BTS (방탄소년단), also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a famous South Korean boy band formed by Big Hit Entertainment in 2010 and debuted in 2013. The group has seven members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, who are known for writing and producing much of their own music.
BTS started as a hip-hop group, but their music has grown to include many different styles and sounds. Their songs often talk about mental health, self-love, youth struggles, personal growth, and the challenges of fame. They also take inspiration from literature, philosophy, and psychology, making their music both meaningful and relatable.
The group’s big breakthrough came with their 2016 album Wings, which sold over a million copies in Korea. By 2017, BTS had become an international sensation, breaking into the U.S. music scene with “Mic Drop” and becoming the first Korean artist to top the Billboard 200 chart with Love Yourself: Tear (2018).
Their success continued with global hits like “Dynamite”, “Butter”, and “Permission to Dance”. “Dynamite” made history as the first song by an all-Korean act to reach number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200 charts.
By 2023, BTS had sold more than 40 million albums, making them the best-selling artists in South Korean history. Their album Map of the Soul: 7 (2020) remains one of Korea’s top-selling records. They’ve also sold out major venues like Wembley Stadium in London and the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, and were named the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year in both 2020 and 2021.
Beyond their music, BTS has used their global influence to promote positive causes. They’ve spoken at the United Nations, partnered with UNICEF on the Love Myself campaign against violence, and appeared on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People. In 2018, they became the youngest recipients of the South Korean Order of Cultural Merit for spreading Korean culture around the world.
In 2022, the group announced a pause to complete their mandatory military service. All members are expected to finish by June 2025, and BTS has shared plans to release new music in spring 2026.
BTS Group Profile
- Group Name (English): BTS (Bangtan Boys)
- Group Name (Korean): 방탄소년단
- Genres: K-pop, Pop, Hip-hop, R&B, EDM
- Debut: 2013
- Labels: Big Hit
- Members: Jin, Suuga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, Jung Kook
- Website: bts.ibighit.com
BTS Members Profile
Jin
- Stage Name (English): Jin
- Stage Name (Korean): 진
- Name (English): Kim Seok-jin
- Name (Korean): 김석진
- Revised Romanization: Gim Seokjin
- Birthdate: December 4, 1992
- Age: 32
- Birthplace: Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter
- Debut: 2013
- Label: Big Hit
Suga
- Stage Name (English): Suga
- Stage Name (Korean): 슈가
- Revised Romanization: Syuga
- Name (English): Min Yoon-gi
- Name (Korean): 민윤기
- Revised Romanization: Min Yungi
- Birthdate: March 9, 1993
- Age: 32
- Birthplace: Daegu, South Korea
- Occupations: Rapper, songwriter, record producer
- Debut: 2010
- Label: Big Hit
J-Hope
- Stage Name (English): J-Hope
- Stage Name (Korean): 제이홉
- Revised Romanization: Jeihop
- Name (English): Jung Ho-seok
- Name (Korean): 정호석
- Revised Romanization: Jeong Hoseok
- Birthdate: February 18, 1994
- Age: 31
- Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea
- Occupations: Rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer
- Debut: 2012
- Label: Big Hit
RM
- Stage Name (English): RM (Rap Monster)
- Stage Name (Korean): 랩몬스터
- Name (English): Kim Nam-joon
- Name (Korean): 김남준
- Revised Romanization: Gim Namjun
- Birthdate: September 12, 1994
- Age: 31
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Occupations: Rapper, songwriter, record producer
- Debut: 2010
- Label: Big Hit
Jimin
- Stage Name (English): Jimin
- Stage Name (Korean): 지민
- Name (English): Park Ji-min
- Name (Korean): 박지민
- Revised Romanization: Bak Jimin
- Birthdate: October 13, 1995
- Age: 30
- Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter, dancer
- Debut: 2013
- Label: Big Hit
V
- Stage Name (English): V
- Stage Name (Korean): 뷔
- Name (English): Kim Tae-hyung
- Name (Korean): 김태형
- Revised Romanization: Gim Taehyeong
- Birthdate: December 30, 1995
- Age: 29
- Birthplace: Daegu, South Korea
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter
- Debut: 2013
- Label: Big Hit
Jung Kook
- Stage Name (English): Jung Kook
- Stage Name (Korean): 정국
- Name (English): Jeon Jung-kook
- Name (Korean): 전정국
- Revised Romanization: Jeon Jeongguk
- Birthdate: September 1, 1997
- Age: 28
- Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter
- Debut: 2013
- Label: Big Hit
BTS Hit Songs (Top 10)
Dynamite – 2 Billion Views on YouTube
“Dynamite” is BTS’s first all-English song, released on August 21, 2020, blending disco-pop, funk, and 1970s-inspired sounds with cheerful handclaps, synths, and horns. Written by David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, it was created to bring joy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The song earned BTS their first Grammy nomination and became a historic global hit, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, their first U.S. chart-topper, and topping charts worldwide. It broke records on Spotify, had one of the biggest sales weeks in years, and its music video became BTS’s first to reach 2 billion YouTube views. Originally a standalone single, “Dynamite” was later included on BTS’s fifth Korean album, Be (2020).
Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey) – 1.8 Billion Views on YouTube
“Boy with Luv” (Korean: 작은 것들을 위한 시, A Poem for Small Things) is a popular song by BTS featuring Halsey, released on April 12, 2019, as the lead single from their EP Map of the Soul: Persona. Its music video set a record for the most views in 24 hours at the time, with over 74.6 million views. The song was certified Platinum by the RIAA and became one of the most awarded songs on Korean music shows, winning 21 times before Dynamite broke the record. A Japanese version was released on July 3, 2019, as part of the single Lights.
DNA – 1.6 Billion Views on YouTube
“DNA” is a hit EDM-pop song by BTS, released in Korean on September 18, 2017, as the lead single from their EP Love Yourself: Her, with a Japanese version released in December 2017. Written and produced by Hitman Bang, Pdogg, Suga, RM, Supreme Boi, and KASS, the song explores fate and love at first sight. It was praised for its catchy sound and vibrant production, debuting at No. 2 on Gaon and No. 1 on Billboard K-pop Hot 100, while marking BTS’s first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. The Japanese version topped the Oricon chart and earned double platinum in Japan. The music video features complex choreography and CGI visuals, and BTS promoted the song on Korean music shows and at the 2017 American Music Awards, also performing it on their Love Yourself World Tour.
MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix) – 1.5 Billion Views on YouTube
“Mic Drop” is a hip-hop song by BTS, released in Korean and Japanese in 2017. Originally a B-side on their EP Love Yourself: Her, it gained global attention with a Steve Aoki remix featuring Desiigner, celebrating BTS’s achievements with powerful beats and energetic choreography. The remix became BTS’s first top-40 hit in the U.S., reaching No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the Japanese version topped the Oricon Singles Chart and Billboard Japan Hot 100, earning Platinum in the U.S. and double platinum in Japan. BTS promoted the song on Korean music shows and U.S. TV programs like The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Saturday Night Live, and it was a major highlight of their Love Yourself World Tour (2018–19).
IDOL – 1.3 Billion Views on YouTube
“IDOL” is an energetic song by BTS, released on August 24, 2018, as the lead single from their album Love Yourself: Answer. A special version featuring Nicki Minaj was included on the digital album. The single debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, sold 43,000 downloads in its first week, and earned Platinum certification. The Japanese version was released on July 3, 2019, alongside the Japanese version of Boy with Luv and the original track Lights.
FAKE LOVE – 1.3 Billion Views on YouTube
“Fake Love” is an emo hip-hop and rap-rock song by BTS, released in Korean on May 18, 2018, as the lead single from Love Yourself: Tear, with a Japanese version released later that year. Written and produced by Hitman Bang, RM, and Pdogg, the song explores a love that seemed real but ultimately turned out false. It debuted at No. 1 on Gaon and No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming BTS’s first top-ten U.S. hit, while the Japanese version topped the Oricon chart. The track earned Platinum in Korea and double platinum in Japan, and won Song of the Year and Best Pop Song at the 2019 Korean Music Awards. BTS promoted it with music videos, TV performances, and included it in their Love Yourself World Tour (2018–19).
Butter – 1 Billion Views on YouTube
“Butter” is a disco-pop and dance-pop song by BTS, released on May 21, 2021, as their second English single. Written by Jenna Andrews, RM, and others, it was praised for its catchy, upbeat sound. The song became a global hit, topping charts in the U.S., South Korea, Japan, India, and more, and reaching the top 10 in over 30 countries. A remix featuring Megan Thee Stallion released on August 27, 2021, peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Global 200.
Blood Sweat & Tears – 1 Billion Views on YouTube
“Blood Sweat & Tears” (Korean: 피 땀 눈물) is a moombahton and tropical house song by BTS, released in Korean on October 10, 2016, as the lead single from Wings, with a Japanese version released in May 2017. Produced by Pdogg and written by Hitman Bang, RM, Suga, J-Hope, and Kim Do-hoon, it explores the pain of addictive love. The song topped South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart, sold over 2.5 million copies, and the Japanese version hit No. 1 on Oricon, earning platinum certification. BTS released two music videos, with the Korean version inspired by Hermann Hesse’s Demian, and promoted the song on Korean music shows and their Wings Tour (2017).
