BTS (방탄소년단, Bangtan Sonyeondan, Bulletproof Boy Scouts, Bangtan Boys) is a South Korean boy band made up of seven members: Kim Seokjin (Jin), Min Yoongi (Suga), Jung Hoseok (J-Hope), Kim Namjoon (RM), Park Jimin (Jimin), Kim Taehyung (V), and Jeon Jungkook (Jungkook). With their single album “2 Cool 4 Skool,” which included their first hit “No More Dreams,” they made their debut on 13 June 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now BIGHIT MUSIC). The song discussed how societal constraints frequently prevent young people from pursuing their aspirations. It encouraged young people to do what they love and follow their own goals while also calling for a sense of revolution among today’s youth, particularly with reference to escaping society’s constraints. The fact that BTS addresses concerns that all young people encounter during performances and in their music has helped them build a global fan base as numerous young people relate to the stories and sentiments in their song. For instance, their song “paradise” discussed the stress of meeting society and parental expectations and added that we frequently devote our lives striving to realize these “borrowed dreams,” which are actually a burden to us because they are not what we desire for ourselves.
From Left: V, Suga, Jin, RM, Jungkook, Jimin, and J-Hope
I found out about BTS through a friend but became an ARMY because I enjoyed listening to their music and found inspiration from the lyrics in their songs. I’ve learned a lot from the BTS members ever since I became an ARMY. They have inspired me in so many ways, especially in terms of overcoming challenges and cultivating a positive outlook on life. Here are ten important lessons I learned from the members and I hope they will also help you see yourself more favorably as well:
1. Never Give Up on Your Dream: The story of the Bangtan boys is one of endurance, perseverance, and fortitude. Their remarkable history exemplifies the phrases “grass to grace” and “rags to riches.” At the time of their debut in 2013, Big Hit Entertainment was a young, small company, far apart in status from South Korea’s Big 3 K-pop companies- JYP, SM, and YG. Ten years later, BIGHIT MUSIC and its parent business, HYBE Corporation, have grown to be one of South Korea’s international corporations, with Bang Si-hyuk reported as one of the country’s fifty wealthiest individuals. Similarly, BTS has developed into one of the K-pop kings, with a global fan following that spans nations and cultures. In the years since their debut, BTS and their ARMY fan base—which stands for Adorable Representative MC for Youth—have taken over the world of popular music. They currently hold the top spots on nearly all subscription-based music streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, SoundCloud, YouTube Music, TIDAL, Mubeat, and others. They have spoken at numerous high-level events, including the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 and at the White House in 2022, among others. They have performed in large stadiums, completed numerous concert and fan meeting tours, won numerous awards, and led several awareness raising campaigns (such as the 2017 Love Yourself Campaign with UNICEF). They are not only world-class musicians; they are also cultural ambassadors, philanthropists, and youth activists, serving as a tremendous source of inspiration for young people all over the world. They persevered in following their dreams in the face of difficulty, and today they are successful. I’ve learned that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to if you never give up on your goals. I hope you never give up, Jimin said in his advice, “I hope you will never give up. Remember there is a person here in Korea, in the city of Seoul, who understands you”. Since the route to success is rarely an easy one, it is very simple to give up when things are difficult. This is especially true when the going gets tough. According to Jin, “Those who keep trying without giving up are the ones who succeed”.
2. Hardwork Pays: BTS is a prime illustration of the adage “hard work never fails” and the idea that great success does not happen by accident but rather requires perseverance, devotion, and commitment. BTS encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks on their path to success, yet they remained unwavering in their pursuit of their dreams. Their resilience in the face of early criticisms and financial hardships serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of perseverance, hardwork, and dedication in overcoming adversity. It took BTS two years after their debut for their song “I Need You” to win their first music show (MTV’s The Show, 5 May 2015). Normally, this would have been enough to make most people give up, but they persisted and remained dedicated to giving it their all. Now, I’m positive they can’t remember how many victories they’ve had over the past ten years. Today, BTS has grown from a small start in 2013 to become well-known both in South Korea and across the world. Their dedication, perseverance, and hard work made this possible. Jungkook once said, “Effort makes you. It’s important to work hard and be consistent. If you don’t try your hardest right now, you’ll regret it afterwards. Keep working on it and don’t give up thinking it’s too late. Nothing improves with practice, albeit it could take some time. Practice then. Although it’s a sign that you are doing well, you may experience depression”. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate the correct attitude toward work and persevere even in the face of challenges, regardless of the field you work in or are interested in.
