They reunited and released their new album, Arirang, in March 2026, which included their seventh US number-one single, "Swim".
BTS is the best-selling musical group in South Korean history. They have sold over 40 million albums! Their album Map of the Soul: 7 (2020) is one of the top-selling albums ever in South Korea. They were also the first non-English-speaking and Asian group to sell out huge stadiums like Wembley Stadium and the Rose Bowl. They were even named the Global Recording Artist of the Year by the IFPI in both 2020 and 2021.
Beyond music, BTS has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly and worked with UNICEF on their "Love Myself" campaign. This campaign helps young people fight violence and learn to love themselves. Time magazine called them "Next Generation Leaders" and the "Princes of Pop". In 2018, they received the South Korean Order of Cultural Merit for sharing Korean culture and language with the world.
Contents
- What Does BTS Stand For?
- BTS History: From Debut to Global Stars
- BTS Artistry: Music and Messages
- BTS Impact: Culture and Diplomacy
- Other Ventures
- Awards and Achievements
- Meet the Members of BTS
- BTS Music: Albums and Songs
- BTS on Screen: Films and Shows
- BTS Live: Concert Tours
- See also
What Does BTS Stand For?
BTS means Bangtan Sonyeondan in Korean. This translates to 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts'. Member J-Hope explained that this name shows their goal. They want to "block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets." In Japan, they are called Bōdan Shōnendan (防弾少年団). In 2017, BTS also shared that their name could mean "Beyond the Scene." This new meaning shows their journey of growing up. It's about moving "from a boy to an adult who opens the doors that are facing forward."
BTS History: From Debut to Global Stars
How BTS Started and Grew (2010–2014)
BTS began in 2010 when Big Hit Entertainment's CEO, Bang Si-hyuk, wanted to create a hip hop group. He was inspired by RM, a talented underground rapper. The company decided to form an idol group, which could perform live concerts and connect deeply with fans.
Many trainees left, but J-Hope, RM, and Suga stayed. Bang Si-hyuk wanted a group where members could be themselves. They would express their own ideas, unlike many other strict idol groups. The band members lived and practiced together for many hours each day. They had their first small performance in 2013.
We started to tell the stories that people wanted to hear and were ready to hear. We said what other people were feeling—like pain, anxieties and worries. That was our goal, to create this empathy that people can relate to.
On June 12, 2013, BTS released their first single album, 2 Cool 4 Skool. The main song was "No More Dream". This song talked about young people's worries about high expectations. It showed that BTS was not afraid to discuss important topics. The album quickly became popular in South Korea.
In September 2013, they released their second EP, O!RUL8,2?. This album also focused on students feeling pressure and losing their dreams. Songs like "N.O." and "No More Dream" spoke to teenagers' frustrations with the education system. This helped them gain many young fans around the world. By the end of 2013, BTS won several New Artist of the Year awards in South Korea.
Skool Luv Affair and First Concert Tour
The last part of their "school trilogy" was the Skool Luv Affair EP, released in February 2014. This album reached number one in South Korea. It also appeared on Billboard's World Albums Chart for the first time. The EP included the songs "Boy in Luv" and "Just One Day". After this, BTS held their first fan meeting in Seoul. They chose the name A.R.M.Y. for their fan club. In July 2014, BTS performed their first show in the United States in West Hollywood. They also appeared at KCON in Los Angeles in August.
In August 2014, BTS released the album Dark & Wild. It reached number two in South Korea. The songs "Danger" and "War of Hormone" were popular from this album. 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 also released their first Japanese album, Wake Up, in December 2014. It reached number three on the Oricon Albums Chart. The Red Bullet Tour continued in 2015, visiting many countries. In total, the tour attracted 80,000 fans in 18 cities across 13 countries.
Mainstream Success and Global Recognition (2015–2017)
BTS started trying new music styles beyond hip-hop with The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1 in 2015. This album was the start of their "youth trilogy," which explored the challenges of young people. The song "I Need U" was a top-five hit in South Korea. The group also started a world tour, visiting Asia, Oceania, North America, and Latin America.
