A New ARMY's Guide To The Members Of BTS, As The K-Pop Group Releases New English Song "Dynamite"
The seven-member band is about to blow up the charts and make history again with their first all-English track. But first, if you're a new member of the ARMY, we're giving you must-know things about these handsome, talented, and kind-hearted boys
Korean supergroup BTS is coming out with a new digital single titled “Dynamite” on August 21, and their millions of fans couldn’t be more excited. Only less than two months since releasing their record-breaking fourth Japanese album Map of the Soul: 7 - The Journey, which featured Japanese versions of their recent hits and two new songs “Stay Gold” and “Your Eyes Tell,” the seven-member band is about to make history again with their first all-English track.
Talking to fans via streaming app VLive on July 27, BTS said they are releasing “Dynamite” ahead of a new album set for later this year because they wanted to reach out to fans as soon as possible. “Due to COVID-19, people around the world have been going through tough times and we wanted to share some positive energy with our fans,” they said in the broadcast. The song carries a funky disco tune that’s catchy and danceable—something you’d want to play over and over to get in a cheerful mood.
Judging from the teaser that came out on August 18, the music video for “Dynamite” seems to show BTS paying homage to different eras of pop music through their outfits and set props. Some Michael Jackson poses are also seen incorporated in the choreo. In less than 12 hours since its release, the teaser video earned close to 20 million views on YouTube. On top of that, pre-orders for “Dynamite” merchandise and the limited edition cassette tape and vinyl records were sold-out in minutes. If those are indicative of anything, it’s that BTS is bound to reach greater heights with this new song.
Do you know BTS?
Whether or not you enjoy listening to K-Pop, BTS (which stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bulletproof Boy Scouts in Korean, and Beyond the Scene in English) is one artist group that you shouldn’t discount. Their music crosses different genres from pop to hip-hop, to ballads and EDM tracks with lyrics that sing of self-love, finding your dream, and blocking out negativity, among others.
With a stellar career spanning seven years—and no signs of stopping anytime soon—they have certainly earned the status of "living legends" despite being young. So who’s BTS, you ask? Here’s a quick profile on the seven members to help you keep up:
BTS 101
BTS 101
RM
Real name: Kim Namjoon | Born: September 12, 1994 | Listen to him on: “Trivia: Love” from "Love Yourself: Answer" | Animal emoji (used by fans to ID the members on social media): 🐨 Koala
RM
The group leader and main rapper, RM is also BTS’ resident translator as he speaks fluent English, which he learned by watching the TV show "Friends" growing up. BTS was basically built around RM, who, in his early teens, already made quite a name for himself in the Korean underground rap scene for his mind-blowing lyrics and fluid rap style.
RM
Although it’s easy to get smitten by his towering built, bedimpled smile, and IQ of 148, his best charms are his tender and sincere attitude toward the members and their fans, and his childlike clumsiness that has earned him the title “god of destruction.” Fans have coined the term “Namjooning” after him, which is defined as “the act of living as Kim Namjoon—walking through parks, admiring nature, hanging out with crabs, and having fun with friends.”
Jin
Real name: Kim Seokjin | Born: December 4, 1992 | Listen to him on: “Tonight” digital single available on BTS Soundcloud | Animal emoji: 🐹 Mouse
Jin
The hardworking eldest hyung (older brother), Jin is unofficially in charge of humor in BTS. Oftentimes caught cracking dad jokes and so-corny-they’re-funny puns, Jin is credited by the members as their “icebreaker,” who taught them to embrace their fun and silly side. A walking beacon of confidence, he unabashedly introduces himself in interviews as Worldwide Handsome Jin, which isn’t even a lie because he could practically end models’ careers with his striking visuals (to be fair, they all do).
Jin
He is also the group’s resident thespian—having taken up acting in college before joining BTS—and piano-playing balladeer who writes and sings songs that you can add to your bedtime playlist.
SUGA
Real name: Min Yoongi | Born: March 9, 1993 | Listen to him on: “Daechwita” from "D-2" | Animal emoji: 🐱 Cat
SUGA
SUGA initially joined Big Hit Entertainment as a music producer, but was later convinced to join the hip-hop group that the company’s CEO Bang Shi-hyuk originally planned to form. Making up 1/3 of BTS’ Rap Line, he is known for his hard-hitting lyrics that openly speak about the struggles he faced in the past and how he managed to overcome them.
SUGA
Fans sometimes call him “Savage SUGA” because of his IDGAF attitude, but he’s definitely a softie when he talks to ARMY (the name of their fandom) and whenever he sees the Japanese mascot Kumamon. Suga is also a multi-awarded solo artist (under his other alias Agust D) and producer, who has collaborated with various Korean and international artists.
j-hope
Real name: Jung Hoseok | Born: February 18, 1994 | Listen to him on: “Daydream” from "Hope World" | Animal emoji: 🦄 Unicorn
j-hope
Fans know that BTS are the “kings of duality,” but if anyone stands out the most in this category, that would be j-hope. As BTS’ main dancer, he is quite the strict perfectionist when it comes to choreography and the members would say he’s the scariest when he gets mad. But more often than not, he’s the jolly ray of sunshine whose infectious smile and laugh can cheer up a room in an instant, and he never shies away from showing his affection for his team and for ARMY.
j-hope
He’s also quite the scaredy cat when it comes to rollercoasters and extreme activities. As one of BTS’ rappers, he has earned success as a soloist with his 2018 EP "Hope World," which showcased his unique music style—light and breezy urban hip-hop brushed with feel-good lyrics. The mixtape debuted at No. 63 and peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard 200 chart, making him the highest-charting K-Pop solo act.
