Title: “BTS: Inspiring Success Through Perseverance”

Submitted By: Rimsha Rehmat

Roll No.: 6128

DCMT (Batch 1)

Section 2

Session 2023-2027

Submitted To: Prof. Talha Shadab

Institute of Media Studies, GCU Lahore.

Abstract:

The South Korean septet BTS has become an international sensation after experiencing

unheard-of success. The group members faced a difficult journey full of obstacles including

low funds, cultural differences, and mistrust of the business. They underwent intensive

training to hone their dancing, singing, and linguistic abilities before embarking on their

voyage. The group had to deal with early anonymity and worked hard to stand out in the

crowded K-pop scene. They disproved industry conventions and clichés, eventually gaining

acclaim for their skill and sincerity. Through overcoming linguistic and cultural hurdles, BTS

rose to fame and captivated people all over the world. Their influence extends beyond music;

they initiated conversations about mental health and promoted candid communication and de-

stigmatization. The band has gained a devoted following known as the ARMY, a global fan

base, thanks to their ability to persevere in the face of hardship and their dedication to

authenticity. Their influence on society's standards and beliefs goes beyond just

entertainment. The worldwide sensation of BTS serves as a testament to the strength of

tenacity, cooperation, and commitment to pushing limits. BTS's journey, from their early

hardships to their current status as cultural ambassadors, is proof of the transformational

power of talent, passion, and unshakable persistence on the road to success.

Introduction:

BTS stands for the Korean phrase “Bangtan Sonyeondan” which translates literally to

“Bulletproof Boy Scouts”. According to member J-Hope, the name signifies the group`s

desire to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim at adolescents like

bullets. BTS is a South Korean boy band formed in 2010, consisting of seven members,

Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Kim Namjoon, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and

Jeon Jungkook. They debuted in 2013 under BigHit Entertainment, and after constantly
facing hardships now they have become the first Asian to be a global icon.

Overcoming Challenges:

1. Financial challenges:

Some BTS members, even those from modest origins, experienced financial

challenges early in their careers. Their financial conditions are very poor. They have

debuted under the local and private companies so they have to work hard to overcome

the financial challenges. They almost could not debut because Big Hit was in debt,

going nearly bankrupt. And since Big Hit was not so popular, they were looked down

on by many k-netizens.

2. Trainee Years: Underwent years of voice instruction, dance classes, and intense

and taxing training sessions. They worked day and night, even though they did not

sleep for two to three days, and kept training and practicing to face the competition

and become successful.

 3. Cultural Barriers:

Because K-pop singers frequently need to appeal to both home and foreign audiences, they

had to navigate cultural divides. Due to their ethnicity and creed, they are not accepted in

Europe frequently and because of their culture and traditions, they have to fight with inner

obstacles as well. They just fought bravely against all these obstacles and became global

icons and now they have become the pride of their country.

4. Overcame Language Challenges:

Overcoming language hurdles, particularly in the beginning when some members' English

competence was low. South Korea is a country that focuses on its native language, so Korean

citizens face very hardships in talking to an international person. Their English language is so

weak and they feel difficulty communicating with the other world, BTS is the first Korean

band who overcome this obstacle and communicate with the world.

5. Business mistrust:

Because of their tiny agency and the prevalent prejudice against idol groups, they

encountered mistrust from the music business. Their first song “No More Dreams” was not

liked very much in its own country as well as internationally. Their first album did not earn a

reputation and did not sell enough so they had to go through a business crisis with other

countries. They have been rejected by many companies; no company wants to invest in them.

So, they started to produce and direct their albums and after this tireless hard work, they got

success.

6. Early Lack of acknowledgment:

Despite putting in a lot of effort to stand out in a crowded field, there was a dearth of

acknowledgment in the early going. BTS battled the widespread mistrust in the music
business about idol groups, as many people had doubts about their ability to succeed. They

had a somewhat low-key debut on several music shows, and at first, they had trouble

breaking through in the crowded K-pop scene. But BTS and their executives didn't give up.