In November, BTS began their third concert tour, "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: On Stage." This tour introduced their fourth EP, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2. This album focused on the serious parts of youth, like chasing success and feeling lonely. It topped the Gaon Album and Billboard World Albums charts. It was also their first time on the Billboard 200 chart.
Their album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever was released in May 2016. It included new songs like "Fire" and "Save Me". This album topped the Gaon Album Chart and reached number 107 on the Billboard 200. It won Album of the Year at the 2016 Melon Music Awards. BTS then went on an Asia tour, where tickets sold out very quickly.
In October 2016, BTS released their album Wings. It explored themes of youth, temptation, and challenges. The album and its main song "Blood Sweat & Tears" quickly topped music charts in many countries. Wings became the best-selling album in Gaon Album Chart history.
You Never Walk Alone and Love Yourself: Her
In February 2017, BTS released You Never Walk Alone, a repackaged edition of Wings. It broke records for album sales in South Korea. The song "Spring Day" won Best Song of the Year at the 2017 Melon Music Awards. BTS then started their second world tour, "The Wings Tour." They played in large arenas in the US, and tickets sold out in hours.
In May 2017, BTS won Top Social Artist at the 24th Billboard Music Awards. They were the first K-pop group to win a Billboard award. Their fans, ARMY, cast over 300 million votes for them. This showed the world how powerful BTS's fandom was.
BTS started their "Love Yourself" album series in 2017. This series focused on the idea of self-love. Their fifth EP, Love Yourself: Her, was released in September. The main song, "DNA", was a new sound for the group. It became BTS's first song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart. A remix of "Mic Drop" also reached number 28 on the Hot 100. Both songs later received Gold certification in the US.
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 also released a single album in Japan, which topped the Oricon Chart.
In 2017, BTS partnered with UNICEF for the "Love Myself" campaign. This campaign aimed to stop violence and bullying. It also promoted self-esteem among young people. Both Big Hit and BTS donated money and sold special merchandise for the campaign. This successful campaign was renewed in 2021.
Global Domination and New Music (2018–2020)
In January 2018, BTS won major awards at the Golden Disc and Seoul Music Awards. They released a documentary called Burn the Stage in March. This showed a behind-the-scenes look at their 2017 Wings Tour. Their third Japanese album, Face Yourself, was released in April.
BTS released their third Korean album, Love Yourself: Tear, in May 2018. They performed their new song "Fake Love" at the 25th Billboard Music Awards. They also won Top Social Artist for the second year in a row. Love Yourself: Tear became BTS's first number-one album in the US. "Fake Love" was their first top-10 single on the Hot 100.
BTS released their compilation album Love Yourself: Answer in August 2018. It included the popular song "Idol". This album became BTS's second number-one on the Billboard 200. In November 2018, Love Yourself: Answer was the first Korean album to be certified Gold by the RIAA. Both "Idol" and Love Yourself: Answer later received Platinum certifications in the US.
BTS started their "Love Yourself" world tour in August 2018. Tickets for their concerts sold out in seconds. They performed at Citi Field in New York City, a first for a Korean act. In October, BTS renewed their contract with Big Hit Entertainment until 2026.
At the 20th Mnet Asian Music Awards, BTS won Artist of the Year. Bloomberg named them one of the 50 most influential people. This was for their willingness to discuss social issues and mental health.
Map of the Soul: Persona, Stadium Tour, and BTS World
In February 2019, BTS presented an award at the Grammy Awards. In April, Time named them one of the 100 most influential people of 2019. Their EP, Map of the Soul: Persona, was released in April. It featured the song "Boy with Luv" with American singer Halsey. BTS performed on Saturday Night Live, the first K-pop act to do so.
Map of the Soul: Persona became the first Korean album to reach number one in the UK and Australia. It was also their 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 for a K-pop song at the time.
After winning at the 26th Billboard Music Awards, BTS started their "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" stadium tour. They added more shows because of high demand. They also released songs for their mobile game BTS World. These included "Dream Glow" with Charli XCX and "A Brand New Day" with Zara Larsson. Their Japanese single "Lights" sold over one million copies.