From Left: V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin, and J-Hope (BTS Debut Picture)
3. We all have our own pace: One important lesson I’ve picked up from BTS members is to not rush your success simply because others around you are. No “one size fits all definition of success” exists. Different people have various aspirations, objectives, and desires. Mr. A’s definition of success can be very different from Mr. B’s definition, and vice versa. Therefore, it’s crucial to determine your own definition of success and go at your own pace rather than merely imitating others. BTS members have emphasized the importance for people to follow their own paths and be content with their lives on several occasions. According to Jungkook, “You should build your own goals and dreams. I think it’s really sad that some people don’t get a chance to build their own dreams because of outside pressure”. Through them, I have learnt that it is not important to conform to society’s definition of success. In Jimin’s word, “Be what you want to be, not what others want to see”. BTS’s authenticity and integrity shine through in everything they do. They stay true to themselves and their beliefs, even in the face of immense pressure, inspiring others to embrace their authenticity and live with integrity.
4. The importance of self-love: The emphasis on loving oneself and never underestimating your own capacity to succeed is a recurring topic in the majority of BTS songs as well as their way of life. Through songs like “Love Myself” and “Epiphany”, they advocate for embracing one’s true self, flaws and all, promoting a message of self-acceptance that has inspired countless individuals to love themselves just as they are. It is crucial to remember that not everyone will adore or even like you, therefore you must learn to love yourself before trying to satisfy anyone else. Therefore, it is crucial for you as an individual to be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small, and to constantly recognize the good in yourself, especially when things are difficult. Only by loving and appreciating oneself can one start to love and appreciate others. RM once stated, “Maybe I made a mistake yesterday, but yesterday’s me is still me. I am who I am today, with all my faults. Tomorrow I might be a tiny bit wiser, and that’s me, too. These faults and mistakes are what I am, making up the brightest stars in the constellation of my life. I have come to love myself for who I was, who I am, and who I hope to become”.
BTS Festa Picture from 2014 to 2023
5. Speaking Up and Advocating for Others: In addition to being successful musicians that sell a lot of records, BTS are strong advocates for social justice. BTS often leverages their platform to tackle social issues and advocate for empathy and compassion. Whether shedding light on mental health awareness, condemning discrimination, or supporting charitable initiatives, they represent the importance of using one’s influence for positive change. BTS has acted as activists for a variety of societal issues since their 2013 debut, including mental health, inferiority complex, academic stress, inclusiveness and acceptance, and social justice concerns. They have done this by leveraging their fame, power, and platform. Their “love myself” campaign with UNICEF was geared towards reducing violence and boosting young people’s self-esteem. Most of their songs’ lyrics provide guidance on finding joy, finding love, and living. Through their actions, we have learned more about how music can be an effective vehicle for fostering positive social change. Numerous admirers, including those who are not ARMY, find solace, inspiration, and hope in their stories. In his 2018 speech at the UNGA, RM said, “Speak yourself, regardless of who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, or your gender identity. Speak out yourself to find your name and voice”.
6. Harnessing the power of social media: The importance of social media as a tool for establishing and maintaining social connections is yet another crucial lesson I took away from BTS. The global increase in music consumption on YouTube and other social media platforms, as well as the growth of online music fandom, are both responsible for BTS’s climb to fame. Therefore, BTS music was able to spread to other regions of the world through the usage of social media, beyond South Korea and its neighboring nations. Similar to the majority of Nigerian and even African ARMYs who have yet to experience a BTS member’s live performance on our continent, practically all of what we know about the boy band comes through our online consumption of their contents. We communicate with BTS members and their material through social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Weverse, and Tiktok, among others, which has also allowed us to establish and cultivate a close relationship with them. Using social media, the members have also been able to establish an online community where the BTS members and their fans (ARMY) consider themselves as a single, content family. Furthermore, BTS has maintained a constant presence on social media ever since the group’s formation. The members of BTS update their supporters on their activities through platforms like Weverse and Youtube, which has provided ARMYs a sense of community even in the absence of face-to-face interaction. BTS has also shown me how to utilize social media to inspire, soothe, and spread hope among individuals all across the world. So, let’s consider how to make the most of the visibility that social media, especially new media, present wherever we are.
