Guide to BTS
introduction | music | recognition | fandom
BTS Comeback Single “Dynamite”: August 21st
To learn more about the 7 million preorder goal for BTS' next Korean CB click here
created by @hobilovehotel & @jeonclouds
last updated: August 10th, 2020
disclaimer: many of the lists featured in this guide are not exhaustive meaning not every BTS event or achievement will be listed. This guide should help to guide you in your understanding of BTS and where you can find more information about BTS. If anything is incorrect or outdated dm the creators on twitter!
BTS Comeback Single
Who is BTS?
Bangtan Sonyeondan (in Korean: 방탄소년단) more commonly known as BTS is a 7 member K-pop boy group from South Korea under BigHit Entertainment. Bangtan Sonyeondan translates to Bulletproof BoyScouts and this name signifies the passion BTS has for not conforming to traditional stereotypes and creating a new narrative on what it means to be a youth. They debuted on June 13, 2013, with the title track No More Dream. At the time BigHit Entertainment was a small company especially compared to the Big 3 (SM, JYP, and YG). BTS was originally a hip hop group which can be evident in their earlier music. However as BTS have evolved as artists, their discography began to diversify. Today, BTS is known for a wide variety of genres and sounds including but not limited to hip hop, r&b, rock, jazz, Afro-pop, pop and more. Additionally, BTS has been very involved in the musical process from writing to producing and more; and BTS has never shied away from including important social commentary in their songs as seen in their Skool Luv Affair Trilogy or discussing more sensitive topics like loss, mental health, and belonging. BTS has a vast discography and there is bound to be something for everyone. BTS’s fandom name is A.R.M.Y which stands for Adorable Representative MC for Youth.
For a more detailed introduction to BTS click here
BTS MEMBERS
RM | Kim Namjoon
September 12th, 1994
Ilsan, South Korea
Leader, Rapper, Songwriter/Producer
Namjoon taught himself English by watching friends, has an IQ of 148 and before joining BTS was a well known underground rapper under the name Runch Randa. Namjoon loves to visit art museums, bicycling, and collect Kaws toys. As of June 2020, Namjoon has 161 registered works under KOMCA.
Collabs: "Champions" (Remix) w/ Fall Out Boy, "Change" w/ Wale, "Seoul Town Road" remix w/ Lil Nas, "Crying Over You" w/ Honne & BEKA, "ProMeTheUs", "Timeless" w/ Drunken Tiger, "Gajah" w/ Gaeko, "Winter Flower" w/ Younha, "Bubkububku" w/ MFBTY, "Strange" w/ Agust D
As of August 10th, 2020, mono is the Korean album with most #1s on iTunes worldwide with 116 #1s.
Jin | Kim Seokjin
December 4th, 1992
Gwacheon, South Korea
Vocalist, Visual, Oldest, Songwriter/Producer
Jin is known for his breathtaking visuals but is equally amazing at singing. Jin has a degree in acting and some of his favorite things to do are play video games, cook, and go fishing with Yoongi. Jin can also play the guitar and the piano.
Jin hosts a segment named “Eat Jin” and during the “Eat Jin” episodes and livestreams, Jin eats different meals and describes the food to ARMY.
As of August 10th, 2020, Jin's solo song "Moon" off BTS's 2020 album MOTS: 7 reached 104 #1s on iTunes extending its own record as the bside track by a Korean artist with the most #1s on iTunes worldwide.
Suga | Min Yoongi
March 9th, 1993
Daegu, South Korea
Rapper, Songwriter/Producer
He has two stage names SUGA and Agust D.
Yoongi created the alias Agust D in 2016 for his mixtape, which comes from the initials DT, short for his birthplace, Daegu Town, and "Suga" spelled backward.
Before BTS, similar to Namjoon, Yoongi was involved in the underground rapping scene and went by the name Gloss. Some of the things Yoongi likes to do are composing/producing music, play basketball, and play the piano. As of June 2020, Yoongi has 115 registered works under KOMCA.