In August, Love Yourself: Her and Love Yourself: Tear both sold over 2 million copies. All three albums in the Love Yourself series sold more than 2 million copies each in South Korea. BTS was the third top-grossing touring musical act of 2019. They won three awards at the 2019 American Music Awards.
In December, BTS made history by winning all four major awards at both the 2019 Melon Music Awards and the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards. They were also the first artists to win grand prizes in both physical and digital categories at the 34th Golden Disc Awards. Map of the Soul: Persona was one of the best-selling albums of 2019 worldwide.
Map of the Soul: 7, "Dynamite", and Be
In January 2020, BTS released "Black Swan" as the first song from their album Map of the Soul: 7. Pre-orders for the album reached a record-breaking 4.02 million. 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, 2020. It included the song "On" and a version featuring singer Sia. The album sold over 4.1 million copies in nine days. It became the best-selling album in South Korean history. It also debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. "On" debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. BTS planned a "Map of the Soul Tour" but postponed it due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April 2020, BTS became the first K-pop artist to sell over 20 million albums in total. They held online concerts called Bang Bang Con during the pandemic. In June, they headlined YouTube's Dear Class of 2020 graduation event. They shared messages of hope and inspiration. Their online concert Bang Bang Con: The Live set a record for the largest audience for a paid virtual concert.
BTS released their first English-language single, "Dynamite", on August 21, 2020. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. This made them the first all-South Korean act to have a number-one single in the US. "Dynamite" also topped the new Billboard Global 200 chart. BTS performed "Dynamite" at the MTV Video Music Awards and won four awards.
In October 2020, BTS released a remix of "Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)", which topped the Hot 100. They also held a virtual concert, Map of the Soul ON:E, which drew nearly a million viewers. On November 20, BTS released their album Be, with the song "Life Goes On". "Life Goes On" debuted at number one on the Hot 100. This was BTS's third consecutive US number-one single.
In November 2020, "Dynamite" was nominated for a Grammy Award. This was the first time a Korean pop artist received a Grammy nomination.
Recent Activities and Comeback (2021–Present)
In March 2021, the IFPI named BTS its Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2020. They were the first Asian and non-English speaking act to achieve this. BTS performed "Dynamite" at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. In April, they released "Film Out", a single from their Japanese album BTS, the Best.
On May 21, BTS released their second English-language single, "Butter". It debuted at number one on the Hot 100. This was their fourth number one in nine months. Their next English-language single, "Permission to Dance", was released on July 9. It became BTS's eighth number-one on the Digital Songs chart.
On September 24, 2021, the band released "My Universe" with Coldplay. This single debuted at number one on the Hot 100. It was the first collaboration between two groups to do so. "My Universe" became BTS's sixth Hot 100 number one. The band held an online concert, "Permission to Dance on Stage," in October. "Butter" earned a Grammy nomination in November. BTS also held their first in-person concerts since the pandemic in Los Angeles.
In January 2022, a fictional webtoon based on BTS, 7Fates: Chakho, was released. It quickly became the highest-viewed title ever launched by Webtoon. The band held three concerts in Seoul in March. These were the largest music gatherings approved by the South Korean government since the pandemic. On April 3, BTS performed "Butter" at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. They won three awards at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards in April.
On June 10, 2022, BTS released their three-CD anthology album Proof. On June 14, the band announced a temporary pause in group activities. This allowed members to focus on solo projects. Hybe Corporation clarified that BTS was not disbanding. They would continue individual careers while still participating in some group activities. In August, BTS performed a benefit concert in Busan for the city's bid to host the World Exposition in 2030.
Military Service and Return
The members of BTS completed their mandatory military service. Jin was the first to enlist in December 2022. J-Hope followed in April 2023. Suga enlisted in September 2023. RM and V enlisted in December 2023. Jimin and Jung Kook enlisted in December 2023.
Jin was discharged in June 2024, becoming the first member to complete his service. J-Hope was discharged in October 2024. RM and V were discharged in June 2025. Jimin and Jung Kook were discharged in June 2025. Suga was the final member to be discharged in June 2025.