Save ME – 789 Million Views on YouTube
“Save Me” (stylized Save ME) is a hit song by BTS, released in Korean on May 2, 2016, from their album The Most Beautiful Moment In Life: Young Forever, with a Japanese version released on September 7, 2016, on Youth. Known for its emotional intensity and catchy performance, it is considered one of BTS’s signature tracks.
Permission to Dance – 695 Million Views on YouTube
“Permission to Dance” is an English single by BTS, released on July 9, 2021, through Big Hit Music and Sony Music. Also included on the CD release of “Butter”, the song became a global hit, topping charts in five countries and reaching the top 10 in ten more.
BTS Fandom: ARMY
BTS’s success is closely connected to their fanbase, ARMY (Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth), a highly active online community that translates content, supports charities, and drives BTS’s streaming and chart success. As of 2020, over 40 million ARMY members follow BTS on YouTube, with more than 30 million on Twitter and Instagram. BTS interacts with fans through social media, the BTS Universe storyline, games, books, and short films, allowing fans to engage and share theories.
Fans are drawn to BTS because the members are seen as underdogs from humble beginnings, and their lyrics promote self-love, social values, and positivity. ARMY often participates in charity work and activism, supporting causes like climate change, refugee aid, racial equality, and children’s rights. Fan feedback even influences BTS’s music and collaborations. Scholars describe the BTS-ARMY relationship as a mutual exchange that spreads the band’s positive message worldwide, reflecting youth empowerment, social engagement, and generational change.
BTS Awards and Achievements
BTS has won countless awards and set records for a K-pop group worldwide. They have won the Billboard Music Award for Top Social Artist every year since 2017 and made history as the only K-pop group to win Top Duo/Group at the 2019 BBMAs, becoming the most-awarded group in BBMA history with 12 wins. At the American Music Awards, BTS was the only K-pop act to win Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock and Favorite Social Artist, and in 2021, they became the first Asian Artist of the Year. They are also the first Korean pop act nominated for a Grammy and the first Korean artist nominated for a Brit Award. In Japan, BTS has won 30 awards, including four consecutive Artist of the Year (Asia) titles at the Japan Gold Disc Awards, and has earned 50 trophies at the MAMA Awards.
BTS Endorsements: Global Brand Ambassadors
BTS has partnered with top brands worldwide, extending their influence beyond music. They started as Puma Korea ambassadors in 2015 and became global Puma ambassadors in 2018, promoting the “Turin” remix and Sportstyle line. In 2019, they endorsed Fila sportswear and became global ambassadors for LG Electronics and Hyundai Motors, promoting the Palisade and hydrogen-powered Nexo, as well as Formula E electric racing to support climate awareness. In 2020, BTS teamed up with Samsung Electronics, releasing BTS-themed Galaxy S20+ phones and Galaxy Buds+. They also became the first male pop group to collaborate with Dior and, in 2021, were named global ambassadors for Louis Vuitton.
BTS Philanthropy: Giving Back
BTS is known for their charitable work and generous donations. Several members have been recognized by prestigious clubs like the UNICEF Honors Club and the Green Noble Club for their consistent contributions. The group has received awards such as the UNICEF Inspire Award for their Love Myself campaign and a Patron of the Arts Award for supporting the arts. BTS often donates privately, inspiring their fans, ARMY, to get involved in charity and sometimes even match the band’s donations.
Frequently Asked Questions About BTS
What does BTS stand for?
BTS stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan (방탄소년단) in Korean, meaning “Bulletproof Boy Scouts.” Internationally, they also use “Beyond The Scene.”
What is the BTS Universe (BU)?
The BTS Universe is a fictional storyline told across their music videos, short films, games, and books, connecting their songs to an alternate narrative.
Which BTS album was their first million-seller in South Korea?
Wings (2016) became BTS’s first album to sell over one million copies in South Korea.
Which song gave BTS their first Billboard Hot 100 number one?
“Dynamite” became BTS’s first U.S. Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single in 2020.
Have BTS addressed the United Nations?
Yes, BTS has spoken at the UN General Assembly three times, promoting self-love, youth empowerment, and social change.
What is the Love Myself campaign?
Launched with UNICEF, the Love Myself campaign fights violence against children and teenagers while promoting self-love.
What languages do BTS songs include?
BTS primarily sings in Korean, but they also have Japanese and English songs.
Which BTS song has the most music video views in 24 hours?
“Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey held the record with over 74 million views in 24 hours at the time of release.
Have BTS collaborated with international artists?
Yes, including Halsey, Nicki Minaj, Lauv, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Which BTS songs are entirely in English?
Notable full English songs include “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance.”
Which BTS song was their first top-ten hit in the U.S.?
“Fake Love” reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018.
When will BTS return with new music?
As of their latest announcement, BTS plans to release new music in spring 2026 following the completion of their mandatory military service.
