BTS facts for kids

Quick facts for kids BTS
BTS at the White House in May 2022 (left to right): V, Jung Kook, Jimin, RM, Jin, J-Hope, and Suga
Background information
Also known as	Bangtan Boys Bangtan Sonyeondan Beyond the Scene Bulletproof Boy Scouts
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genres	K-pop pop hip-hop R&B EDM
Years active	2013–present
Labels	Big Hit Pony Canyon Def Jam Japan/Universal Music Japan Columbia Universal Geffen
Members	Jin Suga J-Hope RM Jimin V Jung Kook
Korean name
Hangul	방탄소년단
Hanja	防彈少年團
Transcriptions Revised Romanization Bangtan Sonyeondan McCune–Reischauer Pangt'an Sonyŏndan
Japanese name
Kanji	防弾少年団
Hiragana	ぼうだんしょうねんだん
Transcriptions Revised Hepburn Bōdan Shōnendan Kunrei-shiki Bôdan Syônendan

BTS (Hangul: 방탄소년단; RR: Bangtan Sonyeondan), also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a world-famous boy band from South Korea that started in 2010. The group has seven members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. The members help write and produce most of their own music.

They started as a hip hop group but soon began making music in many different styles. Their songs often talk about important topics like mental health, the problems young people face in school, growing up, and learning to love yourself. Their music and videos sometimes include ideas from books, philosophy, and psychology, and even tell stories set in an alternate universe.

BTS debuted in 2013 and by 2017, they became popular all over the world. They led the Korean Wave (the global popularity of South Korean culture) in the United States. They were the first Korean group to have a song certified Gold in the U.S. with "Mic Drop" and the first to have a number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart with Love Yourself: Tear (2018).

In 2020, their song "Dynamite" became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This made them the first all-South Korean group to top this chart. They are now the best-selling musical group in South Korean history, having sold over 40 million albums.

Outside of music, BTS has worked with UNICEF on a campaign against violence called Love Myself. They have also spoken at the United Nations General Assembly three times. Because of their huge influence, Time magazine has called them "Princes of Pop" and one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

What Does BTS Mean?

The name BTS comes from the Korean phrase Bangtan Sonyeondan (Hangul: 방탄소년단; Hanja: 防彈少年團). This translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts." Member J-Hope explained that the name shows the group's wish to "block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets."

In 2017, they added another meaning to their name: "Beyond the Scene." This new meaning represents their growth from boys to adults who are always moving forward and opening new doors.

The Story of BTS

2010–2014: Getting Started

BTS performing in 2013, the year they debuted.

BTS was formed in 2010 by Bang Si-hyuk, the head of Big Hit Entertainment. He wanted to create a hip hop group that was different from other K-pop groups. He allowed the members to be individuals and express themselves freely in their music. After holding auditions, the final lineup of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook was formed.

On June 12, 2013, BTS released their first single album, 2 Cool 4 Skool. The main song, "No More Dream," talked about the pressure young people feel from their parents' expectations. This honest message was new for K-pop and got people's attention.

Their first few albums were part of a "school trilogy." They explored the worries and dreams of students. These songs helped them connect with young fans in Korea and around the world.

2014–2017: Becoming Famous

The Troubadour nightclub in West Hollywood, where BTS held a free concert for their American fans in 2014.

In 2014, BTS released the album Skool Luv Affair, which was a big success in South Korea. They also held their first concert in the United States and started to build a global fanbase, which they named A.R.M.Y.

Their 2015 album series, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, was a major turning point. The songs explored the beauty and challenges of being young. The single "I Need U" became a huge hit in South Korea. Another song became very popular on YouTube.

By 2016, their album Wings became the first BTS album to sell one million copies. It combined themes of growing up with temptation and challenges. The main single, "Blood Sweat & Tears", was a massive success and showed their unique style.

