Bangtansonyeondan—more popularly known as BTS—is a South Korean boy band who debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE). The group comprises seven members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Together, they have become one of the world’s most popular and successful music groups, with a devoted fan base known as the “ARMY.”
BTS first gained attention in South Korea with their debut single “No More Dream,” but it wasn’t until their hit song “Blood Sweat & Tears” that they truly broke through to the mainstream. Since then, they have released many successful albums, including “Love Yourself: Tear,” “Map of the Soul: 7,” and “BE (Deluxe Edition).”
One thing that sets BTS apart from other K-pop groups is their dedication to creating music with meaningful lyrics. Many of their songs address social issues, such as mental health and self-love, and the group has earned a lot of praise for their positive influence on young people.
In addition to their music, BTS is known for their energetic and visually stunning live performances. They have toured extensively, performing in arenas and stadiums worldwide, and have won numerous awards for their concerts.
BTS has also made a name for themselves outside of the music industry. They have been featured in several magazines, including Rolling Stone and Time, and have appeared on famous US talk shows such as The Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The success of BTS has made them role models for many fans, and they are known for their philanthropy and charitable work. Together with UNICFE, they launched their Love Myself campaign in 2018 to promote self-acceptance and end violence against children and young people.
BTS is a global phenomenon that has significantly impacted the music industry and beyond. Their talent, dedication, and positive message have earned them a massive and loyal fan base that continues to grow each day.
Seoul, South Korea’s capital city, is ablaze with hues of purple as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of global superstars BTS. The city is hosting the 2023 BTS Festa, a two-week festival packed with festivities and tributes to honor the septet’s remarkable achievements over the past decade.
Artwork
The event began with artwork adorning 11 locations throughout the city. This collaboration between BTS’s agency, HYBE Corporation, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government aims to pay tribute to the group’s groundbreaking accomplishments. Each work of art was bathed in purple light, which carries a profound significance as purple is BTS’s official color. It symbolizes the group’s connection to the fans and commitment to staying together “for as long as possible.”
Seoul’s skyline also participated in BTS’s 10th anniversary. Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, the HYBE building, Lotte World Tower, Namsan Seoul Tower, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Some Sevit (a cultural complex made up of three man-made floating islands in Banpo Han River Park), and Seoul City Hall cast a magical purple glow upon the city. Finally, come nighttime, four Han River bridges—Banpo Bridge, World Cup Bridge, Yanghwa Bridge, and Yeongdong Bridge—also turned purple.
The celebration extended beyond Seoul, as the city’s postal service issued commemorative stamps in honor of this occasion.
Look there are a lot grandpa lining up to buy "bts 10th anniversary stamps" 😭💓
People line up to purchase stamps marking the 10th anniversary of @BTS_twt debut at a post office in Seoul on June 13, 2023.
According to K-media, this is the first time in history that the Korea Post office issued a commemorative stamp featuring an active singer or group. pic.twitter.com/IIumDba1Bj
Moreover, LED displays throughout the city flashed congratulatory messages for each member of BTS, amplifying the jubilant atmosphere. Seoul officials also put together a map of BTS-specific locations, including places where they filmed their official music videos.
As locals and tourists alike immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere, they bear witness to the undeniable cultural phenomenon that BTS has become and the lasting impact the group has had on the city’s identity. The displays in Seoul are a testament to the power of music and the bond between BTS and their devoted ARMY.
The highly anticipated BTS book is finally coming next month. The supergroup just unveiled the official cover for Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS. Additionally, BTS dropped the trailer for their upcoming biography.
‘Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS’ Official Cover, Book Trailer Released
Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS is written by journalist Kang Myeongseok and the seven members of the group. It will be structured as “an oral history of” the group’s story. Anton Hur is responsible for the English translation, in collaboration with Clare Richards and Slin Jung.
The seven chapters of the book will be collected in 544 pages. It will also include exclusive photographs and never-before-seen images of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook.
