Why do you think BTS is so popular worldwide?

 

Here is my personal analysis on how BTS was able to gain such immense popularity worldwide:

BTS has not only grown into a global idol group beyond Korea but has already become one. They are the pride of Korea and play a significant role as messengers of K-Pop to the world. They also contribute to raising Korea's national prestige by promoting the country worldwide.

 

Some people even say that BTS has grown to be a group comparable to the Beatles. How did BTS become a group that can be compared to the Beatles? In this discussion, we will explore why and how BTS was able to gain such immense popularity.

There are several factors that contributed to BTS's success and comparison with the Beatles:

1. Music: Like the Beatles, BTS produces music that resonates with a wide audience. Their songs touch on social issues, personal struggles, and youth experiences, making them relatable to many people around the world.
2. Innovation and versatility: BTS continually reinvents themselves, exploring various genres and styles in their music. This willingness to experiment has helped them stay fresh and relevant, much like the Beatles did throughout their career.
3. Global appeal: BTS's music transcends language barriers and has a universal appeal. They have successfully tapped into the global market, making their music accessible to diverse audiences.
4. Charismatic performances: Both the Beatles and BTS are known for their captivating stage presence and energetic performances. This charisma has played a significant role in garnering massive fan followings for both groups.
5. Loyal fan base: The Beatles had the "Beatlemania," and BTS has the "ARMY." Both groups have dedicated and passionate fan bases that support and promote their music around the world.
6. Social media presence: In the modern era, BTS has utilized social media platforms effectively to connect with their fans and share their stories. This strong online presence has significantly contributed to their global popularity.

These are just a few reasons why BTS is often compared to the Beatles and has managed to achieve widespread acclaim and success.

 

 

What makes BTS different from other Korean idol groups?

There are many idol groups in Korea. BTS is one of these numerous groups, and one might wonder how they have been able to gain such unique worldwide popularity.

Is it simply because BTS's music is good? This alone makes it difficult to explain BTS's popularity.

While Koreans might enjoy BTS's music because they understand the lyrics, what about Europe? South America? The United States, a country that leads global music trends?

It's unlikely that they enjoy BTS's music because they understand Korean... why then does a Korean group have such immense popularity among them?

Typically, when an idol group debuts in Korea, they originate from a famous project program, or they start already being famous. Hence, they are already fully formed, and from a fan's perspective, if they enjoy their outstanding choreography and singing skills, they become fans.

Please let me know if you want more analysis or information on this topic.

However, unlike most groups, BTS didn't start with a large entertainment agency. Instead, they started from complete obscurity. Their fans have been with them from their unknown days to the present, creating a feeling of growing together with BTS. This goes beyond the typical "I'm a fan because their songs are good, and their style is cool". The relationship between BTS and their fans has surpassed the simple fandom. Fans have seen BTS grow and feel as though they have been a part of it, recognizing their efforts paying off in their worldwide popularity. This makes fans feel as if they themselves have also grown with BTS.

In this respect, fans experience a great sense of empathy.

The emotion of "I feel like I've played a part in this" gives fans confidence in themselves. They see that even a non-American band, not singing in English, an Asian group can succeed in the United States, a feat that seemed impossible in the past.

If you look at the interviews of international BTS fans, there are many who say, "Through BTS, I have boosted my self-esteem and gained confidence," rather than just mentioning that they like the songs. This is quite different from what we usually expect from interview content.

This has spread widely and contributed to building the current popularity of BTS.

 

Reasons why BTS's challenge in the United States was successful

 

BTS debuted in the United States in 2014. They didn't have much popularity in Korea at the time, and they blindly went to the United States and started from the bottom. There were TV appearances of them going out onto the streets, telling people that they were holding a concert and pleading them to come if they have time. At that time, only RM out of the BTS members was proficient in English, and the other members had difficulty with English, so they couldn't even properly explain their request for people to come to their concerts.

However, they did not give up and kept repeating this. Separately, they also asked famous music producers in the United States if they could work together on music.

Since they started from the bottom, they had to confront everything directly. They operated under the assumption that things might not work out, which allowed them to keep pushing and never give up.

Their first concert in 2014 was held in a small theater with a capacity of 200 seats. However, as time passed, their concert in 2018 sold out a venue with 40,000 seats.

Rather than achieving fame overnight, they expanded their influence bit by bit and approached American fans in this way.

Among American songs, there are quite a few with provocative lyrics. Guns, drugs, women, sex, etc., are common themes in song lyrics.

On the other hand, the majority of BTS's songs focus on brighter aspects. Through their lyrics such as "let's move forward together, let's be happy," they send messages to their fans, and this is where the so-called positive influence of BTS is exerted.

 

What could be the reason for the failure of leading Korean idol groups in the United States?

Typically, the thing that Korean idol groups who have gained significant popularity in Korea most want to do, and the last challenge they undertake, is entering the US market.

Perhaps it's because being successful in the US music market, which leads the world's music, can be considered the ultimate success? Of course, the amount of money they earn is also tremendously higher than in Korea.

Traditionally, there's a set route for Korean idol groups to break into the US market.

First, they dominate the Korean music market -> then they dominate the Asian market -> and finally, they challenge the US market.

Many groups that were successful in Korea have tried to break into the US, but most have failed.

Why do they fail?

It's because they lack a fan base to support them in the United States.

When a fan base is established in Korea, it can easily move to other Asian countries.

However, when this fan base crosses the ocean to the United States, it doesn't happen as smoothly as in other Asian countries.

Why? Because they're not interested. The culture is different, the language is different. Therefore, unless there's a special affection, it's difficult to gain interest.

For example, if a singer who is extremely popular in the Philippines debuts in Korea, would we be interested?

I don't think so. In this way, the moment they consider something different from themselves, they lose interest.