JIMIN
Real name: Park Jimin | Born: October 13, 1995 | Listen to him on: “Serendipity” from "Love Yourself: Answer" | Animal emoji: 🐥 Chick
JIMIN
Trained as a contemporary dancer, Jimin’s flexibility and insane body control always leave audiences in awe of his physical abilities. As one of BTS’ top vocalists, he currently holds the record for the highest-charting Korean song in the Billboard World Digital Song Sales with his solo song “Filter” from the "Map of the Soul: 7" album.
JIMIN
Arguably the cutest member of the group, Jimin is often called “mochi” by fans because of his adorable pouts, how he loses his eyes when he laughs, his eternal aegyo or cute demeanor, and the way he falls off chairs. Jungkook once said he is the easiest member to talk to and he is certainly one of the sweetest guys around with a sincere heart for his six brothers and for ARMY.
V
Real name: Kim Taehyung | Born: December 30, 1995 | Listen to him on: “Singularity” from "Love Yourself: Answer" | Animal emoji: 🐯 Tiger
V
Named multiple times as the “most handsome man in the world” by various Internet polls, V technically serves as the visual representative of BTS, effortlessly attracting new fans who get mesmerized by his good looks. Fans also call him “CGV” because of how his face could look so ethereal in photos that it can easily be mistaken for a computer generated artwork. An “old soul” when it comes to his music choices, V’s love for jazz and opera is reflected a lot in his deep, soothing vocals and record-breaking songs.
V
Then again, don’t let this smize master fool you because he also happens to be a smart cookie—always having a unique perspective on things. Like most of the members, V is an animal lover, and his pet dog Yeontan (a black-tan Pomeranian) could rival his own master’s Internet popularity. V is also one of the most playful and mischievous in the group, dominating the Dubsmash App in its heydays with his adorable crackhead antics. He is also most active in communicating with fans via the Weverse App, earning him the title of BTS’ “Director of Recreation.”
Jungkook
Real name: Jeon Junggeuk | Born: September 1, 1997 | Listen to him on: “My Time” from "Map of the Soul: 7" | Animal emoji: 🐰 Rabbit
Jungkook
Known as the “Golden Maknae” (youngest child), Jungkook is considered as BTS’ all-kill performer. Not only is he the main vocalist for their group songs, he is also a talented dancer, rapper, songwriter, athlete, photographer, videographer, and painter, among many other things. He debuted with BTS at the age of 15, and worked extremely hard to perfect his craft by taking extra hours to practice his song and dance routines.
Jungkook
Practically raised by his six hyungs for the past seven years, he’s absorbed most of their good traits and he remains as humble and respectful as he did in his rookie days despite his current superstar status. On stage, Jungkook always displays a powerful presence with his strong dancing and stable vocals, but once he turns off his performer switch, he goes back to being the group’s charming little baby who just loves to eat, play video games, joke around, and exercise.
We stan record breakers and good role models
In South Korea, BTS currently holds the record for most number of Daesang or grand prize, which is the top award given to artists. They are also the first K-Pop act to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Artist 100 Chart in 2018, have a chart-topping album in the UK with 2019’s Map of the Soul: Persona, win Top Social Artist and Top Duo/Group Award at the Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards, and the first K-Pop act to perform at the Grammy Awards earlier this year. They are also in the same league as The Beatles for having three No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 Chart in one year.
Aside from numerous feats as music artists, BTS is also recognized for their power to inspire people, especially the youth. In 2018, the band partnered with UNICEF for their Love Myself campaign, which encouraged young people to find love from within themselves and spread that love to others. The campaign also coincided with UNICEF’s own #ENDviolence program, which sought to promote kindness and end bullying.
Some say that BTS is being poised for world domination and that doesn’t sound at all like a bad thing. Their message of self-love and kindness toward others—which all seven members truly embody whether they’re in front of the camera or not—has resonated well with their fandom that is composed of a very diverse demographic including young kids, teens, professionals, and even senior citizens. Just check out their heartfelt commencement speech in YouTube’s "Dear Class of 2020" virtual graduation ceremony last June.
Through BTS, ARMYs have created a community that makes positive impacts by participating in various causes close to the boys’ heart. Recently, they matched BTS and Big Hit Entertainment’s $1 million donation to the Black Lives Matter campaign, and they also regularly conduct charity drives to celebrate BTS members’ birthdays or milestone anniversaries. If these aren't convincing enough to become a fan, then try watching their variety show Run BTS! on the Weverse app and just enjoy a few good laughs.
Photos from @bts.bighitofficial
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