BTS's Backstory: From Trainees to K-pop Icons
Ever wondered how BTS became the global sensation they are today? What challenges did they face on their journey from trainees to superstars?
In their book Beyond the Story, Myeongseok Kang and BTS take you behind the scenes of their incredible rise to fame. You'll discover the BTS backstory, from their diverse backgrounds to their struggles as newcomers in the K-pop industry.
Get ready to explore the early days of BTS and learn how seven young men from different parts of South Korea came together to achieve their dreams.
From Trainees to Superstars: Bts's Early Days
Diverse Backgrounds, One Dream
The BTS backstory is a tale of determination and dreams. Before becoming the global sensation we know today, they were just seven young men from different parts of South Korea, all sharing a common goal: to make it big in the music industry. Each member brought their own unique talents, experiences, and aspirations to the table, setting the stage for their incredible journey.
For some, like Jung Kook and V, the journey began with leaving their hometowns for the bustling city of Seoul. This move wasn't just about changing locations; it meant adapting to a whole new way of life. They found themselves in chaotic living situations, dealing with emotional adjustments, and navigating cultural shifts.
SUGA and j-hope, hailing from Daegu and Gwangju respectively, faced the daunting task of changing their life trajectories to pursue a dream in the unpredictable world of music. Meanwhile, RM's path took him from dancing in Hongdae to pursuing his passion for rap, showing unwavering determination in the face of challenges.
Building a Team From Scratch
Living together in cramped quarters, the members of BTS had to quickly learn how to coexist and collaborate. They took on various household responsibilities and helped each other adapt to their new environment. This period wasn't without its challenges – they even had a run-in with a dishonest taxi driver!
SUGA and j-hope stepped up as mentors, taking on the roles of rhythm and dance coaches. This not only fostered a disciplined atmosphere but also allowed them to refine their own skills across different musical genres.
To build a sense of unity, the group found common interests and established daily routines. They bonded over Korean comics and Japanese anime, aligned their meal times, and shared household chores. These shared experiences laid the foundation for the tight-knit group we see today.
Navigating the K-pop Industry
As newcomers to the pop idol scene, BTS faced an uphill battle. They entered a world dominated by established powerhouses and rigid expectations. The challenge was to create an authentic musical identity that set them apart from the "Big 3" agencies while also addressing criticism.
Initially, the group struggled to establish a unique creative identity. They faced skepticism and accusations of mimicking groups like BIGBANG. For RM and SUGA in particular, aligning with the demands of pop stardom conflicted with their roots in underground hip-hop.
Debut and Early Challenges
BTS's debut album featured tracks like "We are bulletproof PT.2" and "No More Dream," which reflected their shared dreams and pursuit of recognition. These songs offered a raw and authentic portrayal of the obstacles they faced in their lives.
After winning the Best New Artist award, BTS entered a music scene that was primarily focused on their contemporaries. They faced prejudice that seemed to undervalue talents emerging from smaller companies. The group encountered significant hurdles, including Jimin's vocal issues and accusations of copying and gender bias in their lyrics.
A Unique Marketing Approach
Before their official debut, BTS employed innovative marketing tactics to connect with potential fans. They used a blog as a crucial promotional tool, offering glimpses into the members' individual journeys and emotions. The group shared energetic snippets and well-rehearsed dance routines, showcasing talents like Jimin's, to build anticipation for their launch.
Through video diaries and blog posts, BTS revealed their genuine talents and personalities. This approach contrasted with the polished personas typically seen on TV, making them more relatable to their audience. The "EAT JIN" mukbang video series is a prime example of how they created content that deepened their connection with fans.
The Road to Global Fame
BTS's journey from trainees to global icons wasn't an easy one. They faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and the aftermath of a failed celebrity endorsement campaign. However, their dedication to authenticity and their unique approach to fan engagement set them apart.
Their story serves as a testament to the challenging journey that K-pop trainees, especially those from smaller companies, must undertake. Despite their diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience, what united them was their unwavering determination and a shared, definitive goal.
As they prepared for their debut, BTS pushed themselves to their limits, both physically and mentally. In the process, they developed a team dynamic that would eventually garner extraordinary global recognition. Their early days laid the foundation for the worldwide phenomenon they would become, proving that with talent, hard work, and a genuine connection with fans, even underdogs can rise to the top of the music industry.