Latest news with #BangtanSonyeondan
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Waiting for BTS: A love letter to the boy band that saved me
BTS fans across the globe let out a collective sigh of relief earlier this week, as the K-pop giants officially announced their comeback. After a nearly three-year dry spell, the seven global icons of Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS), aka the Bangtan Boys, reunited on a livestream that felt like both a homecoming and a reset. Not only did they confirm they are back in the studio, but they also promised a brand-new album (rumoured to be their most personal yet) by the spring of 2026. And if that wasn't enough to send the ARMY into a frenzy, they also promised a full-blown world tour. (!!) Their first reunion after a prolonged absence wasn't a flashy concert or a headline-grabbing performance. It was the usual, a live session, just like the old times, with the seven of them in a room, laughing, teasing, and catching up. The chat exploded; millions of fans worldwide were crying, laughing, and gasping in disbelief. For years, we had dreamed of this moment, and suddenly, it was real. My world instantly felt a little brighter and a lot happier. (And can we address the elephant in the room? They came back buff! The military training had done its thing. Their shoulders were broader, arms looked stronger. V's jawline was sharper. And Jungkook? He looked like a Greek statue. RM's already famous physique now had the entire fandom spiralling. The jokes were endless. 'BTS didn't just serve the country, they served these gains,' one said.) But beyond the glow-up, there was a tenderness to their reunion. You could tell they had missed each other, the way we missed them, whether it was RM looking at others like a proud parent holding back tears, or the way Jin cracked a joke just to keep everyone from getting too emotional. When BTS announced that they would be enlisting for mandatory military service starting in 2022, it felt like a punch in the gut. South Korea mandates that all able-bodied men serve, and pop stars are not given any concessions. The timeline started with Jin, who enlisted first. Watching him post his final selfie with his shaved head broke everyone. It was real. It was happening. Then j-hope went in. Then SUGA. And eventually, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook followed. The day each of them enlisted, fans trended hashtags like #UntilWeMeetAgain, #ARMYWillWait and #SeeYouSoon. People held virtual streaming parties, marathon viewings of old concerts, and endless replays of Run BTS episodes. Edits, fan art, and Twitter threads became lifelines. The fandom clung to every lyric, as if the songs were letters left behind. 'Promise me now, if you leave today, don't forget me,' from 'The Truth Untold,' suddenly felt less like a love song and more like something BTS was singing to us. We lived off crumbs — a blurry photo of Jin in uniform, a tiny video of J-hope marching in formation. But BTS had ensured that their fans never felt truly abandoned. Before leaving, they prepared an overwhelming amount of content, including solo albums, music videos, photoshoots, interviews, pre-filmed Run BTS episodes, and even little things like handwritten letters. Now that the boys are reuniting, there's a whole lot of catching up to do, and they know it. As SUGA candidly pointed out during the livestream, 'The market's changed a lot in the meantime.' And he's not wrong. In their absence, the K-pop scene hasn't stood still. Groups like BLACKPINK, IVE, and NewJeans have been dominating charts, stages, and hearts. But have they truly dethroned the OG kings of K-pop? If the electric buzz surrounding BTS's comeback is anything to go by, the answer might just be a resounding no. For many, including me, BTS isn't just a boy band; it's a source of comfort, a safe space from the chaos of the world. I fell in love with BTS — head over heels, if I may add — not in my teens or early twenties, but when I was well on my way to turning 30. Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be fangirling over seven men at this stage of my life. But it was 2020, peak Covid-19 time. Life was reduced to four walls and an endless cycle of despair and isolation. I vaguely remember 'Dynamite' was playing on VH1 in the background at home one day, and I remember thinking, 'Hmm… sounds nice, but I wonder who listens to their Korean songs'. Fast forward a few months, and I was completely obsessed with them. They say love makes you do strange things. In my case, it made me a BTS fan. At the time, I was looking to impress a certain someone who loved BTS. And to keep the conversation going, I did what anyone would do in a crush-fuelled frenzy. I read about BTS, memorised their names, started listening to their songs, and even googled the meanings of Korean lyrics. But somewhere along the way, the band stopped being a conversation starter and became my comfort, my happy place. As cliché or even ridiculous as it may sound, they pulled me out of one of the darkest times of my life. When the world outside felt like it was collapsing, BTS became a thing of joy. Their reality shows like Run BTS, Bon Voyage, and In the Soop were my escape. In the Soop featured no concerts or performances. It had just seven men cooking, painting, fishing, and being themselves. Watching them do mundane things felt strangely healing. It humanised them. I didn't see idols, but people who were witty, thoughtful, vulnerable, and endlessly kind. Slowly, I found myself getting the inside jokes: Niagara pho pho, Carabonara, or Lachimolala. I still laugh thinking about Chipotle changing its name to 'Chicotle' because Jungkook couldn't pronounce it. Being an Indian millennial fangirling over a K-pop group wasn't always easy. My cousins mocked the posters on my wall. 