Songs Produced: Suran "Wine", Lee Sora "Song Request", Epik High "Eternal Sunshine", Heize "We don't talk together", Halsey "Suga's Interlude", IU "Eight"
2017 Melon Music Awards Hot Trend Award "Wine"
2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards Best Collaboration "Song Request"
Songs in bold Yoongi also featured in
J-Hope | Jung Hoseok
February 18th, 1994
Gwangju, South Korea
Rapper, Dancer, Songwriter/Producer
Before BTS, Hoseok was part of the underground dance team Neuron and took dance classes at Gwangju Music Academy. He is an exceptional rapper and dancer and would often film segments titled Hope on the Street where he would show street dancing or freestyling routines. As of June 2020, Hoseok has 104 registered works under KOMCA. Additionally, he helps with choreography in terms of creating and teaching new choreography to the other members.
Mixtape: Hope World (2018)
Collabs: “Animal” (Radio Edit) w/ Jo Kwan (writing/composing credits and featured), Chicken Noodle Soup w/ Becky G
"Chicken Noodle Soup" debuts at #1 on the World Digital Song Sales chart
"Chicken Noodle Soup," debuted at #81 on the #Hot100; the first member of BTS to debut on the #Hot100 with a solo song
Jimin | Park Jimin
October 13th, 1995
Busan, South Korea
Vocalist, Dancer, Songwriter/Producer
Before BTS, Jimin studied contemporary dance at Busan High School of Arts as well has a background other dance styles such as popping. He is also known for his captivating dancing ability. Jimin likes to travel, owns a black belt in taekwondo, and is known for his strong and alluring stage presence. As of June 2020, Jimin’s first non-album solo song Promise is the 2nd most played song on Soundcloud.
Jimin's solo from MOTS:7 "Filter" peaked at #87 on Hot100.
Jimin has become the First Korean soloist to have 4 songs with over 500,000 streams on Anghami, the biggest streaming platform in the Middle East.
V | Kim Taehyung
December 30th, 1995
Daegu, South Korea
Vocalist, Dancer, Visual, Songwriter/Producer
Before BTS, Taehyung grew up on a farm with his family and learned to play the Saxophone. Some of the things he likes to do are photography, painting, and listening to classical music. Taehyung made his acting debut in the Korean Drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth and he and Jin both sung It’s Definitely You an OST for the drama. Taehyung also created the word Borahae for ARMY which means “I Purple You” to signify BTS’s endless love and trust for their fans.
First Soloist in history to chart a song at #1 on iTunes in 115 countries with “Sweet Night” passing Adele’s previous 5 year record with 102 #1s.
Jungkook | Jeon Jungkook
September 1st, 1997
Busan, South Korea
Vocalist, Dancer, Center, Maknae (youngest member), Songwriter/Producer
Jungkook debuted in BTS when he was just 15 years old and although he had an opportunity to be scouted by multiple entertainment agencies, decided to join BigHit after visiting the company and hearing Namjoon rap. Jungkook loves to make films and has his own studio Golden Closet Film (G.C.F) where he releases travel style vlogs depicting his travels with other BTS members. Click here to watch Jungkook’s GCFs.
"My Time" became the highest selling BTS solo song from Map Of The Soul: 7 within 24 hours of its release in USA Digital Sales Chart.
"My Time" peaked at #84 on Hot100.
TOURS/ VIDEOGRAPHY
TOURS
BTS Live Trilogy Episode II: The Red Bullet October 17, 2014 – August 29, 2015
BTS's First Japan Tour-Wake Up: Open Your Eyes February 10, 2015 – February 19, 2015
BTS Live The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage November 27, 2015 – August 14, 2016
BTS Live Trilogy Episode III: The Wings Tour February 18, 2017 – December 10, 2017
BTS World Tour: Love Yourself August 25, 2018 – October 29, 2019
VIDEOGRAPHY
Rookie King (2013)
American Hustle Life (2014)
Run! BTS (2015-present)
Bon Voyage 1-4 (2016-present)
BTS: Burn the Stage (2018)
Bring the Soul: Docu Series (2019)
Bring the Soul: The Movie (2019)
Break the Silence: Docu Series (2020)
Bangtan Bombs (on going via their youtube channel BANGTANTV)
Summer/Winter Packages
Seasons Greetings
BANGBANGCON
EVENTS/PERFORMANCES
WHAT IS MUSTER?