Through social media, the group members actively interacted with fans, displaying their

personalities and forging a stronger bond with their followers. Their popularity increased

over time as they kept putting out songs and expanding the kind of stuff they produced. Their

"Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa" trilogy—which began with "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life,

Part 1" in 2015 and signaled a turning point in their career—was the catalyst for their

breakthrough. The popularity of these three albums and their follow-ups not only cemented

their spot in the South Korean music industry but also laid the groundwork for their

international rise. Their path from early lack of recognition to becoming a worldwide

phenomenon is today honored as an inspiring tale of tenacity and achievement.

7. Social Pressure:

Had to contend with conventional standards' scrutiny as well as society's expectations and

preconceptions related to the K-pop business. They have to face the hardships of the
stereotypes about their culture and norms. They have been bullied socially because of their

creed and ethnicity. before BTS, K-pop has not been well-known in the world. They have

considered the low-graded stars but BTS paved the way for the K-pop industry.

8. Mental Health Struggles:

Talking openly about mental health issues helps remove the stigma associated with them in

the entertainment business. They have been mentally tortured by working and practicing day

and night, lack of sleep, improper diet, inner criticism, and external competition. They have

been depressed due to the high demands of the world to become successful in the K-pop

industry.

9. Intense Schedule:

Oversaw a busy schedule that included worldwide tours, marketing, and performances,

which left her emotionally and physically spent. They become exhausted and weak, but they

never stop. Some members have gone through surgeries and medical illnesses due to the

pressure of an intense schedule.

10. Persistent Criticism: Overcame negativity and criticism that persisted, including

criticism based only on looks, yet continually overcame it to attain success on a worldwide

scale. In start, due to their get-ups and looks they have been critically criticized. The Korean

citizens criticized them because they were leaving their norms and becoming fashionable

according to them and they were also criticized by the world at the same time because of their

style, dress, and lifestyle.

11. Making a Debut in a Saturated Market:

Joined the fiercely competitive K-pop scene, where a plethora of groups fight for popularity

and attention, making it difficult to make an impression. In an era full of competition, BTS

struggled so hard to win the competition of this era and enlighten their name in a world full of

legends and competitions.

12. Longevity Struggle:

Showed their resilience by overcoming the typical obstacle in the entertainment sector of

sustaining relevance and appeal over a lengthy period. It has been 10 years and they have

struggled continuously without any breaks. In 2018, some members thought of disbanding

because they had been working as hard as they could but still, they were getting hate and

criticism, but other members condole them and they became each other’s strength and

struggled by heaps and bounds they have earned honor and respect and success.

13. Artistic Control:

As they gained greater recognition, they were able to exercise more creative control over

their music and image than they had at first. In the beginning, their profile was very low and

they did not have much artistic material but after passing such tough and rough obstacles they

have now artistic control.

14. Public Scrutiny:

During their ascent to fame, they faced considerable media attention and public scrutiny, as

well as rumors, speculative discussions, and privacy invasion. The haters and anti-army have

invaded their privacies several times, they have been given death threats, rumors of

plagiarism about their songs and dances have been spread, they have been called gays, and

fake rumors about dating. Despite all these rumors and obstacles, they win and prove to the

world that they can do it no matter what. BTS has had issues with sasaeng fans term for over-

obsessive fans who invade their privacy. This has frequently caused stress and discomfort to

BTS.

15. Pressure of Global Stardom:

Managing the weight of being recognized as a global icon presents a unique set of

difficulties, such as elevated standards, expanded accountability, and the ongoing

requirement to produce exceptional performances. As they became successful the demands of

the audience became more, the audience thought of them as robots and expected a lot from

them but BTS worked hard to meet the expectations of the people. but the haters never going

to be happy BTS still working hard to meet everyone's expectations.

16. Health Problems:

Like other performing artists, BTS has experienced the physical stresses and expectations

brought on by their demanding schedules, which include long rehearsals, concerts, and tours.

There have been cases of minor injuries, which are typical in the entertainment industry,

including sprains or tiredness. Every member has gone through the injuries and depressions.
  Min Yoongi has gone through depression and anxiety. he also attempted suicide

because of the criticism and his family had strongly opposed him pursuing a music

career.