'Why do they look so feminine?' they would ask, as if kindness, beauty, and softness were things to be ashamed of. That toxic masculinity, especially among Indian men, made me realise how much BTS challenged stereotypes and how much people feared that. People love to criticise what they don't understand. But here's the thing, you don't have to understand; you just have to let people be. There are many stereotypes around K-pop. Some say it's all style and no substance, or that it's shallow or extremely rehearsed. But BTS shatters every one of them. Their music speaks about mental health, loss, love, hope, growing up, and the complexities of being human. From 'Black Swan' to 'Boy With Luv' to 'Dis-ease', every song and its visual world offers something different. Consider 'Black Swan', my personal favourite. In a haunting reflection on losing passion, it lays bare an artist's fear: The heart no longer races When the music starts to play Tryna' pull up Seems like time has stopped Oh, that would be my first death I been always afraid of However, it's not just a song about artistic struggle. It's about the terrifying moment when something you once loved, like music, a passion, or a dream, stops moving you. It captures that feeling of stagnancy, of inner emptiness, that every human faces at some point in life. Each BTS song reveals a different facet of who they are as artists, as storytellers, and as humans. Their music wrestles with mental health, burnout, identity, self-love, grief, and growing up. They made vulnerability cool long before the world caught on. They say BTS finds you, not the other way around. In this fast-paced, often unkind world, my only hope is that anyone who needs BTS may find them, love them, and hold onto them forever.
Japan Today
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
What to know about BTS as the K-pop group returns from military service
FILE - K-pop band BTS's member J-Hope reacts after being discharged from a mandatory military service outside of an army base in Wonju, South Korea, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File) By MARIA SHERMAN and JUWON PARK It's official — almost. Soon, all seven members of the massively popular K-pop group BTS will have completed South Korea's mandatory military service. Rapper Suga will be the last of the bandmates to be released on Saturday, after fulfilling his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to serving in the military that he reportedly chose due to a shoulder injury. BTS' entertainment agency said no events are planned for Suga's release out of concern for overcrowding. The six others, RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin and j-hope, served in the army. Earlier this month, four members of BTS — RM, V, Jimin and Jung Kook — were discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service. Jin, the eldest BTS member, was discharged in June 2024 as was j-hope in October. BTS is expected to reunite later this year. Ahead of that highly anticipated homecoming, here's what you need to know about the group. BTS — short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, or 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts' in Korean — debuted in June 2013 under the company Big Hit Entertainment, now known as HYBE. The seven-member group consists of RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. The group launched in 2013 with the hip-hop heavy single album '2 Cool 4 Skool," releasing three full-length projects before really gaining momentum with their 2016 album 'Wings." Their global breakthrough came in 2017 when 'DNA' entered the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean boy band to achieve such a feat. The song's success was followed by a performance at the American Music Awards, further fueling their international fan base. The band is largely credited with bringing K-pop to the international stage, and with good reason. Across their discography, BTS broke boundaries and records: In 2020, they released the five-time platinum 'Dynamite,' their first all-English single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — a first for an all-South Korean musical act. At the height of their popularity, BTS was not only the biggest K-pop group on the planet, but the biggest boy band overall. In fact, they've been certified platinum many times over, according to The Recording Industry Association of America. Their platinum successes include: — 2018's 'Mic Drop;' — 2020's 'Map of the Soul: 7," 'Love Yourself: Answer,' and 'Idol;' — 2021's 'Be,' and song of the summer 'Butter;' — and high-profile collaborations 'My Universe' with Coldplay and 'Boy With Luv' featuring Halsey. BTS has also been nominated for five Grammy Awards. Their first, for 'Dynamite' in the best pop duo/group performance category, marked the first time a K-pop act received a Grammy nod. As their global popularity grew, the septet also became international advocates for social justice. Their 2018 address to the United Nations General Assembly launched the 'Love Myself' campaign in partnership with UNICEF to combat violence, abuse and bullying while promoting self-esteem among young people. The group's commitment to human rights activism continued in 2020 when they donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, denouncing racial discrimination and violence. Their fan base, known the world over as ARMY, responded by matching the donation within 24 hours. Their dual impact on music and social causes culminated in 2022 when they were invited to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden. In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren't subject to such