7. Failure does not define who you are: There will always be someone who want to break your spirit and denigrate everything you do in life. They will go to tremendous lengths to demonstrate that you cannot change who you are and that you cannot succeed no matter what you try. BTS experienced this when they initially began—they faced a lot of criticism and hostility from citizens who misjudged them. However, despite the difficulties and trials they encounter along the path and the animosity of others, they did not let these things stand in the way of their desired future. One thing I took away from BTS’s “journey to success” is that setbacks don’t define us; instead, they help us become more adaptable, flexible, and capable of overcoming challenges. According to V, “When things get hard, stop for a while and look back and see how far you’ve come. Don’t forget how rewarding it is. You are the most beautiful flower, more than anyone else in this world”. In a similar vein, J-Hope stated that, “There will be times in your life when you question your own decisions, whether it be about your major or your profession, whether you have made the right choice, whether you are doing well or walking the path of failure. And when you do, remember: You are the leader of your own life, and chant it over and over again. ‘I can do it. You got it. I can do it well. I can do it better than anybody’”. Despite achieving worldwide recognition today, BTS remains grounded and committed to continuous growth and development. They always encourage their fans to embrace challenges, step outside their comfort zones, and strive for personal advancement, embodying the philosophy that learning is a lifelong journey.
8. Language is not a barrier to success: When I stop and think about it, it surprises me at times that BTS performs and sings almost exclusively in Korean language but nevertheless they have a massive following that spans many different nations, languages, and cultures. BTS’s music surpasses geographical and linguistic barriers, celebrating cultural diversity and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Through their incorporation of elements from Korean culture in their music and performances, they inspire appreciation for diverse traditions and facilitate global cultural exchange. Many foreign fans, including myself, are making concerted efforts to learn the Korean language in order to communicate with the members more effectively. In a similar vein, the members are also making efforts to learn other languages, including English, in order to effectively interact with their foreign fans. While BTS members are not ethnically diverse, their global fan base is, demonstrating that music can transcend language constraints. Through their music, BTS has succeeded in bridging a number of linguistic and cultural divides, fostering a sense of intercultural community and uniting various social groups. Therefore, regardless of the language you speak or the type of music you enjoy, as long as you remain dedicated to doing your finest work, those who are passionate about what you do will make an effort to understand how to communicate with you and what you have to offer.
9. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness: People typically avoid talking about mental health because they perceive it to be stigmatized and a sign of weakness. BTS has, however, been very vocal about mental health issues and has never been afraid to share their story with its fans, which is something I admire about them. They have publicly discussed their struggles with depression, loneliness, social anxiety, burnout, and the physical and mental tiredness they experience at work through their songs as a group and even as individual artists. According to Suga, “I really want to say that everyone in the world is lonely and everyone is sad, and if we know that everyone is suffering and lonely, I hope we can create an environment where we can ask for help, and say things are hard when they’re hard, and say that we miss someone when we miss them”. Many of the concerns affecting young people’s mental health are addressed in the lyrics of BTS songs. BTS songs that address and aid fans in coping with mental health difficulties include Tomorrow, Blue & Grey, Sea, Answer: Love Myself, Magic Shop, Zero O’clock, Butterfly, N.O, and I’m Fine, to name a few.
10. The Importance of Team Work and Having Supportive People in Your Corner: Since no man is an island unto himself, I have come to realize that the kinds of people you surround yourself with greatly influence your degree of self-confidence as well as your general well-being and success. Everyone depends on others for something, so nobody can lead an entirely independent life. Therefore, it’s critical to have faith in the individuals you have on your side. Although each member of BTS possesses remarkable talents, the group consistently stresses the significance of teamwork and unity. Their bond extends beyond mere collaboration and stands as a testament to the depth of their friendship and the power of collective effort in attaining shared objectives. According to J-hope, trust is the foundation of a successful relationship. He once stated that BTS would not have progressed this far without mutual trust. On another occasion, he advised, “When things get tough, look at the people who love you! You will get energy from them”. One of the most devoted fan bases in K-pop is that of the Bangtan Boys. The boys’ supporters, known as ARMY, go above and beyond to help the boys. Some of these efforts include translating BTS music lyrics, live talks, Weverse Live conversations, and other media appearances into English; mobilizing a significant number of social media views and likes to make BTS songs trend online; purchasing BTS albums, merch, and concert tickets; participating in crowdfunding campaigns for BTS campaigns; and making charitable contributions on behalf of the members.
As BTS commemorates another year since their debut, their legacy stretches beyond music. Through their inspiring journey and profound influence, they have left a permanent mark on countless lives, imparting invaluable lessons along the way. As we celebrate this milestone, let us not only acknowledge their achievements but also reflect on the wisdom they have shared and the transformative impact they’ve had globally.
Here’s to BTS and the countless lives they’ve inspired to dream, love, and believe in themselves. Happy Anniversary, BTS. Apobangbo, Borahae BTS, Borahae ARMY.
Love it. Well done 🤗