Muster is an annual fan meeting where ARMYs gather to meet the boys and watch a special performance put together specifically for them.
BTS 1st Fan Meeting: Muster March 29, 2014
BTS Japan Official Fanmeeting Vol.1 May 31, 2014
BTS 2nd Muster: ZIP CODE: 22920 January 24, 2016
BTS 3rd Muster: ARMY.ZIP + November 12-13, 2016
BTS 4th Muster: Happy Ever After January 13-14, 2018
BTS 5th Muster: Magic Shop June 15-16, 2019 (Busan), June 22-23, 2019 (Seoul)
WHAT IS FESTA?
Festa is a time for BTS and ARMYs to celebrate BTS’ debut anniversary. For about 10-14 days leading up to June 13th, each day there are different events/programming to celebrate their debut anniversary.
Click here to see the official FESTA playlist from throughout the years.
Click here for the official FESTA archive via Weverse.
NOTABLE BTS PERFORMANCES/APPEARANCES
KCON LA August 10, 2014
KCON Abu Dhabi March 25, 2016
KCON Paris June 2, 2016
KCON New York June 25, 2016
KCON LA July 31, 2016
KCON Mexico City March 17, 2017
2017 American Music Awards November 17, 2017
The Ellen DeGeneres Show November 25, 2017
Jimmy Kimmel Live! November 27, 2017
The Late Late Show with James Corden November 30, 2017
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve December 31, 2017
2018 Billboard Music Awards May 20, 2018
The Ellen DeGeneres Show May 25, 2018
The Late Late Show with James Corden June 12, 2018
Lotte Duty Free Family Concert June 22, 2018
America's Got Talent September 12, 2018
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon September 25, 2018
Good Morning America September 26, 2018
The Graham Norton Show October 12, 2018
Saturday Night Live April 13, 2019
2019 Billboard Music Awards May 1, 2019
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert May 15, 2019
Good Morning America May 15, 2019
The Voice May 22, 2019
Britain's Got Talent May 30, 2019
Lotte Duty Free Family Concert August 11, 2019
iHeart Radio Jingle Ball Tour December 6, 2019
Dick Clark's New Year's Eve December 31, 2019
DISCOGRAPHY
Click the album cover for more informaiton on each project!
2 Cool 4 Skool
Title Track (TT): No More Dream
Spotify
Apple Music
O!RUL8,2?
Title Track (TT): N.O
Spotify
Apple Music
Skool Luv Affair
Title Track (TT): Boy in Luv
Spotify
Apple Music
Dark & Wild
Title Track (TT): Danger
Spotify
Apple Music
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life (HYYH) Pt. 1
Title Track (TT): I Need U
Spotify
Apple Music
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life (HYYH) Pt. 2
Title Track (TT): Run
Spotify
Apple Music
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life (HYYH) Young Forever
Title Track (TT): Fire
Spotify
Apple Music
Wings
Title Track (TT): Blood, Sweat, & Tears
Spotify
Apple Music
You Never Walk Alone
Title Track (TT): Spring Day
Spotify
Apple Music
Love Yourself 'Her'
Title Track (TT): DNA
Spotify
Apple Music
Love Yourself 'Tear'
Title Track (TT): Fake Love
Spotify
Apple Music
Love Yourself 'Answer'
Title Track (TT): IDOL
Spotify
Apple Music
Map of the Soul: Persona
Title Track (TT): Boy With Luv
Spotify
Apple Music
Map of the Soul: 7
Title Track (TT): ON
Spotify
Apple Music
To learn about the BTS fictional universe that is centered on a series of music videos and short films made by BigHit and BTS click here
Japanese Releases
Youth (2016)
Face Yourself (2018)
Map of the Soul: 7 ~ The Journey ~ (2020)
Collaborations
Dream Glow w/ Charlie XCX (BTS World)
A Brand New Day w/ Zara Larsson (BTS World)
All Night w/ Juice Wrld (BTS World)
Who w/ Lauv
Make it Right w/ Lauv
Waste It On Me w/ Steve Aoki
Mic Drop Remix w/ Steve Aoki
Mic Drop Remix w/ Desiigner & Steve Aoki
Boy With Luv w/ Halsey
On w/ Sia
Soundcloud Music
So Far Away (SUGA, Jungkook, Jin)
Hug Me (V & JHOPE)
1 Verse (JHOPE)
2U (Jungkook)
Fools (RM & Jungkook)
I Know (RM & Jungkook)
Always (RM)
4’Oclock (RM & V)
DDAENG (RM, SUGA, JHOPE)
Promise (Jimin)
