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). 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. 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.” 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. In Jimin’s word, “Be what you want to be, not what others want to see”.
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. 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”.
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.
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. 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. 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”.
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. 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. 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. Although each member of BTS possesses remarkable talents, the group consistently stresses the significance of teamwork and unity. J-Hope once advised, “When things get tough, look at the people who love you! You will get energy from them”.
As we celebrate another anniversary of BTS’s debut, let us acknowledge their achievements and 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.
Very inspiring🥹🥹