 Jung Hoseok was harshly criticized for his visuals. There was even a trend on

Twitter to kick him out of the group. but luckily, their maknae Jeon Jungkook

convinced him to stay.

 Park Jimin was constantly doubting his ability to sing and dance and he was also

criticized as “fat” by the haters, so he started dieting, in those days he just ate ice to

lose weight and fit in the group. He also got shoulder surgery due to hard and

excessive dancing.

 Jeon Jungkook also got knee surgery, while dancing harshly he got his knee injured

and as he was the youngest member of the group, he was so depressed by seeing his

elders tensed.

 Kim Taehyung was kept hidden in the starting era of debut and he also got a foot

injury and still his medical treatment continues.

17. Religion Barrier:

BTS has gone through religious barriers. The Islamic countries criticized them as gay,

LGBTQ, and transgenders. They have no beards so in Islamic Countries they

are considered female transgenders. They are criticizing them on their looks, style, dresses,

way of behaving and talking, and lifestyle. So, BTS continuously faces religious barriers in

their country and worldwide.

Conclusion:
Despite all the hardships faced by them, they are the number one boy band in the world, they

are motivational icons.

 Awards: BTS has achieved 50 wins at the 2023 MAMA Awards, securing

'Worldwide Icon of the Year' for the sixth consecutive time. They are the first band in

MAMA history to amass 50 trophies and hold a total of 74 wins across both MAMA

and overall award ceremonies. BTS has been nominated for the Grammy Awards 5

times. The first Korean artist to be nominated for a Brit Award. With 30 awards

overall, including a record four consecutive wins for Artist of the Year (Asia), BTS is

the most-awarded foreign artist in the history of the Japan Gold Disc Awards. BTS'

main vocalist Jungkook has overtaken his group and Black Pink to become the first

K-pop artist with the most number-one songs on Spotify's global chart. Jungkook has

emerged as the most successful K-pop artist on the global Spotify chart.
 Motivational songs:

BTS has a vast discography filled with thought-provoking and inspirational lyrics

covering a wide range of subjects. BTS, known for their impactful and introspective

lyrics, embeds powerful motivational messages in many of their songs, resonating

with fans worldwide.

 In "IDOL," they embrace uniqueness and exhort listeners to appreciate who they are

despite social pressures. Lyrics from the chorus, such as "You can't stop me loving

myself," went on to become a universal motto for self-determination

 Jin's performance of "Epiphany," which emphasizes self-love and self-discovery,

exhorts listeners to accept who they are. The importance of realizing one's value and

discovering contentment inside is emphasized in the lyrics.

 "Spring Day" delves into themes of optimism and desire. The song's lyrics express a

sense of longing for a relationship that has been lost while also evoking the hope that,

like spring, better times are on the horizon.

 BTS courageously responds to their critics and critics in "Mic Drop," demonstrating

their perseverance and drive for success. The idea is to empower people by stating

that obstacles won't dictate their path.

 Tomorrow" offers words of inspiration to people who are dealing with uncertainties

and difficulties. The song's lyrics comfort listeners that bad times pass and that

tomorrow will be better.

 n tracks like "Not Today," they inspire listeners to face challenges head-on,

conveying a resilient spirit that refuses to succumb to adversity.

 The anthem "Fire" encourages embracing individuality and pursuing passions

fearlessly, exclaiming that "my era, my star" belongs to each listener.

  In "Go Go," BTS addresses societal pressures and economic struggles, urging the

audience to find happiness amidst hardships and not be enslaved by material pursuits.

 "Dope" delivers a motivating message about diligence and the pursuit of dreams,

emphasizing that success comes to those who work tirelessly.

 "Life Goes On" became an anthem during the global pandemic, comforting fans with

the assurance that, despite challenges, life continues and can be faced with hope.

 The track "Magic Shop" speaks directly to their fanbase, ARMY, serving as a

comforting space where listeners can find solace during difficult times

BTS frequently discusses self-love, resiliency, and the value of aspirations in their

inspirational lyrics. Their songs serve as a source of strength and inspiration for many, as
they want to create a connection with their listeners beyond just amusement through their

music.

“WE ARE BULLETPROOF”