Scenery (V)
Tonight (Jin)
Euphoria (DJ Swivel Forever Mix) (Jungkook)
Winter Bear (V)
Still With You (Jungkook)
HYYH
HYYH is Hwa Yong Yeon Hwa in Chinese which translates to the Most Beautiful Moments in Life. HYYH is the beginning of the Bangtan Universe and encompasses an entirely fictional storyline that follows the members of BTS as they experience the hardships of youth. HYYH tells the story of 7 friends who each experience different struggles and speak on raw humans’ emotions. Before engaging with this storyline it’s important to note that the storyline may include triggering themes like suicide, abuse, accidents, mental illnesses, and parental neglect. However these are not treated lightly or trivialized, but if these themes can be possibly triggering it is important to proceed with caution. The BTS videos that encompass the HYYH are: I NEED U MV (19+ version because the censored version does not include the important aspects of the storyline), On Stage: Prologue VCR, Run MV, Epilogue: Young Forever MV, WINGS short films (These are critical! Make sure to find versions with English subtitles!), Blood Sweat & Tears MV, Love Yourself Highlight Reel and Spring Day. The storyline can be confusing because the story is told partly with flashbacks so it can be helpful to watch the videos multiple times.
To read a document that can aid in attempting to understand the HYYH storyline as well as other BTS content click here.
To read another post that explains more in detail the HYYH notes and storylines click here.
BANGTAN UNIVERSE (BU)
The Bangtan Universe (BU) is an overall fictional universe centered around many of BTS’s music although not all of their albums are in the BU. The BU encompasses the HYYH era however HYYH is the foundation for the overall BU. For a more detailed explanation of the BU, a detailed timeline, and which videos are included in the BU, linked will be an amazing fanmade guide. Click here to view the guide.
To view a carrd dedicated to explaining HYYH and BU click here
AWARDS
Award highlights throughout the years. BTS have over 300 awards so instead of listing every single award, this section can aid in giving a snapshot of their achievements. Here is the link for the entire list: ++
Melon Music Awards New Artist of the Year (2013)
Mnet Asians Music Awards Best New Male Artist (2013)
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) Best Dance Performance (Male Group) - Boy In Luv (2014)
Golden Disc Awards Disk Bongsang - Dark & Wild (2015)
Melon Music Awards Best Male Dance - I Need U (2015)
Mnet Asian Music Awards Best World Performer (2015)
Asia Artist Awards Best Icon Award, Singer (2016)
Melon Music Awards Top 10 Artists (2016)
Melon Music Awards Album of the Year- The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever (2016) (First Daesang)
Mnet Asian Music Awards Artist of the Year (2016)
Mnet Asian Music Awards Artist of the Year (2017)
Billboard Music Awards Top Social Artist (2017)
Melon Music Awards Song of the Year - Spring Day (2017)
Mnet Asian Music Awards Artist of the Year, Album of the Year - Love Yourself Tear (2018)
Melon Music Awards Artist of the Year, Album of the Year - Love Yourself Tear (2018)
Billboard Music Awards Top Social Artist (2018)
Mnet Asian Music Awards Song of the Year - Boy With Luv, Album of the Year - MOTS: Persona, Artist of the Year, and Worldwide Icon of the Year (2019)
Melon Music Awards Record of the Year, Album of the Year - MOTS: Persona, Song of the Year - Boy With Luv, and Artist of the Year (2019)
Billboard Music Awards Top Duo/Group and Top Social Artist (2019)
American Music Awards Favorite Duo or Group Pop/Rock, Favorite Social Artist, Tour of the Year (2019)
Gaon Chart Music Awards Retail Album of the Year - MOTS: Persona (2020)
Golden Disc Awards Digital Daesang & Disc Daesang - MOTS: Persona (2020)
What is a Daesang?