privileges. However, in 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea's National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group's management agency announced in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their duties. BTS tiered their enlistments, giving ample time for its members to focus on solo projects while the group was on a break. Jin released two EPs, 'Happy' in 2024 and 'Echo' in May of this year. Suga dropped his debut solo album, 'D-Day,' in 2023 under his moniker Agust D. Also in 2024, RM released his second solo album, the elastic, experimental 'Right Place, Wrong Person', and j-hope released an EP, 'Hope on the Street Vol. 1." Earlier this year, j-hope embarked on his first solo tour. Jimin released two projects, 2023's 'Face' and 2024's 'Muse.' V's debut album, the smooth alt-R&B 'Layover,' arrived in 2023, as did Jung Kook's retro-pop debut, 'Golden.' AP Music Writer Maria Sherman reported from New York. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The Mainichi
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
What to know about BTS as the K-pop group returns from military service
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- It's official -- almost. Soon, all seven members of the massively popular K-pop group BTS will have completed South Korea's mandatory military service. Rapper Suga will be the last of the bandmates to be released on Saturday, after fulfilling his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to serving in the military that he reportedly chose due to a shoulder injury. BTS' entertainment agency said no events are planned for Suga's release out of concern for overcrowding. The six others, RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin and j-hope, served in the army. Earlier this month, four members of BTS -- RM, V, Jimin and Jung Kook -- were discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service. Jin, the eldest BTS member, was discharged in June 2024 as was j-hope in October. BTS is expected to reunite later this year. Ahead of that highly anticipated homecoming, here's what you need to know about the group. The rise of BTS BTS -- short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, or "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" in Korean -- debuted in June 2013 under the company Big Hit Entertainment, now known as HYBE. The seven-member group consists of RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. The group launched in 2013 with the hip-hop heavy single album "2 Cool 4 Skool," releasing three full-length projects before really gaining momentum with their 2016 album "Wings." Their global breakthrough came in 2017 when "DNA" entered the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean boy band to achieve such a feat. The song's success was followed by a performance at the American Music Awards, further fueling their international fan base. The band is largely credited with bringing K-pop to the international stage, and with good reason. Across their discography, BTS broke boundaries and records: In 2020, they released the five-time platinum "Dynamite," their first all-English single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 -- a first for an all-South Korean musical act. At the height of their popularity, BTS was not only the biggest K-pop group on the planet, but the biggest boy band overall. Global appeal In fact, they've been certified platinum many times over, according to The Recording Industry Association of America. Their platinum successes include: -- 2018's "Mic Drop;" -- 2020's "Map of the Soul: 7," "Love Yourself: Answer," and "Idol;" -- 2021's "Be," and song of the summer "Butter;" -- and high-profile collaborations "My Universe" with Coldplay and "Boy With Luv" featuring Halsey. BTS has also been nominated for five Grammy Awards. Their first, for "Dynamite" in the best pop duo/group performance category, marked the first time a K-pop act received a Grammy nod. As their global popularity grew, the septet also became international advocates for social justice. Their 2018 address to the United Nations General Assembly launched the "Love Myself" campaign in partnership with UNICEF to combat violence, abuse and bullying while promoting self-esteem among young people. The group's commitment to human rights activism continued in 2020 when they donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, denouncing racial discrimination and violence. Their fan base, known the world over as ARMY, responded by matching the donation within 24 hours. Their dual impact on music and social causes culminated in 2022 when they were invited to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden. BTS' mandatory military service stirs debate In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren't subject to such privileges. However, in 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea's National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group's management agency announced in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their duties. Break allows time for solo projects BTS tiered their enlistments, giving ample time for its members to focus on solo projects while the group was on a break. Jin released two EPs, "Happy" in 2024 and "Echo" in May of this year. Suga dropped his debut solo album, "D-Day," in 2023 under his moniker Agust D. Also in 2024, RM released his second solo album, the elastic, experimental "Right Place, Wrong Person", and j-hope released an EP, "Hope on the Street Vol. 1." Earlier this year, j-hope embarked on his first solo tour. Jimin released two projects, 2023's "Face" and 2024's "Muse." V's debut album, the smooth alt-R&B "Layover," arrived in 2023, as did Jung Kook's retro-pop debut, "Golden."