Beyond the Story is already available for pre-order. The book is set to be released on July 9, 2023. That’s the same day that the group announced their fandom name. This effectively means that the biography will be BTS’ birthday gift to ARMY.
“Take Two” is a special gift for BTS’s fans and “conveys their appreciation toward ARMY.” It is the second full-group single that has been released since Jin and J-Hope enlisted for military service.
BTS is officially 10 years old. The supergroup celebrated their 10th anniversary since their debut in 2013. In honor of ARMYs who supported them along their way, the idols shared heartwarming messages for their fans.
They say rivers and mountains change in ten years..and it’s true.
There have been endless new waves reaching new heights. There are so many late nights that I do not remember. Myself at 20 and 30 feel like completely different people. Now, my past self feels more unfamiliar.
It is quite special to feel enchanted by certain words. For a noun to become a pronoun. For bulletproof to become BTS, for army to become [BTS’s fan club] ARMY..
There was a lot of rain, wind, and love. We’ve built our own world that we may not make anyone else understand. Thanks to ARMY and the many people who helped us
We’ve had very special experiences that we can never experience again.
Looking back, even if I was momentarily soaked in reminiscence, I was used to kicking down doors and stepping out without rest. Even now, I am still taking a guess at our second chapter. I feel like we can become anything.
The worries and ambivalence I had at 17 and 20 years old are still valid now.
As I gradually become an adult
I learned that in the world, there are many things that cannot be explained through words and writing, And that things you thought would never change, change someday too.
Also, that the birth of one ‘name’
Needs the strength and love of so many people.
I am still incredibly immature. In the future too, I will likely continue to be unfamiliar, nervous, and in distress. But I will still move forward.
Apart and together, far but close, I have you all,
And I hope you all have me. My members, staff, family, and friends! And ARMY! You’ve worked so hard. Let’s live together well for the next 10 years too. In this bad world! I love you.
2023. June. 12.
Nam June
RM also shared several photos from BTS’ debut year. It didn’t take long before the other members began sharing their own heartwarming messages for ARMYs.
Jimin took to Weverse to share a sweet letter.
ARMY, this is Jimin.
Wow, it’s our 10th anniversary.
When did time pass this quickly? I met you when I was 19, and sometimes I can’t believe I’m 29 now.
I am an adult now.
My mind is still the same as when I was 19, but my body is hahaha….
It feels strange.
Anyway. I just miss you all.
In the past, I wondered what it would be like when we reach our 10th and 20th anniversary.
I don’t think there is much difference.
I think it’s actually pretty nice. I mean, I was a bit emotional earlier because I was watching Jin on “Suchwita” But I’m just happy.
Rather than feeling sad or anything, should I say I feel entirely happy because it’s like things shared with ARMY keep piling up one by one?
It may sound strange to say this, but it feels different from “It’s the first anniversary!!!It’s the second anniversary!!”
It’s just like wow.
Huh huh we’re here now.
No, actually this is not it. Umm it’s hard to express with words.
Actually, since last year, I was feeling a bit depressed at first because it seemed like our time together had stopped, but it wasn’t like that.
Us thinking of each other while in our own positions, thinking about what we can do now, and continuing to try, all these things are what we’re together.
So these days, I’m entirely happy.
Of course, I miss ARMY even more. I’m also very curious about how you are doing these days and what kind of worries you have, but I’m sorry that I couldn’t come around more often. But I still think of ARMY all the time.
I think I said these things often.
Such as, “Eight years is long if it is long and short if it is short…,” “9 years is…,” and so on.
But the 10-year period feels different.
Some sort of strong [feeling] that cannot be ignored by anyone, so it can be understood and shared even more Yes, this is the kind of feeling I got. I’m happy. So I want to protect this relationship more and work harder.
I’ve told ARMY many times already that supporting, loving, and giving strength for no reason is not something anyone can do. So I really feel that we are such happy people.