In Korean Award shows, a Daesang award is one of the highest achievements a group or artist can achieve also known as a grand prize. There are several which can be Artist of the Year, Album of the Year. Artist of the Year, etc. As of July 2020 BTS have a total of 41 daesangs.
RECORDS
BTS has achieved a significant amount of achievements throughout their 7 years of being together. It would take a lot of time to share every single achievement and record BTS has broken so here are a few.
Here is a thread of the achievements from their album Map of the Soul: 7: ++.
In 2019, BTS had the most viewed MV in 24 hours for Boy With Luv with 74.6 million views.
First K-Pop Group to Perform On a Major U.S. Award Show at the 2017 AMAs.
First K-Pop Group to be Nominated for a Billboard Music Award
First K-Pop Album to Reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with LY Tear
Highest debut on the Billboard Hot100 at #4 with On
First Group Since The Beatles To Have 3 Billboard No. 1's Within A Year
First artists in history to ever win all four Daesangs at Melon Music Awards in one night and later that week became the first artists in history to win all four Daesangs at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.
For more BTS firsts see this thread: ++
BTS FANDOM: A.R.M.Y
There isn't one right way to show love and support for BTS. Additionally, there isn't a "fandom" leader, we're all just people on social media who happen to love BTS and we're all come together across multiple different platforms to support BTS and at the end of the way stanning should be a fun and enjoyable experience. And remember that you don't have to be on social media to be considered an ARMY just love and support BTS. ARMY is such a huge fandom ranging from so many corners of the internet and also in real life. Some of the information in this section might pertain more to the twitter fandom but overall these can be important things to remember.
The Basics
Emoijis often used to refer to members:
🐨: RM
🐹: JIN
🐱: SUGA
🐿: J-HOPE
🐥: JIMIN
🐯: V
🐰: JUNGKOOK
Resources
Suggested twitter accounts to follow if you want to stay updated on certain aspects of the fandom and BTS. This includes translators, ARMYs that explain charts and streaming, content creators, and more. You are in no way obligated to follow any or all of these accounts; they are here as a resource.
@btschartdata
@aesopsfablefly
@STUDIO_0613 (translator)
@fundsforbangtan
@BTSChartDaily
@mygtrivias
@BangtanTrends
@OneInAnARMY
@btstranslation7 (translator)
@bts_love_myself @btsanalytics
@kookceptional (translator)
@ggukreum
@armyacademics
@naija0329
@jeoniies
@ Monospiaylist
@u4eakooks_net (translator)
@choi_bts2 (translator)
@BTS_jp_official
@btsworldwider
@retrokoya
@nikkekeke
@BTS_graphs
@doolsetbangtan (translator)
@haruharu_w_bts (translator)
@BTSARMY_Salon
@allforarmy
@conexaoBTSBR
@charts_k
@taesoothe
@researchbts
@shookytwts
Streaming Guides
A major misconception is that in order to stream you have to have 100 devices and stand in front of them constantly looping BTS music videos or songs. That is not true and in fact, looping too many times can cause the streaming services to think you’re a bot. The key to streaming is just to act like a human and above all else enjoy the music.
For an updated streaming guide that can aid in preparing for a BTS comeback click here.
To access a carrd dedicated to explaining streaming click here.
Dealing with Hate
When it comes to stan twitter a lot of "drama" gets created within anti fans to try and distract the ARMY from working hard, breaking more records, and giving our undivided attention to BTS, so if you are a baby army or new to stan twitter here are some tips/ recommendations on what to do when encountering an anti/manti in your timeline or notifications: ++
What is a "manti/anti" and how can i distinguish them from the rest of the ARMY?: ++
The november 18 issue: ++
The most important thing to remember is to try and ignore antis/trolls as much as possible because they want to taint BTS' name and we should try to spread positivity.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter #1 bts_twt
Twitter #2 bts_bighit
Instagram
Vlive
Tiktok
Official Website
Facebook
Youtube #1 BigHit Labels
Youtube #2 BangtanTV
Weverse