Adrian Besley - BTS: Icons of K-Pop

For Nora and Polly

First published in Great Britain in 2018 by
Michael OMara Books Limited
9 Lion Yard
Tremadoc Road
London SW4 7NQ

Copyright Adrian Besley 2018

All rights reserved. You may not copy, store, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN: 978-1-78243-968-4 in paperback print format
ISBN: 978-1-78243-970-7 in ebook format

Cover design by Ana Bjezancevic
Cover images: Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic / Getty Images (front), RB / Bauer-Grin / GC Images / Getty Images (back)

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CONTENTS

W hen BTS topped the US Billboard album charts in May 2018, many people were left wondering who this band were and where theyd come from. On the face of it, the answer was simple: BTS are seven very talented boys from South Korea who make music that the whole world has come to love. But those who follow K-pop, especially ARMY, BTSs dedicated fans, know theres a whole lot more to it than that.

BTS are one of many K-pop groups, but whats remarkable about them is that theyre a K-pop group unlike any other in the history of Korean entertainment culture. BTS are unique because theyve succeeded without the backing of a major music company, the members of the group contribute to the writing and production of their own songs and, most notably, theyre not afraid to talk about their aspirations and their anxieties, and to be the voice of their generation.

This book charts the rise of BTS. From seven boys with seven dreams to one superstar group of young men who achieved a shared vision of global success, BTS: Icons of K-Pop will demonstrate just how they reached such remarkable heights, all while singing and rapping in a language many probably dont understand. The songs are an irresistible combination of catchy and emotional, and the dances are simply awe-inspiring. The book will also look at the background to BTSs music, detail exactly what its like to see BTS live and which big names BTS have met along the way. And then, of course, there are the haircuts and the clothes. Welcome to the world of Bangtan!

The book will also look at the bands incredible fan base. ARMY are one of the most if not the most informed, dedicated and unified fandoms in the world. Not only are they vociferous about their love for the group, but they translate lyrics and interviews, have helped BTS win awards and have created an online community that reflects the ideals of the group themselves. Their story is part of BTSs story, and neither would be the same without the other.

BTS are also known for their huge online presence, one of the highlights being their Bangtan bombs. These short videos are full of shared jokes or offer brilliant insights into the life and times of BTS, and a number of these are recorded in these pages. At the end of the book youll also find a glossary that explains some useful Korean words and K-pop terms.

The groups journey hasnt been easy, and each and every member has had to work incredibly hard. As teenage trainees from ordinary backgrounds they rehearsed until they were note- and step-perfect. That determination and dedication is still evident today and this book is also about their individual personalities, their friendships, their moments of self-doubt and their elation at their achievements.

BTS have millions of fans all over the globe and have achieved so many of their goals. Theyve come a long way and who knows how much further they have to go, but whatever the future holds, the story of how they became icons of not just K-pop but the world is a fascinating one. I hope you enjoy seeing it told for the first time.

Adrian Besley

H ave you ever seen anything like BTS before? Those choreographed moves; rappers and singers in the same group? Boys living and training together for years before their first performance? Appearing on a constant stream of music shows or taking on strange and silly challenges on television? If youve followed K-pop any time in the last ten years, then perhaps you have even if no group has done those things quite like BTS.

The story of BTS cant be told without reference to the culture and traditions of K-pop. While they are now an international phenomenon, they were once a group of boys just happy to make music; recording their first song and performing on Korean television felt like the ultimate achievement. They had grown up with K-pop and understood the particular expectations, hardships and trials of the idol life. That they attempted this, succeeded against all the odds and pushed the boundaries of K-pop is just one aspect of the amazing nature of this group.

What we call K-pop began in 1992. It can be dated to the appearance of Seo Taiji and Boys on a TV talent show where they performed their single Nan Arayo (I Know). They came last in the talent show, but their single, an innovative fusion of American and Korean pop, soon topped the countrys charts for seventeen weeks. Seo Taiji and Boys (who years later invited BTS to appear at their reunion) would inspire a host of new groups eager to create Korean music influenced by US rock, pop, R&B and especially 1990s hip-hop.

Seo Taiji and Boys would inspire a host of new groups eager to give US rock, pop, R&B and especially 1990s hip-hop a unique Korean flavour.

Despite the US influence, Korean pop music would establish its own distinct characteristics. The conservative moral code of Korean society holds sway, ensuring that songs with references to sex, drugs and alcohol are banned from radio and television, and there is almost no tradition of questioning society or raising political issues in music. Artists are expected to remain charming and innocent at all times.

Then there is Korean television, which is watched by millions and vital to the success of K-pop acts. Music shows proliferate, with Inkigayo, Music Core, Music Bank, M Countdown, Show Champion and The Show Choice ensuring there is a pop programme on TV most days of the week. The fact that the shows usually feature live acts instead of music videos ensures that performance is a prized aspect of K-pop. On-point choreography, stage presence, stunning outfits and good looks are essential.

Acts will try to feature their debut (first) or comeback (new) songs on these shows, and each awards a weekly trophy based on various permutations of chart position, downloads and viewers votes. These trophies are fiercely contested, with the ultimate achievement being a clean sweep of victories across all shows, BTSs DNA being one of only four songs ever to do this.

K-pop artists are also expected to take their place, as a group or individually, alongside comedians, actors and other celebrities on the nations incredibly popular variety shows. These sometimes involve interviews and performances, but more often focus on amusing challenges that highlight artists characters, skills and humour. BTS made a great early impression with appearances on