All those who have known me personally or read my blogs would be well aware by now that I'm a diehard and hardcore fan of BTS( Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bulletproof Scouts), a South Korean Boyband made up of 7 young men in their 20s.
After riding an emotional roller coaster all through 2019, it's almost a year since I found BTS. It was actually my elder daughter who introduced me to the K Pop band.
Daddy's demise in the beginning of the year left me shocked and numb for a while as I got back to routine life mechanically. I had stopped listening to my favourite old Bollywood classics and ghazals because they only reminded me of Daddy. I stopped reading books. I stopped going out or socialising. I stopped smiling and even talking.
My daughters were watching me changing into a different person. I was sad. I wanted to be alone. I was in pain and I didn't want them to see me in pain.
One day my elder daughter Naomi came to me and wanted me to listen to a Korean song. Reluctantly, I listened to it. It was "Spring Day" by the Korean pop band BTS.
Though the song was in Korean, there were English subtitles which made the lyrics easy to understand. Spring Day is about missing those people who are important in your life but aren't around any more, about losing your loved ones. It's beautiful music and soulful lyrics alongwith the emotional rendition by the 7 singers/ rappers touched me somewhere deep.... It's still my favourite BTS song💜
Suddenly I found myself listening to more of their songs, watching their music videos as well as stage performances. I was very impressed by their team leader RM who is a gifted wordsmith! His speech in the United Nations floored me! He spoke against racism/ xenophobia, gender discrimination/homophobia and urged people not just to love others but also to love themselves.
BTS partnered with UNICEF for their Love Yourself Campaign where they addressed youth problems like bullying and other social issues like teen suicides etc. They also speak about mental issues and disorders like depression, anxiety, etc.
I couldn't get over the fact that these boys in their 20s had such a mature outlook towards life. They were aware of and dealt with their insecurities and fears while doing what they love to do - make music. I discovered there were many people all over the world, speaking different languages and coming from different cultures, who loved their music as much as I do. Their music brought people together, regardless of language barrier and cultural differences. It was a relief to listen to good and meaningful lyrics without any cusswords! I'd rather my kids listen to BTS rather than any famous western artist who have songs so full of cusswords that you cringe listening to them! I never thought I would ever listen to or like Rap in my life because I always associated Rap with lyrics full of slangs and abusive words that made me cringe!😖
With time I discovered that these boys were not just talented singers/rappers/dancers/performers but they also co-wrote the lyrics and co-produced the music of their songs. The septet also contribute to the aesthetics and creativity alongwith the professionals working with them. Each member of the band brings forth his unique and distinct style and personality which are in perfect harmony with that of the others.
It's been 7 years since the Bangtan Boys started out as a rookie group from an unknown agency. They lived in one room, cooked their own meals, attended school/classes besides practising for the performances. With sheer hard work and determination they proved their critics wrong.
Today each one of them is a millionaire and they are globally acknowledged as the most popular band since the Beatles. Their dedicated fans are called ARMYs. Although their fanbase is mostly girls and women, there's a sizeable number of men who appreciate them as artists. There are many Indian and foreign celebrities who proudly swear they are ARMYs- John Cena, Emma Stone, Ayushmann Khurrana, to name a few.
BTS is a brand in itself. It's a well known fact that anyone who is remotely connected to them becomes famous instantly! The boys have broken several records in the field of music and carved a niche for themselves. They are also the undisputed Kings of the social media. Be it Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or YouTube, BTS rules everywhere! Twitter crashes on the birthday of each member and their music breaks all records within hours of launch.
Recognised the world over as global artists and by Time magazine as one the most influential people today, BTS remains true to their roots. They still work just as hard as they used to and still remain humble, modest, well mannered and grounded despite their superstardom. Their success has been a result of hard work and perseverance and they never take it for granted! They are known to be extremely professional and passionate performers who go all out when they are on the stage. Their fans throng the venues in large numbers and their concerts are sold out in minutes! Those who have been to BTS Concerts call it an experience not to be missed!
Of course, it is on my bucket list! Maybe, someday, I will watch them perform live!
The first reaction of people to KPop in general and BTS in particular-
1. They look like girls!
2. They wear makeup!
3. Do you even understand Korean?
Well, since when did music need words?
And what does looks or makeup have anything to do with music? Can we simply judge an artist by his talent and hard work instead of his looks?
As RM says "Haters gonna hate. Players gonna play. Get a life,man!" Despite racist and xenophobic comments thrown at them, these boys have stuck to their positive message of love and peace.
BTS has burst the bubble of toxic masculinity. They have redefined the concept of 'being a man'. Well groomed and well dressed, their fashion transcends gender stereotypes. They are particular about their skincare and hair care and despite regular use of make up and hair colour, they have enviable skin and hair!
The Bangtan boys are emotional and express their feelings not just through their music but also their actions. They hug and look after each other. They laugh and cry freely without feeling insecure about being emasculated or ridiculed. They show affection and offer comfort to the band members, staff and the fans too.
Instead of making fun of them or their fans we could learn a lot from them-
1. Love and respect for one's country and culture
2. Hard work and dedication towards their profession
3. Modest and humble despite fame and wealth
4. Well behaved and respectful towards everyone
5. Empathy and consideration for others
6. Never complacent or arrogant about their achievements.
Love them or not, you just can't ignore them! They have the largest number of followers on Twitter, Instagram ,Tik Tok etc. They hold numerous records on all social media platforms- YouTube, Twitter, Instagram et al! They are all over Internet and the most searched for celebrities. They are social media kings!
Their fandom is multiracial, multilingual, multiethnic,multicultural, which has people from all ages and gender and is called ARMY( Adorable Representative MC for Youth). Through thick and thin the fandom has supported their boys.
Each member of BTS has a unique and distinct personality but instead of focusing on their differences, they adapted to each other. The older ones looked after the younger members and they continue to grow as a 'team' and as individuals, living up to their motto- Teamwork makes the dream work!
While there are definitely many inspiring people around, BTS stands out as a beacon of positivity because all they preach and practice is "love"- for one's own self and for others. It is their sincere message of love and positivity that beckons to people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, language or religion. Their genuine and sincere feelings, belief and conviction which reaches out to people transcending all man made barriers.
Love and music, when sincere, touches the depths of our soul and heals us. You hope, you smile and you carry on despite all adversities when you know you have the unconditional love and support of your loved ones. For me, that's what BTS is. In my saddest days, the music of BTS made me smile and get through the day. In my loneliest hours, their music was like a friend's embrace .... and like a medicine for my aching heart.
In this world where hatred, discrimination and negativity rules, 'my boys' stand out because they only preach and practice love and positivity! I'm so proud of them!
BTS was the best thing that happened to me in 2019.
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