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
What to know about BTS as the K-pop group returns from military service
BTS' entertainment agency said no events are planned for Suga's release out of concern for overcrowding. read more It's official — almost. Soon, all seven members of the massively popular K-pop group BTS will have completed South Korea's mandatory military service. Rapper Suga will be the last of the bandmates to be released on Saturday, after fulfilling his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to serving in the military that he reportedly chose due to a shoulder injury. BTS' entertainment agency said no events are planned for Suga's release out of concern for overcrowding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The six others, RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin and j-hope, served in the army. Earlier this month, four members of BTS — RM, V, Jimin and Jung Kook — were discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service. Jin, the eldest BTS member, was discharged in June 2024 as was j-hope in October. BTS is expected to reunite later this year. Ahead of that highly anticipated homecoming, here's what you need to know about the group. The rise of BTS BTS — short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, or 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts' in Korean — debuted in June 2013 under the company Big Hit Entertainment, now known as HYBE. The seven-member group consists of RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. The group launched in 2013 with the hip-hop heavy single album '2 Cool 4 Skool,' releasing three full-length projects before really gaining momentum with their 2016 album 'Wings.' Their global breakthrough came in 2017 when 'DNA' entered the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean boy band to achieve such a feat. The song's success was followed by a performance at the American Music Awards, further fueling their international fan base. The band is largely credited with bringing K-pop to the international stage, and with good reason. Across their discography, BTS broke boundaries and records: In 2020, they released the five-time platinum 'Dynamite,' their first all-English single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — a first for an all-South Korean musical act. At the height of their popularity, BTS was not only the biggest K-pop group on the planet, but the biggest boy band overall. Global appeal In fact, they've been certified platinum many times over, according to The Recording Industry Association of America. Their platinum successes include: — 2018's 'Mic Drop;' — 2020's 'Map of the Soul: 7,' 'Love Yourself: Answer,' and 'Idol;' — 2021's 'Be,' and song of the summer 'Butter;' — and high-profile collaborations 'My Universe' with Coldplay and 'Boy With Luv' featuring Halsey. BTS has also been nominated for five Grammy Awards. Their first, for 'Dynamite' in the best pop duo/group performance category, marked the first time a K-pop act received a Grammy nod. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As their global popularity grew, the septet also became international advocates for social justice. Their 2018 address to the United Nations General Assembly launched the 'Love Myself' campaign in partnership with UNICEF to combat violence, abuse and bullying while promoting self-esteem among young people. The group's commitment to human rights activism continued in 2020 when they donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, denouncing racial discrimination and violence. Their fan base, known the world over as ARMY, responded by matching the donation within 24 hours. Their dual impact on music and social causes culminated in 2022 when they were invited to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden. BTS' mandatory military service stirs debate In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren't subject to such privileges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, in 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea's National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group's management agency announced in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their duties. Break allows time for solo projects BTS tiered their enlistments, giving ample time for its members to focus on solo projects while the group was on a break. Jin released two EPs, 'Happy' in 2024 and 'Echo' in May of this year. Suga dropped his debut solo album, 'D-Day,' in 2023 under his moniker Agust D. Also in 2024, RM released his second solo album, the elastic, experimental 'Right Place, Wrong Person', and j-hope released an EP, 'Hope on the Street Vol. 1.' Earlier this year, j-hope embarked on his first solo tour. Jimin released two projects, 2023's 'Face' and 2024's 'Muse.' V's debut album, the smooth alt-R&B 'Layover,' arrived in 2023, as did Jung Kook's retro-pop debut, 'Golden.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
