In 2013, K-Pop boy group Bulletproof Boyscouts, more commonly known as BTS, made its debut as the first music act out of BigHit Entertainment, a small agency facing the cutthroat world of South Korean Entertainment. Seven boys, ranging from 15-20 years old in international age, ventured out into the highly competitive industry, later becoming the world’s biggest music group in recent years.

BTS has completely blown down the barriers when it comes to K-Pop’s reach in Western countries, and across the world. From the first time they attended and won the top social award at the Billboard Music Awards in 2017, the group consistently broke records and made history with each new comeback.

If you have any doubts about how big of a deal BTS’ success has been to the industry as a whole, here are some of their biggest achievements as of November 2020:

 

THE YOUNGEST RECIPIENTS OF SOUTH KOREA’S ORDER OF CULTURAL MERIT

In light of the huge impact BTS has in spreading appreciation for South Korean culture and language all over the world, the country’s government has decided to honor the seven-piece with gold medals back in 2018. This follows the recognition of many foreigners traveling to South Korea and learning Hangul to connect more with the group, and to experience the cities that inspired BTS’ record-breaking music for themselves.

 

AMERICAN MUSIC SHOWS

Although K-Pop artists have made appearances in a few Western shows and festivals, BTS was the first group that dominated major award shows like the Billboard Music Awards, the American Music Awards, and the coveted Grammy stage. The group wasn’t only nominated in these shows, they have also presented and performed their latest hits on national American television through the live ceremonies.

 

“DYNAMITE” CHARTS NO. 1 ON THE BILLBOARD HOT 100

Getting first place in the Billboard Hot 100 is no easy feat, and it’s something that even Western artists don’t always achieve in their careers. However, BTS managed to earn this coveted place in the music charts with “Dynamite,” a song of positivity and hope released amidst quarantine. Reports say, BTS is only the third group in history that have debuted at first place, joining Aerosmith and the Jonas Brothers on the list.

 

THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

BTS has broken a few world records throughout their career, and a number of which have been documented and immortalized in the iconic Guinness World Records book for 2020. The group has claimed seven world records, including Most Viewed YouTube video in 24 hours with “Dynamite” (101M views), Most Twitter Engagements for a Music Group, and Most Viewers for a Music Concert Live on Stream, to name a few.

 

BTS X UNICEF “LOVE MYSELF” CAMPAIGN

BTS has raised over $2 million for UNICEF with their campaign to end violence against the youth, and to teach young people the importance of loving themselves, among other significant life lessons. This event also birthed the legendary video of BTS speaking at the United Nations in 2018, sharing their own experiences when it comes to self-love and acceptance. BTS’ album concept at the time, “Love Yourself,” was also instrumental in sharing this overall message of the group, with songs that convey their personal stories and hardships.

The seven-piece band, of course, did not achieve all these incredible successes over night. In fact, it took them two to three years to even be recognized and honored in South Korean music shows as, coming from a relatively unknown agency, the group did not debut with thousands of fans already knowing their names. It was through each of the member’s hard work, perseverance, and passion that they eventually caught the attention of South Korea, and then the world.

Through music that inspires, empowers, and also wounds, BTS’ deeply personal songs illustrate their own journey of youth, dreams, and miseries—concepts that have resonated with ARMYs and music fans all over the world.

Here are some of their most iconic songs that have launched the group into global domination:

 

Dynamite

 

Boy with Luv (feat. Halsey)

 

IDOL

 

Mic Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)

 

DNA