The group's name, BTS, initially stood for "Bulletproof Boy Scouts," but later evolved to "Beyond The Scene" in 2017, reflecting their growth and message of overcoming challenges. BTS gained significant traction through social media engagement with their fans (ARMY) and by addressing relatable themes of youth, mental health, and self-love in their music. Their music resonated with a global audience, leading to international recognition, numerous awards, and record-breaking achievements.
Early Days and Formation:
Big Hit Entertainment's founder, Bang Si-hyuk, envisioned a hip-hop group centered around rapper RM (Kim Nam-joon).
Auditions were held, and the final lineup included Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, alongside RM.
The group's early focus was on hip-hop, but they later incorporated singing and other genres into their music.
Initial Success and Social Media Presence:
BTS debuted in 2013 with "2 Cool 4 Skool," and while it received some attention, their real breakthrough came with the 2016 song "I Need You".
They cultivated a strong online presence, actively engaging with fans on social media, particularly Twitter, and sharing videos on YouTube.
The fanbase, known as ARMY, became a crucial part of their success, connecting with the group's message and music.
Global Recognition and Growth:
BTS's music began to resonate with international audiences, particularly in the West.
They received their first Billboard 200 entry in 2015 with "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life.
Their 2018 album, "Love Yourself: Tear," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking the first K-pop album to achieve this milestone.
The group continued to break records, garnering multiple Grammy nominations and collaborating with various international artists.
BTS's popularity extended beyond music, influencing Korean language learning, tourism, and cultural exports.
Key Themes and Impact:
BTS's music often explores themes of youth, mental health, self-love, and overcoming societal pressures.
Their "Love Yourself" campaign, which began in 2017, emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth.
The group's message of self-empowerment and authenticity has resonated deeply with their global fanbase.
In essence, BTS's journey from a relatively unknown group to a global phenomenon is a testament to their talent, dedication, and ability to connect with audiences through relatable and meaningful music.
EXO
EXO is a South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by S.M. Entertainment in 2011. Initially, the group consisted of twelve members, divided into two sub-groups: EXO-K (Korean) and EXO-M (Mandarin).
They debuted in 2012 with the release of their single "MAMA". The group has achieved significant success, becoming the youngest boy band to win Album of the Year at the Mnet Asian Music Awards and the fastest-selling K-pop artist in twelve years with their album XOXO.
Pre-Debut
In early 2011, SM Entertainment announced plans for a new boy band that would be split into two units, promoting simultaneously in Korea and China.
These units were initially referred to as M1 and M2.
In December 2011, the group's name was revealed as EXO, derived from the term "exoplanet".
Teaser images and videos showcasing the members and their talents were released, building anticipation for their debut.
Debut and Early Success:
EXO officially debuted on April 8, 2012, with the release of their single "MAMA".
Both EXO-K and EXO-M performed "MAMA" on the same day, with EXO-K appearing on the Korean music program Inkigayo and EXO-M on a Chinese award show.
Their debut EP, MAMA, was a moderate success, with the EXO-M version topping Chinese music charts and the music video reaching the top 10 on YouTube's Global Chart.
The group's first studio album, XOXO, released in 2013, propelled them to greater fame with hits like "Wolf" and "Growl".
XOXO achieved significant commercial success, selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide and earning them awards like Album of the Year at the MAMA.
Later Years and Beyond:
EXO continued to release successful albums and singles, solidifying their position as one of the top K-pop groups.
They faced some challenges with member departures, with Kris, Luhan, and Tao leaving the group due to legal issues and disagreements with SM Entertainment.
Despite these challenges, EXO continued to release music and hold concerts, with the remaining members continuing to promote under the name EXO.
EXO has also ventured into Japanese promotions, with a successful debut in Japan in 2015 and the release of their first Japanese album in 2018.
The group has been recognized for their impressive sales, with EXO becoming the first South Korean artist to sell 10 million albums cumulatively since their debut.
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