The chart-topping group that is korean talked down on LGBTQ rights, psychological state and much more
Jae Ha Kim
In contemporary Southern Korea, pop music movie movie movie stars and politics don’t mix often. While many hip-hop functions (such as for instance Epik tall) address controversial topics, numerous idol groups stay glued to a slick, apolitical formula with an established record of success.
BTS, whom simply became initial act that is k-pop to top the Billboard 200 album sales chart, have grown to be a record-setting success tale to some extent for their willingness to buck this convention. The seven teenagers whom make up the group are talking their minds since their first, openly discussing LGBTQ liberties, psychological state together with force to ensure success – all taboo subjects in Southern Korea. Their stance is especially bold provided the Korean government’s history of keeping track of controversial themes in pop music music. By straddling the line between keeping a good image and composing critical words, BTS have actually provided a refreshing differ from just what some experts and fans dislike concerning the machine that is k-Pop.
The group’s reputation for open-mindedness goes back to 2013, if they remained rookies and speaing frankly about same-sex relationships might have been a profession killer. The group’s leader, RM, tweeted away their admiration for Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ inclusive struck Love” that is“Same nonetheless “This is just a track about homosexuality. The track is doubly good once I tune in to the words.” During the time, he had been a musician that is relatively unknown had small to lose. But previously this present year, RM once more took a stance on Twitter, suggesting “Strawberries and Cigarettes,” a track because of the musician that is openly gay Sivan, from the homosexual coming-of-age movie Love, Simon.
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They are little gestures, however they suggest too much to BTS’ fans. LGBTQ liberties definitely aren’t perfect in the usa, but in Southern Korea, the problem is really so abysmal that Amnesty Overseas got included this past year after a South Korean soldier had been sentenced to 6 months in jail for having a consensual homosexual relationship.
Behind the screams that fill any place where BTS executes are scores of devotees who span generations, genders, religions, nationalities and sexualities. And these fans – collectively referred to as ARMY – listen intently to your group’s self-penned lyrics and message, before disseminating and translating them into numerous languages.
For BTS and their fans, functions of generosity frequently bear a governmental message. Following the Sewol Ferry sank from the coastline of Southern Korea in April 2014, killing very nearly 300 teenage pupils, Korea’s politicians attempted to distance by themselves through the tragedy. Grieving parents participated in hunger hits, while conservative supporters of then-President Park Geun-Hye downplayed the deaths, saying it absolutely was time and energy to place the calamity to their rear. Reports later on exposed a blacklist that is government-sanctioned of whom did actually criticize Park’s regime; while BTS were likely unacquainted with this, they demonstrated which part they supported by donating $100,000 to profit the victims’ families.
Previously, BTS member Suga told their fans that after he became rich, he’d purchase them beef – an expensive treat in today’s Korea as a result of high import duties. For their 25th birthday celebration this season, he fulfilled their vow. But rather of handpicking fans to become listed on him for lunch, he donated $19,000 worth of beef to feed orphans with respect to ARMY. Their fans had been happy and adopted suit by making their very own charitable contributions.
Whenever BTS partnered utilizing the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the “Love Myself” anti-violence campaign, their fans asked the way they may help. This might, ARMY played a role that is crucial increasing $1 million within just two times for the UNICEF USA campaign to feed malnourished kids.
Once the group has matured from teens into teenage boys, their words have gained more gravitas. Therefore, too, has their outspokenness in regards to the problems that matter in their mind. They have been conscious that their popularity provides them with a giant platform.
Thirty-six Southern Koreans commit committing committing suicide every according to a report from Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare day. Some BTS members have been vocal about their own bouts with depression while South Korea’s government has been slow to address this problem. Inside their docu-series “Burn the Stage,” a fan said, “Sometimes, BTS is the only reason I awaken each morning.” For the reason that episode that is same RM chatted regarding how despair had formerly made him afraid to return on phase: “I became not able to enjoy such things as We utilized to.” As well as in their yearly New Year’s message for their fans, Suga told them, “It’s okay to call home without having a fantasy.”
The group’s members understand firsthand concerning the intense pressures several of their countrymen put on training therefore the impact that is negative might have on psychological state. Along with their tracks, BTS tell their fans to battle right back and remain alive. “Live while you like, it is your daily life anyhow,” they sing into the anthemic “Fire.” They carry on the theme of survival on the brand new track, “Paradise,” telling listeners it is fine to possess modest goals: “We deserve a life.”
Southern Korea’s leadership is paying attention. After BTS’ historic No. 1 positioning from the Billboard 200 this week, President Moon Jae-In stated 
, “BTS has a magical power to turn sadness into hope, and distinctions into similarity.”