All of you who make us feel all these things should also feel overflowing happiness and be loved.
You should. Okay? Dear ARMY, whom I am always thankful for and love, Let’s be happy for a long long time from now on.
The other BTS members decided to share their messages on the social media platforms. Suga simply shared a photo featuring the group bowing to their audience. “TAKE TWO 💜 Thank you everyone, and I love you!” he wrote.
Kim Taehyung, aka V, had several videos to share on his Instagram stories. However, his message was sweet and straightforward.
“It has already been 10 years since we debuted…,” V wrote. “Thank you to our members for making good memories together and for being healthy for 10 years.”
“ARMY, thank you so much, and we work with strength thanks to you,” he continued. “Continue taking care of your health and have only happy days. That is our only hope.”
230613 V on IG 🐻*captions for all 4 videos combined* it’s already our 10 year anniversary since we debuted..
In 2nd 🐻look here! 🐹yeah 🐿️smile~ 🐥i’m doing a v now
In 3rd 🐥hyung lets do it
In 4th: 🐿️are you taking [the photos]? 🐻it’s a video 🐿️ay shouldve told me earlier + pic.twitter.com/yO94L40zrY
“Borahae. ARMY forever, BTS forever,” Kim Taehyung added. “There are too many videos, so I’ll release more on the 20th anniversary. Bye!”
Although Jin and J-Hope are both serving in the military, they still managed to share messages for BTS’ 10th anniversary. Jin posted his letter on Weverse.
Hello, this is Jin.
We have reached our 10th anniversary thanks to our ARMY.
They say that even rivers and mountains change in 10 years, but it’s quite amazing that the love between BTS and ARMY does not change.
I also want to give some kind of 10th anniversary content to you.. but it’s really too bad that I can’t join. I should have filmed more content before enlisting.. I’m not sure how to express my apologetic feelingsㅠㅠ
I know that our remaining members are carrying out 10th anniversary content well.. I have 365 days one year left of military life, and for our 11th anniversary, instead of going home right after being discharged, I will go to our company building and greet you through a Weverse live.
Of course if the time is early, I could come after being at home, but I will not make any other plans and will be together with all of you on my discharge day on our 11th anniversary.
I am so happy to at least be able to say words like this haha Thank you so much for spending our 10th anniversary together with us, and we hope you will be together with us until our bodies can handle performing.
ARMY ♡ BTS
-Jin-
J-Hope had a special illustration for ARMYs which he shared on his personal Instagram account. “This is the best I can do in the military,” he wrote. “10-year anniversary, thank you ARMY.”
Interestingly, the last BTS member to post about their 10th anniversary was their maknae and it was worth the wait. Jungkook shared his letter on Weverse.
“I see that everyone wrote touching letters…I was thinking about how to write this, so I’m just going to write as myself,” he wrote.
“I know that I have gone through so much with ARMY, and it sometimes feels like it’s been too long, but in a blink of an eye, 10 years have passed??” Jungkook continued. “I don’t remember every detail clearly. I think there were happy times and sad times and times when I cried, but I don’t remember them very clearly.”
“Of course, I’m sure if we were to go over each incident, I would know them all,” he added. “I think because I always focus on the present, it’s become a habit of mine to quickly forget the past.”
Jungkook on weverse 🌟
"ARMY, stay healthy. BTS,stay healthy…love each other I can't imagine living without ARMY anymore ..Anyway, the conclusion There's nothing special about the 10th anniversary, let's go to 20th anniversary "
Jungkook continued, “My hyungs remember everything… But if someone brings it up, I’ll know it (memories)!!! The memory is just on a brief vacation! All of the memories are in this Jungkook’s heart.”
He then thanked fans for their continued support through the years.
“The fact that 10 years have gone by so fast means it has been really fun! You know, because if you aren’t having fun, time goes by slowly!” Jungkook wrote.
