BTS

BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan (방탄소년단), which translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts," is a South Korean boy band that has transcended cultural barriers to become a global phenomenon. The formation of BTS began in 2010 with the first member, RM, discovered for his rapping talent by Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE Corporation). Over the next few years, the lineup solidified with the addition of the other six members: in (Kim Seok-jin), Suga (Min Yoon-gi), J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok), Jimin (Park Ji-min), V (Kim Tae-hyung), and Jung Kook (Jeon Jung-kook), each bringing a unique talent to the group.

RM (Kim Nam Joon)

• Stage Name: RM (formerly Rap Monster)
• Birth Name: Kim Nam Joon (김남준)
• Position: Leader, Main Rapper
• Birthday: September 12, 1994
• Zodiac Sign: Virgo
• Height: 181 cm (5’11”)
• Weight: 76 kg (167 lbs)

Jin (Kim Seok Jin)

• Stage Name: Jin (진)
• Birth Name: Kim Seok Jin (김석진)
• Position: Sub Vocalist, Visual
• Birthday: December 4, 1992
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
• Height: 179 cm (5’10.4”)
• Weight: 61 kg (134 lbs)

Suga (Min Yoon Gi)

• Stage Name: Suga (슈가)
• Birth Name: Min Yoon Gi (민윤기)
• Position: Lead Rapper
• Birthday: March 9, 1993
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Height: 174 cm (5’8.5”)
• Weight: 63 kg (138 lbs)

J-Hope (Jung Ho Seok)

• Stage Name: J-Hope (제이홉)
• Birth Name: Jung Ho Seok (정호석)
• Position: Main Dancer, Sub Rapper, Sub Vocalist
• Birthday: February 18, 1994
• Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
• Height: 177 cm (5’10”)
• Weight: 65 kg (143 lbs)

Jimin (Park Ji Min)

• Stage Name: Jimin (지민)
• Birth Name: Park Ji Min (박지민)
• Position: Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist
• Birthday: October 13, 1995
• Zodiac Sign: Libra
• Height: 174 cm (5’8.5”)
• Weight: 58.6 kg (129 lbs)

V (Kim Tae Hyung)

• Stage Name: V (뷔)
• Birth Name: Kim Tae Hyung (김태형)
• Position: Sub Vocalist, Visual
• Birthday: December 30, 1995
• Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
• Height: 179 cm (5’10.4”)
• Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs)

Jungkook (Jeon Jung Kook)

• Stage Name: Jungkook (정국)
• Birth Name: Jeon Jung Kook (전정국)
• Position: Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Sub Rapper, Center, Maknae
• Birthday: September 1, 1997
• Zodiac Sign: Virgo
• Height: 179 cm (5’10”)
• Weight: 71 kg (156 lbs)

They debuted with the single album "2 Cool 4 Skool," which included tracks like "No More Dream" and "We Are Bulletproof Pt.2."

BTS's early work was marked by a strong hip-hop influence and lyrics that dealt with the challenges faced by youth, such as the education system and societal expectations. Their first EP, "O!RUL8,2?" released in September 2013, continued these themes. By the end of their first year, they had also released the second part of their "school trilogy," the EP "Skool Luv Affair," in February 2014, which included hits like "Boy in Luv."

2015 marked a significant turning point for BTS with the release of "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1," which featured the single "I Need U." This song won them their first music show award, a pivotal moment in any Korean artist's career. The follow-up, "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2," and the compilation album "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever," saw them exploring a wider range of genres and deeper emotional content, with tracks like "Run" and "Fire."

BTS's international breakthrough came with their second full album, "Wings," released in October 2016. It sold over 1.5 million copies in South Korea alone and included the chart-topping single "Blood Sweat & Tears." The album's success was a testament to BTS's growing global appeal, with its themes of temptation and personal growth resonating with a diverse audience. From there, their popularity soared, with subsequent albums breaking records and garnering an international fanbase known as ARMY. The word ARMY is an acronym for “Adorable Representative MC For Youth”.

The "Love Yourself" series, which began in 2017 with "Love Yourself: Her" and continued through "Love Yourself: Tear" and "Love Yourself: Answer" in 2018, catapulted BTS to unprecedented heights. "Love Yourself: Her" sold over 1.2 million copies on the Gaon Album Chart in its first month, while "Love Yourself: Tear" became the first K-pop album to reach number one on the Billboard 200. The lead single from "Love Yourself: Answer," "IDOL," featured a music video that became the most-viewed music video in 24 hours at the time of its release.

