BTS will be making history after they release their fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG.” The idols have created an amazing blueprint in the Kpop scene, and they are considered one of the exponents of the genre worldwide. But how did they get all of this recognition? Let’s go back in time.
It has been over 13 years since the Kpop band BTS exploded into the world when they first hit the scene in June 2013 with “NO MORE DREAM.” The seven members of RM, Jin, Jimin, Suga, J-hope, V, and Jungkook redefined Kpop music like no other musical group.
Then, the idols embarked on their first world tour, “The Red Bullet Tour,” while they were recording their breakthrough era with The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1 & 2. The idols gained recognition for their amazing storytelling and youth-focused themes, bringing a new side of the Kpop.
2016 was such a special year for the idols as they entered the Billboard 200 Top 30 for the first time with their album, “Wings,” which became their first million-selling album. During 2017, the idols were the first Kpop act to win Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, making a strong presence in the American market.
Since then, the idols have been visiting the United States multiple times to perform at the American Music Awards, deliver a speech at the United Nations with UNICEF’s Love Myself campaign, and perform on Saturday Night Live.
2020 became the boy band’s peak as they debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 with “Dynamite” and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The strong presence in the charts was far from over as “Butter” and “Permission to Dance” also topped the list.
2023 seemed to be the end for the boy band, after all seven members will be enlisted in the South Korean military on different dates, which will cause a commotion among their fans, better known as ARMY. However, ARMY patiently waited until 2025 for all members to be discharged from their mandatory military service
This is just an example of how a boy band can become a major influence worldwide. Now, 2026 is gearing up for BTS’ comeback preparations. The idols will be releasing “ARIRANG” on March 20, 2026. So, a new chapter will be written of this glorious journey.