THE BTS FACTOR

The K-Pop Phenom’s Big Moves in 2020

BY: Alexis Eichelberger

You’ve heard of them even if you don’t seek out their music, and despite the fact that most of their work is performed in another language. You’ve seen the viral videos on social media of their awe-inspiring choreographed dance moves. And if you haven’t fallen in love with the adorable group of seven young men yet, you’re one of the few.

BTS took the K-pop world by storm beginning in 2013, inspiring more fanatic-level devotion across the globe with the release of each genre-bending collection of infectious beats and catchy melodies. When K-pop made its way into the mainstream in the global west, BTS took the lead. They’re the first Korean group to ever receive an RIAA certification, with two Platinum singles, two Gold singles, and one Gold album in the United States. In addition to their dozens of international accolades, the group has earned four Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, and two MTV Video Music Awards.

The group had its biggest year yet in 2019, when it released the sixth BTS album Map of the Soul: Persona. The record included multiple features by international stars like Halsey, Juice WRLD and Charli XCX. BTS was also named one of TIME’s most influential people of the year, presented an award at the 61st Grammy Awards, and became members of the Recording Academy, to name just a few of their recent honors and accomplishments.

2020 is already shaping up to be another banner year for BTS. The group’s seventh album Map of the Soul: 7 is scheduled to drop next month, which they announced via a trailer for the album that includes a solo track by member Suga. The album was pre-ordered more than 3 million times during the six days of availability, shattering the group’s former record of 2.68 million pre-orders for Map of the Soul: Persona.

“Black Swan,” the next single released from Map of the Soul: 7, dropped just last week and kicks off BTS’ new year with a strong emphasis on hip-hop. As the group has explored flirty pop, bass-heavy electronics and hip-hop stylings, three of the seven members have emerged as leading voices in the rap tracks. “Black Swan” showcases their abilities and the influence of the American artists they’ve cited as inspirations, like Drake and Post Malone. The accompanying music video shows a stunning artistic performance by the Slovenian performance group, MN Dance Company.