The group's "Love Yourself World Tour" kicked off in August 2018 and included sold-out performances in iconic venues like New York City's Citi Field, marking the first time a Korean group had performed in a U.S. stadium. The tour was extended with the "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" stadium tour, which saw them performing in even larger venues across the globe.

BTS continued their artistic evolution with the "Map of the Soul" series. "Map of the Soul: Persona," released in April 2019, sold over 3.2 million copies in its first month and featured a collaboration with Halsey on the single "Boy With Luv." The follow-up, "Map of the Soul: 7," released in February 2020, sold over 4.1 million copies in just nine days, setting a new record for the highest number of albums sold in the shortest time in South Korea.

Despite the global pandemic, BTS continued to release new music. Their album "BE," released in November 2020, was both a commercial and critical success. The lead single "Dynamite," their first song entirely in English, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making BTS the first all-South Korean act to achieve this feat.

As of 2021, BTS has won numerous awards, including 6 Korean Music Awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards, and 9 American Music Awards. They have been nominated for a Grammy Award and have won 24 Mnet Asian Music Awards. Their accolades reflect their global influence and the impact of their music.

In late 2021, BTS announced that they would be taking a hiatus to focus on individual projects and fulfill their mandatory military service in South Korea. This decision was met with support from their fans, who understood the cultural importance of this service in South Korea.

During the hiatus, each member of BTS has taken the opportunity to explore individual artistic expressions, resulting in a variety of projects that showcase their unique talents and personal styles.

• RM (Kim Nam-joon): RM, known for his introspective lyricism and leadership within BTS, released his debut solo album 'Indigo' on December 2, 2022. The album features a rich tapestry of genres and collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu and Anderson .Paak, reflecting RM's eclectic musical influences and his contemplative nature. 'Indigo' has been described as a sonic representation of RM's personal and artistic journey, particularly as he transitions from his twenties into his thirties.
• Suga (Min Yoon-gi): Suga, who performs solo as Agust D, has continued to build on his reputation as a sharp-tongued rapper and insightful producer. His first solo album 'D-DAY,' released on April 21, 2023, completes his mixtape trilogy and delves into his personal experiences and growth as an artist. Alongside his album, Suga also released a documentary titled 'Road to D-Day,' which offers a glimpse into his creative process and global travels. His collaboration with Halsey on the track "Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)" released on June 6, 2023, showcases his versatility and crossover appeal.
• J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok): J-Hope has always been known for his bright persona and energetic performances. His solo album 'Jack in the Box,' released on July 15, 2022, presents a more mature and experimental side of his artistry. The album's lead single, "More," is a testament to J-Hope's desire to push his creative boundaries and explore new musical territories.
• Jin (Kim Seok-jin): Jin's solo work has often highlighted his emotive vocal abilities. His single "The Astronaut," released on October 28, 2022, in collaboration with Coldplay, is a soaring pop-rock track that has resonated with fans worldwide. The song's themes of longing and connection reflect Jin's heartfelt approach to music.
• Jimin (Park Ji-min): Jimin's solo endeavors have allowed him to express his distinctive vocal and dance talents. His first solo album 'FACE,' released on March 24, 2023, features a blend of contemporary pop and R&B, showcasing Jimin's versatility as a performer. The album follows his successful collaborative single with TAEYANG of BIG BANG, "Vibe," which charted on the Hot 100.
• V (Kim Tae-hyung): V's deep, soulful voice has been a standout in BTS's music, and his solo work continues to captivate audiences. His debut solo album 'Layover,' set for release on September 8, 2023, includes tracks that promise to showcase his introspective songwriting and rich vocal tone. Additionally, V has ventured into the world of reality TV with his participation in the docuseries 'In the Soop: Friendcation,' which aired on a Korean TV network and Hotstar in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Jung Kook (Jeon Jung-kook): As the youngest member of BTS, Jung Kook's growth as an artist has been closely watched by fans. His solo track "My You," released in June 2022 as a gift to fans on BTS's ninth anniversary, is a heartfelt expression of gratitude. His debut album 'GOLDEN,' released on November 3, 2023, was set to explore various aspects of his artistry, from singing to songwriting and producing.

The story of BTS is one of relentless pursuit of artistic expression, connection with fans, and breaking down barriers. From their debut to their current solo projects, the members of BTS have consistently demonstrated a commitment to authenticity, creativity, and global influence.

As they serve their mandatory military service, the members of BTS are not only upholding their duties as South Korean citizens but are also taking the time to explore their individual identities as artists. The anticipation for their return as a group is palpable among the ARMY, and the music industry at large, as they await the next chapter in the journey of BTS.