BTS x Brands: An Introduction

BTS or simply Bangtan Boys is a South Korean boy band consisting of 7 members from which 3 are rappers, 4 are vocalists and all of them can dance! BTS made their big debut under the entertainment company, Big Hit Entertainment in 2013. Big Hit was a small company that was on the verge of bankruptcy back then but has now become one the most profitable companies in South Korea, thanks to BTS who also contribute 0.03% to South Korea's economy. 

Big Hit Entertainment evolved into HYBE Corporation which operates as a record label, talent agency, music production company, event management, concert production and music publishing house. The company has also recently acquired Ithaca holdings, a company that manages pop stars like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and J Balvin.

The BTS members

The group’s name, which stands for the Korean expression Bangtan Sonyeondan (Korean: 방탄소년단), literally translates to “Bulletproof Boy Scouts”. With this name, the group aims to stand against the stereotypes, expectations, and criticisms that are placed on adolescents. Their lyrics are often personal and social commentaries on themes like - but not limited to - loss, mental health, coming of age, and the path to loving oneself. 

The Success Story:

BTS has definitely lived up to their name, rising against Asian stereotypes, and made a name for themselves in the Western world. They were the very first Korean group that received the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certification and the first Korean act that topped the US Billboard 200 chart. BTS also became the first South Korean group to reach the top on the Billboard Global 200 as well as the Billboard Hot 100 charts with their single “Dynamite”. 

With their follow-up releases “Savage Love”, “Life Goes On”, “Butter”, and “Permission to Dance”, the group was the fastest to gain five consecutive US number-one singles since Michael Jackson! “Butter”, the second all-English song by the band, broke multiple records by becoming the most viewed music video on YouTube in the first 24 hours, the most streamed track on Spotify in the first 24 hours, and being No 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 9 consecutive weeks! “Permission to Dance” and “Butter” have also sparked an online challenge with people all around the world dancing to the songs, following the members’ steps, and posting on social media.

BTS has garnered a loyal fanbase all over the world, nicknamed ARMY, and regularly engage with them through platforms like Weverse, VLIVE, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Meet the Members:

Now that we know about the group and its record-breaking success, let’s get to know the members!

RM (Kim Namjoon, 26) (Leader)

JIN (Kim Seokjin, 29)

SUGA (Min Yoongi, 28)

J HOPE (Jung Hoseok, 26)

JIMIN (Park Jimin, 25) 

V (Kim Taehyung, 25)

JUNGKOOK (Jeon Jungkook, 23)

BTS x Brands:

BTS has worked with famous international brands like Samsung, Hyundai, Louis Vuitton, McDonald’s and more. These brands saw a visible spike in their revenue and publicity thanks to the huge BTS fanbase called ARMY standing for Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth. In our upcoming blogs, we take a closer look at the band's various collaborations, so stay tuned!