On September 20, 2023, Hybe confirmed that BTS would renew their contracts. This solidified their commitment to future projects starting from 2025.
Arirang Album and World Tour (2026)
The group reunited publicly on July 1, 2025. They confirmed they were preparing a new album for early 2026. On January 1, 2026, it was announced that the new album would be released on March 20. The title, Arirang, was revealed two weeks later. The group also announced their 2026–2027 world tour. This tour included concerts around the globe.
Arirang was released on March 20, 2026, along with its main song "Swim". Critics gave it positive reviews. The group held a concert, BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang, at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. This concert was streamed on Netflix and was very popular worldwide. A documentary about their comeback, The Return, started streaming on Netflix on March 27. Arirang ranked number one on the Billboard 200 for two weeks. BTS kicked off their global tour on April 9 in Goyang.
BTS Artistry: Music and Messages
Musical Influences
BTS has been inspired by many artists. These include Seo Taiji and Boys, Nas, Eminem, Kanye West, and Queen. They grew up watching videos of events like Live Aid. At their Wembley Stadium concert, Jin even led the crowd in a tribute to Freddie Mercury. Their song "Hip Hop Phile" honors many artists who influenced them.
Their 2016 album Wings was inspired by Hermann Hesse's novel, Demian. Their song "Blood Sweat & Tears" uses ideas from Friedrich Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Its music video also shows art references like The Lament for Icarus. Other inspirations come from writers like Haruki Murakami and Carl Jung. The Love Yourself series was influenced by Erich Fromm's The Art of Loving.
BTS Musical Style
BTS started with a strong hip hop sound. This was because RM and Suga were underground rappers. They even got advice from American rappers early on. K-pop music often uses elements from black music. BTS's popularity shows how K-pop is part of a global R&B tradition.
In 2016, BTS started to blend hip hop with pop music. Their song "Blood Sweat & Tears" used styles like dancehall and moombahton. The group also began adding traditional Korean elements to their music. For example, "Idol" (2018) features sounds from Korean janggu drums.
While BTS keeps their hip hop roots, their sound has become very diverse. They have explored R&B, rock, and jazz hip hop. They also use EDM, moombahton, tropical house, and Latin pop. Their albums have featured slow-dance ballads, emo rap, Afro pop, funk, trap, pop rock, and disco. Individual members have also explored genres like neo soul and R&B in their solo songs.
Lyrical Themes in BTS Songs
BTS believes that sharing their own stories helps young people connect with their music. They write many of their own lyrics. Their songs talk about common life experiences like sadness and loneliness. They turn these feelings into something easier to handle. RM said BTS avoids preaching in their songs. They want to spread a message of love, starting with loving yourself.
When asked about writing on mental health, Suga said it's important for artists to talk about these issues. He believes that people with a platform should bring these problems to light.
BTS's songs cover many themes. These include the worries of school-aged youth and topics like love, friendship, and loss. Early songs like "No More Dream" and "N.O." criticized South Korea's strict education system. They called for changes to societal expectations.
The Wings album focused on mental health and messages of female empowerment. The Love Yourself series explored the excitement of love and the importance of self-love. Their 2020 album Be talked about dealing with new realities during the pandemic. It offered support to listeners facing similar challenges.
BTS's lyrics have also addressed wider social issues. The song "Am I Wrong" questioned societal indifference to change. "Not Today" is an anthem for "underdogs" to keep fighting. "Spring Day" honored the victims of the Sewol Ferry tragedy. Former South Korean president Moon Jae-in praised BTS. He said their music "transcend[s] regional borders, language, culture, and institutions."
BTS Impact: Culture and Diplomacy
In April 2019, Time magazine named BTS one of the 100 most influential people of the year. They called them the "Princes of Pop." Billboard executive Silvio Pietroluongo compared their influence to that of the Beatles. BTS was the first non-English speaking artist to make the Global Artist Chart in 2018. They were the second best-selling artists worldwide, after Drake. In 2020, BTS was the first non-western and non-English speaking artist to be named IFPI's Global Recording Artist of the Year.
