Why You Should Stan BTS

Global takeovers and pop sensations BTS (Korean: 방탄소년단; Romanization: Bangtan Sonyeondan) are arguably the biggest emerging boy group since the early days of One Direction. They're not stopping any soon.

BTS was my true introduction to contemporary K-pop, and it was interesting to see how a group like BTS has been the face of new wave of K-pop. It took me awhile to get into them, if I'm being honest. I haven't looked back on that decision.

1. They have an inspiring underdog story.
This is something I just really admire about the group. Coming from incredibly small company Big Hit Entertainment (founded by former JYP producer Bang Si-hyuk), BTS literally started from nothing, having very limited resources at their disposal to make it in the incredibly tough K-pop industry. It's amazing and a glorious miracle that the group has the kind of success it experiences now.

2. They're self-producing.
All members have been involved in some part of their group's music-making process. Truth be told, that just makes the music that they put out all the more authentic. BTS is one of those K-pop idol groups that blur the line between idol and musician. They're truly artists in their genre, and the stuff that they write easily transcends any barriers. Rappers RM, Suga, and J-Hope have all released mix-tapes that they self-wrote and self-produced, which reveal the personalities and music tastes of the rappers in a more intimate fashion.

3. They're incredibly grateful for their fans.
Because of their underdog background, BTS is incredibly thankful for their fans who have levitated them to the stratosphere of K-pop. K-pop is always reliant on fans above all else (money is, after all, money), but the sincerity that BTS expresses towards their fans is very special.

A scene from one of their many sold-out arena concerts

4. They always are mindful of their roots.
No one is more aware of their origins as BTS is. Their discography throughout the years is tinged by the sort of people-with-big-dreams mindset that landed them to where they are now, and they embrace their past selves even as they delve in various genres in their music. Above all, the group remains incredibly humble about the success they have achieved, and that's something very admirable.

5. They have some of the most unique vocalists in K-pop.
Arguably, their singers (Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook) don't have the best technique in K-pop, but their vocal colors are incredibly diverse and distinctive. I think that's what sets them apart from other groups, because there whole image is just imbued with identity, even coming down to easily distinguishing who's singing.

6. Their dancing is off-the-charts.
Despite only having three formally-trained dancers in the group, BTS is known for their synchronicity in their dances that also set them apart from other groups. The dances are hard, engaging, and incredibly seamless.

7. Their rappers are some of the best rappers in K-pop.
Part of it has to do with credibility. Members RM and Suga were part of underground hip-hop scenes before joining Big Hit as idols, for one thing. They also are just good rappers. All three members are known for their distinctive styles and their individual flairs that make BTS's rap line the strongest in K-pop. RM is known for his clever use of wordplay (especially with melding Korean and English lyrics to fit with that wordplay) and his diverse delivery. Suga's style is equally wide-ranging, whether that be adopting a very chill vibe or delivering bullet-fast verses, penning incredibly raw lyrics with little regard to censoring himself (he basically couldn't care less about what people think about his lyrics). J-Hope's personality quite literally bursts from his rapping, giving you a high sense of energy any time you listen to him.

Rappers Suga (left), J-Hope (middle), and RM (right)

Stan talent. Stan BTS.