“Thanks to ARMY 10 years have gone by in a blink of an eye. Thank you for being with us for 10 years!!!” he added. “I hope ARMY and BTS members are all healthy, so even in the future, we can walk together while loving each other.”
“I can’t even imagine a life without ARMY,” he admitted. “But I just realized while writing that my personality has changed a lot.”
“Anyways, in conclusion, 10 years is nothing. 20 years, here we come!” Jungkook concluded.
BTS is officially 10 years old. The supergroup is celebrating their 10th anniversary since debut and they have awesome gifts for ARMYs. The fun photos for BTS FESTA 2023 have been unveiled. In addition to that, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook released a new digital single “Take Two”.
BTS Drops Awesome FESTA 2023 Photos, New Digital Single ‘Take Two’
“The song conveys their appreciation toward ARMY for all the love you shower them with and their desire to always be together with you,” the agency confirmed in a statement.
“We sincerely express our gratitude to ARMY for making the 10th anniversary possible with your endless love for BTS, and we hope that ‘Take Two’ will become a precious ‘Gift’ from BTS to you all,” it added.
The new photos and digital single are only the latest of the awesome treats for BTS’ 10th anniversary. The celebratory event will drop several surprises in the next few days. FESTA’s grand finale this year is the BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA @ Yeouido at Yeouido Hangang Park on June 17, 2023.
In related news, BTS will publish their own book in July. “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” will be written by journalist Kang Myeongseok and the seven members of the group. It is scheduled for release on July 9, 2023.
BTS rapper Suga has reunited with American singer-songwriter Halsey for an awesome new project. The duo just dropped the official MV for the DIABLO IV anthem “Lilith”.
BTS’ Suga Reunites With Halsey For The Dark and Moody MV For The DIABLO IV Anthem ‘Lilith’
On June 5, Halsey’s YouTube channel uploaded the new music video for “Lilith”. The new MV is a remake of Halsey’s song and features BTS rapper Suga. It has been confirmed that the darker and moodier remix will serve as the official theme for Blizzard’s latest video game.
It’s a fitting theme for DIABLO IV which takes place 50 years after the events of DIABLO III: Reaper of Souls. In the game, the player needs to explore and survive in the world of Sanctuary after the demon and main antagonist Lilith is resurrected.
Halsey had previously performed “Lilith” at The Game Awards 2022 as a joint promotion with the Blizzard title. However, it is the remix featuring BTS rapper Suga that will serve as the game’s official theme.
Halsey first collaborated with BTS on “Boy with Luv” in April 2019. She later worked with Min Yoongi on “Suga’s Interlude”, a promotional single for her 2020 album ‘Manic’.
The “Gasoline” singer, whose real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, previously explained why she chose to work with Suga.
“Yoongi is really introspective and has this really intelligent perspective on where we are and what we are doing in our unique lifestyles,” she said.
DIABLO IV is one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2023. Originally announced by Blizzard in 2019, it is the fourth main installment of the video game series. It features the return of the Rogue class, a character class that was last seen in the first game.
DIABLO IV was released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on June 5, 2023.
BIGHIT Music is finally addressing the rumors surrounding Jeon Jungkook. The agency has clarified the plans for the BTS maknae’s rumored solo debut in July this year.
BIGHIT Music Debunks BTS Jungkook’s July Solo Debut Date
On June 4, BIGHIT Music issued a statement regarding the rumors about Jungkook’s July solo debut.
“The schedule relating to Jungkook’s solo album release will be revealed after it is confirmed,” the statement read.
The statement was released by BIGHIT Music shortly after Sports Chosun reported about Jungkook’s upcoming solo. In the initial report, it was indicated that the BTS singer will release his solo album on July 14, 2023.
The report also revealed that the solo album will feature an English-language B-side track. Moreover, they reported that Jungkook will have global solo activities to promote the album.
Although BIGHIT Music did not confirm that Jungkook’s solo album will be dropping next month, the agency made it clear that the BTS member is planning something. With that in mind, ARMYs are already looking forward to an official announcement from the company.
