About BTS.
Bangtan Sonyeondan
방탄소년단
Bangtan Sonyeondan translates to Bulletproof Boy Scouts. It has a profound meaning. ‘Bangtan’ means to be resistant to bullets, so it means to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim (rain) on adolescents like bullets, to preserve the values and ideal of today’s adolescents
BTS also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band that was formed in 2010 and debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now BigHit Labels under the rebranded HYBE). The septet—consisting of members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—co-writes and co-produces much of their own output. Originally a hip hop group, their musical style has evolved to include a wide range of genres. Their lyrics, often focused on personal and social commentary, touch on the themes of mental health, troubles of school-age youth and coming of age, loss, the journey towards loving oneself, and individualism. Their work also often references literature and psychological concepts and includes an alternative universe storyline.
The group consists of 3 rappers and 4 vocalists. While the group often breaks down into different subunits, the most common subunits are:
Rap Line
RM, Suga, J-Hope
Vocal Line
Jin, Jimin, V, Jungkook
Dance Line:
J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jungkook
Hyung Line: (hyung means older brother)
Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM
Maknae Line: (maknae means the youngest)
Jimin, V, Jungkook
RM
(formerly Rap Monster)
Roles
- Leader/Spokesperson
- Translator (for English)
- Main Rapper
- Main Lyricist
- Producer
- Song Writer
- 1st member to join the group
Nicknames
- RapMon
- God of Destruction (tends to break things easily)
Other
- Icon:
(koala) - BT21 Character: Koya
Quote
“If we helped your dream and your life a bit by our existence, our music, our performance, our pictures or videos, even if it’s not big, if we could reduce your pain from 100 to 99, 98 or 97, that makes our existence worthy.”
Jin (진)
Roles
- Oldest
- Visual
- Vocalist
- Actor
- 4th member to join the group
Nicknames
- Worldwide Handsome
- Seokjinnie
- Eomma (mom of the group)
- Pink Princess
- Shoulders hyung
- Third one from the left
- Car door guy
Other
- Icon:
(hamster) - BT21 Character: RJ
Quote
“We were promised by the agency that they would pull out all the stops for supporting our passion for performing. I think they did keep that promise,” he says. “We ended up telling each other that because we worked so hard up to that point, let’s see how far we can go. I don’t know if I should say this, but [we said], ‘Screw the agency, screw everything. Let’s just put our faith in the members and the fans and start again.’ ”
Suga (슈가)
(aka Agust D)
Roles
- Lead Rapper
- Main Producer
- Songwriter
- Pianist
- 2nd member to join the group
Nicknames
- Lil Meow Meow
- Min Genius
- Min Suga
- Grandpa Yoongi
- Minstradamus (what he says comes true)
Other
- Icon:
(cat) - BT21 Character: Shooky
Quote
“In addition to being what we are as BTS, we wanted to bring some changes, and we actually wanted to evolve as a group. We wanted to show our many colors, but we still want to console others and give hope to others.”
J-Hope (제이홉)
Roles
- Dance Captain
- Rapper
- Subvocalist
- 3rd member to join the group
Nicknames
- Sunshine
- Hobi
- Hoseokie
- Golden Hyung
- J-Dope
Other
- Icon:
(squirrel) - BT21 Character: Mang
Quote
“We’ve matured musically, as well as in the way we think. We’ve also developed a higher sense of responsibility. This has refined us and these developments are really being reflected in our music and our dance.”
Jimin (지민)
Roles
- Main Dancer
- Lead Vocalist
- 7th member to join the group
Nicknames
- Jiminie
- ChimChim
- Manggae
- Mochi
- PuppyKitty
Other
- Icon:
(baby chick) - BT21 Character: Chimmy
Quote
“I am the most thankful that we are able to be on this journey together. I believe that I would not be where I am today if we weren’t able to do this together.”
V (뷔)
Roles
- Dancer
- Vocalist
- Actor
- 6th member to join the group
Nicknames
- CGV (looks computer generated)
- Gucci Boy
- Baby Bear
- Tae Tae
- 4D Alien
Other
- Icon:
(tiger) | 
(bear) - BT21 Character: Tata
Quote
“Right, not only are they dear to me, but they are people I can’t live without because when we fall, I don’t get back up by myself. We all rise up together. There were times when I couldn’t get back up on my own two feet. The fact that we were getting back up together was a great source of strength for me.”
Jungkook (정국)
Roles
- Maknae (youngest)
- Center
- Main Vocalist
- Sub Rapper
- Dancer
- 5th member to join the group
Nicknames
- Golden Maknae (good at EVERYTHING)
- Kookie
- Jungkookie
- Bunny
- JK
- Justin Seagull
- Muscle Pig
- Jungshook
Other
- Icon:
(bunny) - BT21 Character: Cooky
Quote
“I am still curious about people of my age. How they’re living, what they’re thinking, what are their goals and dreams? What I can do at the moment and be of help to them is music. A song that can encourage and comfort them during hard times.”