BTS has greatly boosted the Korean Wave, which is the global spread of Korean culture. A 2021 study found that BTS added about US$5 billion per year to South Korea's economy. This included more tourism and interest in Korean culture and language. The study showed that about 800,000 foreigners visited South Korea each year for BTS-related reasons.
BTS stands out even among other influential K-pop groups. Their success shows how important a strong fan base is in the age of social media. They also pursued less restrictive contracts with their company. This allowed them more artistic freedom. This approach helped them connect deeply with young people. They encourage individuality and authenticity among their audience.
Diplomacy and Global Voice
BTS uses its influence for diplomacy and international relations. This is known as "soft power." They spread messages of harmony and acceptance on the global stage.
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 friendly relations between the two countries. In 2018, BTS received the Order of Cultural Merit. This award recognized their contributions to spreading Korean culture and language worldwide.
In 2020, BTS received the James A. Van Fleet Award. This was for their outstanding work in promoting US-Korea relations. In July 2021, President Moon appointed them Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture. In this role, they 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 their amazing fans, known as ARMY. ARMY stands for "Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth." This large, organized online community translates BTS's lyrics and social media posts into many languages. They also match the charitable donations made by BTS members. As of 2020, about 40 million ARMY members subscribed to the band's YouTube channel.
ARMY helps BTS achieve number-one chart rankings. They do this through coordinated campaigns on streaming platforms and by requesting BTS's music on radio and TV. Some ARMY members even have a huge influence among other fans.
BTS connected with their fans from the very beginning through social media. They also created the BTS Universe. This is an alternate storyline told through music videos, games, and short films. It gives fans lots to think about and discuss. ARMY members are drawn to BTS because the members are seen as "underdogs." They came from a smaller company and the Korean countryside. This helps young fans relate to them.
BTS's lyrics speak to important social values. In response, fans often get involved in charity and humanitarian work. They support causes like refugee crises, racial discrimination, and children's rights. Feedback from ARMY also influences BTS's actions and lyrics. The band has changed song lyrics and ended collaborations based on fan concerns.
The relationship between BTS and ARMY is a "mutual exchange." It's not just about making the band successful. It's also about spreading their positive message around the world. The band members agree that their fans play a huge role in their success.
Other Ventures
Endorsements and Partnerships
BTS has partnered with many big 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. They have also been global ambassadors for LG Electronics' smartphones. They promoted Hyundai Motors' SUVs, the Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Nexo.
BTS became global ambassadors for Formula E, an electric street racing series. This was to help promote electric vehicles and fight climate change. In 2020, BTS partnered with Samsung Electronics. They released a special BTS-themed version of the Galaxy S20+ 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. In April 2021, the band became global brand ambassadors for Louis Vuitton.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
BTS is well-known for their charity work. Several members have joined special donation clubs. These include the UNICEF Honors Club and the Green Noble Club. This is because of their generous and frequent donations. They have also received awards for their giving. 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. The organizations they support and the media sometimes make these donations public later. The band's efforts have inspired their fans to also get involved in charity and humanitarian activities. Sometimes, fans even match BTS's donations.
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. 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 became the first Asian act to win Artist of the Year at the AMAs. They are the first Korean pop act to get a Grammy Award nomination. 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 won Artist of the Year (Asia) four times in a row. They have also received 50 trophies at the MAMA Awards.
Meet the Members of BTS
- RM (알앰) – leader, rapper
- Suga (슈가) – rapper
- J-Hope (제이홉) – rapper
- Jin (진) – vocalist
- Jung Kook (정국) – vocalist
- V (뷔) – vocalist
- Jimin (지민) – vocalist
BTS Music: Albums and Songs
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Korean-language studio albums
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Japanese-language studio albums
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BTS on Screen: Films and Shows
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)
- BTS: The Return (2026)
Online shows
- Run BTS (2015–present)
- BTS In the Soop (2020–2021)
- BTS: Bon Voyage (2016–present)
BTS Live: 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)
- Arirang World Tour (2026–2027)
See also
In Spanish: BTS para niños