Premium'BTS Paved the Way' and ARMY question why is it so hard to accept it?
Why are the fans called ARMY sharing the phrase 'BTS paved the way' yet again?
Last Updated: 04.16 PM, Aug 23, 2023
The global phenomenon of Korean pop music, commonly referred to as K-pop, became an international sensation due to the trailblazing efforts of the boy band BTS - short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, translating to 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts' or 'Bangtan Boys' in Korean. Their rise to prominence captivated audiences and music critics alike, particularly in the United States.
Although BTS has never explicitly asserted their role as pioneers, their influence has been championed by not only their contemporaries but also notable figures such as former South Korean Presidents and devoted music enthusiasts.
This begs the question: Did BTS genuinely pave the way? The unequivocal answer is YES.
BTS embarked on their journey under the wing of Big Hit Entertainment, an agency on the brink of bankruptcy, on June 13, 2013. Their debut went relatively unnoticed, given the overwhelming dominance of media giants like SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment.
From the very start, the odds were stacked against BTS, constantly compared with the nation's leading boy group, EXO. However, BTS was not your run-of-the-mill idol ensemble.
Through unwavering determination, they transcended adversity, achieving their inaugural major triumph with the 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Trilogy/Series' (HYYH). This marked their entry into the global music scene, earning them their first Daesang (grand prize) and subsequently clinching their initial Billboard Music Award in 2017. Their subsequent journey is now etched in history.
To date, BTS boasts an astounding collection of over 700 global awards, an achievement that extends even to their individual pursuits as soloists. This prompts the resurgence of the hashtag 'BTS Paved the Way.'
So why are BTS fans called ARMY sharing the phrase yet again?
The revival of this phrase gained traction following the unveiling of BLACKPINK's new track, 'The Girls,' which serves as the soundtrack for their latest mobile game, 'BLACKPINK The Game.'
A particular line in the song, "Paved the way and busted left, if we left, there nothing left, but the rest, what a mess," raised eyebrows amongst ARMY who pointedly noted that the girls have yet to secure any significant accolades.
The fans added that the 4 girls in fact, got the opportunity to perform in the United States largely due to the international groundwork laid by BTS.
BTS's rise to fame really helped make K-pop popular all around the world. Even though they faced many challenges starting from a small agency, their journey to becoming super successful inspired other artists to try and become famous globally too. This is shown not just by the many awards they've won, but also by how they've changed the way K-pop is seen.