Recently, the American music magazine Billboard announced the list of "The Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century". In which, Kpop boy band BTS (including RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook) was honored to be named at number 19.
Billboard introduces BTS: “When you think about what it takes for a group to become pop stars, imagine having seven talented individuals who can each do it all well: sing, rap, dance, and cultivate a love and fandom that even some of the biggest pop stars can only dream of.
That's what BTS are, people who have pushed the boundaries of what it takes to be successful pop artists, and expanded their popularity to a level never seen before.”
The magazine continued to emphasize: “BTS has broken the limits for boy bands, K-pop, and Korean artists in general, while creating a lasting fan community, inspired by BTS's message of positivity, love, and connection.”
Billboard also compared BTS to the legendary band The Beatles and praised the group's achievements: "Achieving success on par with The Beatles, BTS has become a new model for all pop artists, in maintaining the excitement of fans and continuously creating hits.
And as solo artists over the past few years, they've all carved out their own paths and won historic awards.”
Some of BTS's notable achievements are listed as 6 hits (Dynamite, Savage Love, Life Goes On, Butter, Permission to Dance, My Universe) reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, 6 albums reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Billboard believes that BTS's success is thanks to their unique connection with their large fandom called ARMY.
In addition, the versatility in handling many different music genres, outstanding MVs and performances are also factors that help BTS become famous.
Additionally, BTS's choreography, which includes both hip-hop and ballet styles, is also considered a key factor in their global dominance.
While the group had to temporarily stop activities so that 7 members could serve in the military in Korea, each individual still shined in their own way.
In 2022, J-Hope became the first Korean artist to perform on the main stage at a major American music festival - Lollapalooza.
In 2023, Suga held his solo concerts worldwide as he completed the Agust D Tour to promote his debut studio album “D-Day”.
Jimin made history with the release of his debut solo album “FACE,” as the single “Like Crazy” became the first song by a K-pop solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100.
Jungkook performed at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his solo song "Seven" (featuring Latto). This hit also helped Jungkook set "unprecedented" K-pop records.
Members V, Jin and RM have also released solo music products and achieved certain success.
Billboard concluded: “No K-pop group, or any group in general, has achieved what BTS has done this century.
From creating a global fanbase, to expanding K-pop beyond its original genre, and delivering seven successful solo stages as pop stars, BTS has truly paved the way.”
In Billboard's list of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century, BTS was ranked above many other European and American stars such as Bruno Mars (#20), Lil Wayne (#21), One Direction (#22), Bad Bunny (#23), Ed Sheeran (#24) and Katy Perry (#25).