Fan-Made Documentaries.
These are videos made by ARMY over the years to tell the story of BTS–who they are, how they came to be, what they stand for, as well as the impact they’ve had on their fans, the music industry, and the world. These are just a select few videos that I think cover the basics.
For a more in-depth look at the history and journey of BTS, check out the YouTube channel TheRiseOfBangtanOfficial. This series is still in production, but it is considered by the fandom to be one of the most comprehensive and accurate docu-series ever created and has been their top choice to help explain their love for BTS.
NOTE: Many of these videos have English captions available.
Group Overview
BTS Crash Course 2020: History & Music of a World Sensation
The Most Beautiful Life Goes On: A Story of BTS (2021 Update!)
THIS IS BTS | Introduction to BTS
About The Members
Who is BTS?: The Seven Members of Bangtan (INTRODUCTION)
An introduction to the 7 members of BTS (2021 update)
Proof That BTS Is A Family
The Struggle
BTS HARDSHIPS 2013-2021 | Racism, mistreatment, accusations + more | Struggles throughout the years
BTS // FROM NOBODIES TO LEGENDS [2019]
Unforgettable Times BTS Proved Their Haters Wrong
Impact On Music
BTS’ CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC (방탄소년단의 음악제작 참여)
Why BTS’s early music is so relatable for Korean youth, Explained by a Korean
How BTS and the Globalization of K-Pop Has IMPACTED the Entire Music Industry
How They’re Different
KPOP HISTORY in 20mins | From SeoTaiji to BTS
The reason behind BTS successㅣWhat’s the difference between them and The Big 3?ㅣProf. Choi Jae boong
(ENG SUB) What makes BTS different from other Kpop idols?
BTS vs. K-POP: a video essay
Academic Perspectives
[FULL VIDEO IS HERE] BTS with Dr. Jiyoung Lee | K-DOC
Why Do We Love BTS So Much? Pt. 1 (Affect, Authenticity & Parasocial Relationships)| BTS Video Essay
BTS: Westernization, Korean Culture, & Cultural Authenticity | BTS Video Essay & Analysis
Political Perspectives
Top Korean Political Commentator with Kim Young Dae on BTS Eng Sub
The series of powerful moments of BTS as Special Envoy of President Moon Jae In
How K-Pop and the BTS Army Disrupted U.S. Politics
“ARMYs are the ones who’ve stood by our side since our difficult days, who’ve shared our joy and sadness, who know us best.”
– V
A.R.M.Y.
Adorable Representative MC for Youth.
ARMY or A.R.M.Y (Hangul: 아미) is BTS’s official fandom name. It was officially established on July 9, 2013 after the first recruitment closed.
2013
“A.R.M.Y” stands for “Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth” and it carries quite some meaning behind it, given that “Army” is associated with the military, body armor, and how those two things are always together, the fandom name basically means that fans will always be together with BTS.
2017
BTS and A.R.M.Y are almost mirrored images of each other and they have a relationship that is affected by each other. The symbol of A.R.M.Y is expressed as a door on their viewpoint who is waiting & welcoming BTS on the opposite door when BTS opens a new door.
BORAHAE
The official color for BTS is purple. What is “Borahae?” Coined V during a 2016 concert, “borahae” or “I Purple You” means “I’ll love you till the end of days,” since purple (violet) is the last color of the rainbow. The phrase combines two Korean words: Violet (bora) and I love you (saranghae).
ARMY BOMB
All K-Pop groups have official lightsticks. About two years after the debut of BTS, Big Hit Entertainment announced the release of the group’s fan official lightstick. On March 10, 2015, BTS’s official lightstick design was unveiled through the group’s fan café. Having a translucent, rounded shape, this light stick mimics the pattern of a globe describing how the group has taken over the world with growing international popularity. All members also shared photos of them posing with the lighted lightstick.
ARMY Bombs sync up with BTS performances on stage, as well as certain videos to create colorful light displays in time with the music. Currently, there are two versions available: Version 3 and Map Of The Soul Special Edition.
Who Is ARMY?
This is BTS ARMY | Introduction to BTS fans
This is How BTS Built the Most Powerful Army | K-DOC
The power of a fingertip explained by the BTS ARMY [Part 2] | K-DOC
BTS and Army Grow Together, Fighting Against Prejudice | JiYoung Lee, Professor
BTS ARMY: Inside the World’s Most Powerful Fandom | MTV News
BTS Sweet Memories With ARMY
BTS ARMY Mums Explain Why They are BTS Fans
BTS ARMY Mums – “has BTS changed your life?”
BTS ARMY Dads Tell Us Why They Are Fans of BTS
BTS Fan Accounts explain what makes BTS so popular
BTS army loudest fanchant moments
Difference Between Sports Fans and Boy Band Fans