What to know about BTS as the K-pop group returns from military service
SEOUL, South Korea -- It's official — almost. Soon, all seven members of the massively popular K-pop group BTS will have completed South Korea's mandatory military service. Rapper Suga will be the last of the bandmates to be released on Saturday, after fulfilling his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to serving in the military that he reportedly chose due to a shoulder injury. BTS' entertainment agency said no events are planned for Suga's release out of concern for overcrowding. The six others, RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin and j-hope, served in the army. Earlier this month, four members of BTS — RM, V, Jimin and Jung Kook — were discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service. Jin, the eldest BTS member, was discharged in June 2024 as was j-hope in October. BTS is expected to reunite later this year. Ahead of that highly anticipated homecoming, here's what you need to know about the group. BTS — short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, or 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts' in Korean — debuted in June 2013 under the company Big Hit Entertainment, now known as HYBE. The seven-member group consists of RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. The group launched in 2013 with the hip-hop heavy single album '2 Cool 4 Skool," releasing three full-length projects before really gaining momentum with their 2016 album 'Wings." Their global breakthrough came in 2017 when 'DNA' entered the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean boy band to achieve such a feat. The song's success was followed by a performance at the American Music Awards, further fueling their international fan base. The band is largely credited with bringing K-pop to the international stage, and with good reason. Across their discography, BTS broke boundaries and records: In 2020, they released the five-time platinum 'Dynamite,' their first all-English single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — a first for an all-South Korean musical act. At the height of their popularity, BTS was not only the biggest K-pop group on the planet, but the biggest boy band overall. In fact, they've been certified platinum many times over, according to The Recording Industry Association of America. Their platinum successes include: — 2018's 'Mic Drop;' — 2020's 'Map of the Soul: 7," 'Love Yourself: Answer,' and 'Idol;' — 2021's 'Be,' and song of the summer 'Butter;' — and high-profile collaborations 'My Universe' with Coldplay and 'Boy With Luv' featuring Halsey. BTS has also been nominated for five Grammy Awards. Their first, for 'Dynamite' in the best pop duo/group performance category, marked the first time a K-pop act received a Grammy nod. As their global popularity grew, the septet also became international advocates for social justice. Their 2018 address to the United Nations General Assembly launched the 'Love Myself' campaign in partnership with UNICEF to combat violence, abuse and bullying while promoting self-esteem among young people. The group's commitment to human rights activism continued in 2020 when they donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, denouncing racial discrimination and violence. Their fan base, known the world over as ARMY, responded by matching the donation within 24 hours. Their dual impact on music and social causes culminated in 2022 when they were invited to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden. In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren't subject to such privileges. However, in 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea's National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group's management agency announced in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their duties. BTS tiered their enlistments, giving ample time for its members to focus on solo projects while the group was on a break. Jin released two EPs, 'Happy' in 2024 and 'Echo' in May of this year. Suga dropped his debut solo album, 'D-Day,' in 2023 under his moniker Agust D. Also in 2024, RM released his second solo album, the elastic, experimental 'Right Place, Wrong Person', and j-hope released an EP, 'Hope on the Street Vol. 1." Earlier this year, j-hope embarked on his first solo tour. Jimin released two projects, 2023's 'Face' and 2024's 'Muse.' V's debut album, the smooth alt-R&B 'Layover,' arrived in 2023, as did Jung Kook's retro-pop debut, 'Golden.'