Jungkook recently made headlines after opening up about his military enlistment in the future. The “Euphoria” singer confirmed he will eventually enlist. However, he plans to make sure his fans get used to his shorter haircut without them even noticing.
“Rather than cutting all my hair suddenly, I will gradually cut it shorter and shorter,” Jungkook said. “It’s called hair-lighting,” Jungkook said, making a play on words from “gaslighting”.
“I will keep cutting my hair shorter until you guys all of a sudden ask, ‘What, when did his hair become so short?’ ‘When did he buzz his hair?’ And so I will make it so that (my short haircut) feels natural,” he added.
RM is proving that the MDA (Ministry of National Defense) Agency for KIA (Killed in Action) Recovery & Identification chose right. The BTS leader delivered an inspiring speech at his appointment ceremony as the new public relations ambassador for MAKRI.
BTS Leader RM Chosen as New MAKRI PR Ambassador
On June 1, RM attended the MAKRI appointment ceremony as the organization’s new PR ambassador. During the ceremony, the BTS rapper accepted his new role with a gracious speech.
“First of all, it is a sincere honor to serve such great people as the public relations ambassador for the KIA Recovery and Identification Organization. This year marks the 10th anniversary of BTS’ debut,” Kim Namjoon said.
“Over the past 10 years, we have conveyed numerous messages through diverse songs and campaigns,” he added. “However, I have often reflected on how to reciprocate the love that we’ve received from our Korean fans and fellow citizens.”
“It started with an interest in what I can do to express and represent my love for Korea and its culture,” RM continued. “Visiting museums showcasing Korea’s traditional ancient art and modern, contemporary Korean art was integral to this personal exploration.”
“I sincerely believe that BTS and I can dare to be here in 2023 because there are many people who have worked hard in their respective positions until the country, which was devastated by the Korean War and more, prospered beautifully like this. We give you our infinite gratitude and respect.”
RM Explains How MAKRI Helps South Korean Citizens
RM then shared how being the new ambassador for MAKRI is in line with BTS’ goals. He also explained how the organization helps the citizens of South Korea reunite with lost relatives.
“Lastly, I am honored and proud of myself because I was able to participate in meaningful work with the many people who participated in this event today. I will also work hard to become helpful to the KIA Recovery and Identification Organization even a little. Thank you,” the rapper concluded.
BTS is releasing another full-member single this year. The new song “Take Two” will be dropped in time for the group’s 10th anniversary. That also means it will be one of the special treats for ARMYs in the upcoming BTS Festa 2023.
BTS Announces New Full-Group Single ‘Take Two’
BIGHIT MUSIC issued a statement about the new BTS single on Weverse. The agency confirms that RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook participated in the production of “Take Two”.
“To celebrate their 10th anniversary, BTS will release the digital single ‘Take Two’ this coming June,” the statement read.
“All seven members participated in ‘Take Two’,” it continued. “The song conveys their appreciation toward ARMY for all the love you shower them with and their desire to always be together with you.”
“We sincerely express our gratitude to ARMY for making the 10th anniversary possible with your endless love for BTS, and we hope that ‘Take Two’ will become a precious ‘Gift’ from BTS to you all,” it added.
The statement also confirms that the new single will be released on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. KST.
ARMYs are certainly pleased with the announcement. There were previous concerns that BTS’ latest single “The Planet”might be the last full-group effort until 2025. However, BTS clearly wanted fans to get a special gift in time for their 10th anniversary.
The announcement of “Take Two” is the first major update for BTS Festa 2023, the month-long event when the group celebrates their anniversary. BTS previously unveiled a special map teasing the event’s timeline.
In related news, BTS leader RM will be officially appointed as the public relations ambassador for MAKRI on June 1. MAKRI stands for the MDA (Ministry of National Defense) Agency for KIA (Killed in Action) Recovery & Identification. The organization works to recover the remains of war heroes who lost their lives in the Korean War and returns them to their families.
