by Jena Le ’23

BTS is currently the most popular music group in the world with numerous records, including the most viewed music video on Youtube in 24 hours (108.2 million views), most streamed music act on Spotify, and three No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart. This seven-member K-Pop group has made their mark with their catchy tunes, mesmerizing choreography, and dashing looks. BTS have been a huge inspiration to many, especially to Asian-Americans who have faced discrimination during the coronavirus pandemic. 

They have used their popularity to spread awareness about current social issues. Most recently, BTS attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as South Korean President Moon Jae-In’s presidential envoy for future generations and culture for their country. There, they promoted Covid-19 vaccines and climate change legislation.
This is not the first time that BTS has used their fame as a way to support an important cause. In June 2020, BTS made a $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter (BLM) as a firm stance against racism and prejudice. As a result of their donation, their fans (known as ARMY) matched their donation, raising over $2 million dollars in support of the BLM movement.
Asian Americans have frequently been disrespected in not only school settings and the professional world, but even in the entertainment industry that BTS is in themselves. “We recall moments when we faced discrimination as Asians and we stand against racial discrimination because we all have the right to be respected,” BTS tweeted in a post advocating against Asian hate.
Asians haven’t gained mainstream popularity in the western music industry until BTS showed up. Because of this, BTS has inspired a generation of Asian Americans to pursue their dancing and singing passions, despite the obstacles.
“I have always loved K-Pop, but BTS’s success has shown me that I can follow my dreams. I am very passionate about dancing and am actually currently auditioning to become a K-Pop idol. I’m not sure I would be where I am, trying what I’m trying, if BTS weren’t successful,” said college student Parker Hahn, a Korean-American ARMY. 
Many Asian American teens like Hahn dream of becoming an entertainer, and BTS has paved an avenue for them to pursue their dreams. BTS is leaving a lasting legacy by inspiring Asian American teens to follow their dreams, changing the music industry with every song they release, and advocating for what is right. BTS’s impact isn’t in their looks, or even their dancing skills; it’s in the way they change the world to make it a better place and show smaller aspiring artists that they can change the world too.