In May 2017, BTS won the Top Social Artist award at the Billboard Music Awards. They were the first K-pop group to win a Billboard award, thanks to millions of votes from their fans. This moment showed the world the power of their fanbase, ARMY.

2018–2020: Taking Over the World

BTS at a press conference for their album Love Yourself: Tear in 2018.

From 2017 to 2018, BTS released their Love Yourself album series. The series focused on the message of learning to love yourself. In 2018, their album Love Yourself: Tear became the first K-pop album ever to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Their world tour, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself, was a huge success. They sold out stadiums around the world, including Citi Field in New York City. This made them the first Korean artists to perform at a U.S. stadium.

In 2018, the group faced a challenge when a member wore a T-shirt with a sensitive image. Another time, they were criticized for using symbols that were unintentionally hurtful. The group and their company quickly apologized. They explained they did not mean to cause any pain and promised to be more careful and learn from the experience.

In 2020, BTS released their first all-English song, "Dynamite". The song was a global smash hit. It went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making BTS the first all-South Korean act to achieve this. Later that year, their song "Life Goes On" also hit number one, becoming the first mostly Korean-language song to top the chart.

2021–2025: New Hits and a Reunion

BTS performing their hit song "Butter" at the American Music Awards in 2021.

BTS continued their success with more English-language hits. "Butter" and "Permission to Dance" both went to number one in the U.S. in 2021. They also collaborated with the British band Coldplay on the song "My Universe", which also topped the charts.

On June 14, 2022, the group announced they would take a temporary break from group activities. This was so the members could complete their mandatory military service, which is required for all young men in South Korea.

Jin, the oldest member, was the first to enlist in December 2022. The other members followed over the next year. By June 2025, all seven members had finished their service. The group officially reunited and held a livestream for their fans. They announced that they are working on a new album, planned for spring 2026, along with a new world tour.

Music and Message

Musical Style

BTS started with a strong hip-hop sound. As they grew, they began to mix many different genres into their music. You can hear pop, R&B, EDM, rock, and even traditional Korean sounds in their songs.

For example, their song "Idol" includes sounds from traditional Korean drums and a style of storytelling called Pansori. This mix of modern and traditional styles is one of the things that makes their music unique.

What Are Their Songs About?

BTS is famous for writing honest lyrics about their own experiences. They believe this is the best way for young people to connect with their music. Their songs often explore the challenges of growing up, dealing with sadness and worry, and the importance of dreams.

Early songs like "No More Dream" talked about the pressure of school and society. Later, their Love Yourself series encouraged fans to find happiness by accepting and loving themselves. RM has said that the group wants to share their message without preaching, but by showing empathy and understanding.

They also are not afraid to talk about bigger issues. Some of their songs have questioned social problems and encouraged people to stand up for what is right.

Global Impact

Spreading Korean Culture

BTS performing at a friendship concert in Paris in 2018, attended by the president of South Korea.

BTS has played a huge role in the Korean Wave, helping to make South Korean culture popular all over the world. Their success has brought more attention to K-pop, Korean movies, food, and the Korean language. It is estimated that BTS adds about $5 billion to South Korea's economy every year.

Using Their Platform for Good

BTS uses their fame to spread positive messages. They have spoken at the United Nations three times, talking about loving yourself and empowering young people. In 2021, the President of South Korea named them Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture.

In May 2022, BTS visited the White House to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden. They spoke out against the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and discussed the importance of inclusion and representation.

ARMY: The Fans Behind BTS

BTS has one of the most dedicated fanbases in the world, known as ARMY (which stands for Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth). ARMY is a highly organized online community that supports the group in many ways. They translate lyrics, organize streaming parties to help songs climb the charts, and raise money for charity.

The relationship between BTS and ARMY is very special. The fans are inspired by the group's positive message, and they often work on projects to make the world a better place. BTS has always said that they would not be where they are today without the love and support of ARMY.

Members

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

Discography

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)
• BTS: Bon Voyage (2016–present)

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)

See also

In Spanish: BTS para niños