Bang Si Hyuk is finally revealing the truth behind one of K-pop’s great mysteries. The HYBE chairman shared the real reason why BTS started releasing English-language songs in 2020.
The Real Reason Why BTS Began Releasing English-Language Songs Revealed By Bang Si Hyuk
Bang Si Hyuk was interviewed by Rolling Stone as part of the magazine’s cover story on BTS. In the interview, the BIG HIT MUSIC founder discussed how HYBE decided that the supergroup should release an English song. The company then worked with UK songwriting duo David Stewart and Jessica Agombar for “Dynamite”.
So why did HYBE decide that it was time for BTS to record a song in the English language? Bang Si Hyuk revealed that COVID-19 was the main cause.
“‘Dynamite’ would not have been released if BTS had been on tour as scheduled,” Bang said. “The project was chosen to shift the mood as a response to the pandemic situation.”
Back in 2020, BTS was slated to support the ‘Map of the Soul’ album series with a concert series. The ‘Map of the Soul Tour’ was scheduled to begin in April of that year. However, it was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Bang Si Hyuk, “Dynamite” was the perfect song to comfort ARMYs who were disappointed by the tour cancellation and COVID-19’s global impact. Moreover, Bang believed BTS’ message would be best conveyed in English.
“I thought it matched BTS, and that the song’s trendy vibes would be better expressed if sung in English,” he said.
Hitman Bang was certainly right about that. “Dynamite” debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became BTS’ first chart-topper and they became the first all-South Korean act to earn a number-one single in the US.
The global success of “Dynamite” would then lead to a second English-language single for BTS. “Butter” was released in May 2021 and it also debuted at number one on the Hot 100.
Jungkook is opening up about his impending mandatory military enlistment. The BTS maknae confirmed that he is already thinking about enlisting for military service. In preparation for his enlistment, Jeon Jung-kook revealed his plan that will ease ARMYs into the idea.
Jungkook Discusses Future Military Enlistment
On May 25, Jungkook held a live stream to interact with his fans. During the broadcast, an ARMY commented, “The military loves you.” The “Euphoria” singer agreed, saying, “It’s true.”
Once military was mentioned, Jungkook immediately remembered his fellow BTS members who have enlisted. He pointed out that J-Hope has finally graduated after several weeks of basic training and shared a photo with the idols. The “My Time” vocalist then admitted that Jung Hoseok has grown so much during his training.
— • Military Wife🪞 •FAN ACCOUNT• (@OT7_06_13) May 24, 2023
“Our Hope hyung recently had a ceremony for completing training,” Jung-kook said. “Hope hyung uploaded a selfie on our group chat, and his eyes became very manly.”
Jungkook then stated that he will also need to fulfill his military obligations in the future. However, he assured ARMYs that he would return in a cool manner.
“Ah, I have to go (to the military), too, though,” he said. “I’ll go and return cooly.”
Jung Kook then shared how he intends to ease fans into the idea of his military enlistment. According to the “Dreamers” singer, he will not cut his hair suddenly. Instead, he plans to cut it shorter gradually until ARMYs get used to the shorter look.
“Rather than cutting all my hair suddenly, I will gradually cut it shorter and shorter,” Jungkook said. “It’s called hair-lighting,” he added, making a play on words from “gaslighting”.
“I will keep cutting my hair shorter until you guys all of a sudden ask, ‘What, when did his hair become so short?’ ‘When did he buzz his hair?’ And so I will make it so that (my short haircut) feels natural,” Jungkook said.
if we see Jungkook's hair getting shorter and shorter, we'll know his military time is coming pic.twitter.com/UoEkaGx5sm
It’s a thoughtful idea that ARMYs immediately appreciated. Fans were grateful that Jungkook is always thinking about how his supporters will feel about his military enlistment.
