K-POP MUSIC: A GUIDE TO BTS (BANGTAN BOYS)
PBS has the lowdown on helping you understand why everyone is raving over BTS.
1. Who is BTS?
BTS is an acronym for Bangtan Boys, a seven-member South Korean boy group marked by their debut in June 2013. Formed in 2010, they did not make their official debut until 2013 due to constant member changes. Their journey began with debut single 'No More Dream.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw540DtB5mM
They have a number of accolades under their belt, receiving 'New Artist of the Year' across the 2013 MelOn Music Awards, Golden Disk Awards, and 2014 Seoul Music Awards.
The group consists of the following members:
- Rap Monster (Kim Nam-joon; 김남준): Leader and rapper. The only original member of BTS since 2010.
- Jin (Kim Seok-jin; 김석진): Vocalist and dancer. Loves the colour pink.
- Suga (Min Yoon-gi; 민윤기): Rapper. Seen as lazy.
- J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok; 정호석): Rapper and dancer. Wants to be a source of light and hope.
- Jimin (Park Ji-min; 박지민): Vocalist and dancer. Often prone to being teased on Weekly Idol programs.
- V (Kim Tae-hyung; 김태형): Vocalist.
- Jungkook (Jeon Jung-kook; 전정국): Vocalist, rapper and dancer.
2. What does BTS sound like?
Check out our favourite BTS songs:
- We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2
- Boy In Luv
- I NEED U
- DOPE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqhWHy0rrtM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8MfJg68oCs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMdTd9e-LEI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVwAVbKYYeM
3. Why are they here?
BTS have a large following in Australia across a diverse culture, and their popularity extends beyond Koreans and Asians.
Sydney and Melbourne are two stops on their tour in Australia for the:
2015 BTS LIVE TRILOGY: Episode II. The Red Bullet
Sydney Date: Friday 10th July Venue: Roundhouse at University of New South Wales Melbourne Date: Sunday 12th July Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
4. What can I expect from the concert?
Being a Korean pop group, all of their songs are 95% sung in Korean except for parts of their verses and hooks.
The group is known for their incredible choreography and exceptional dance moves. Don't be surprised if the crowd gets a little rowdy.
There will always be someone with more knowledge of BTS than you. Our advice: go with the flow and have fun.
The biggest fan is the one who enjoys the music above all. Everything else is secondary.
5. Where can I learn more about BTS?
Check out the endless sea of music videos, interviews and live performance on their Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCweOkPb1wVVH0Q0Tlj4a5Pw
SBS Popasia offers a 24/7 radio show with "nonstop Asian Pop" whenever you want it. Download the app, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or listen on their website.
http://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/
