10 milestones by BTS that made the whole world take hat off

From the first days of being underestimated because they did not from a major entertainment company, to becoming the representatives of the nation at the United Nations and the White House, BTS had rewritten the definition of success in the Korean entertainment industry with their music, ideals, perseverance, and desire.

Ahead of the most anticipated reunion in the K-pop world when the members are discharged from the military this June, let's take a look at 10 unforgettable moments on BTS' journey to break all limits.

1. "Artist Of The Year" at 2016 MAMA: The spectacular overthrow the 'underdogs'

Their first daesang at Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) is the testament to BTS' relentless efforts. In an era dominated by big 3 companies, BTS—a group from a small company named BigHit, has created a revolution with their own strength and inspirational story. This is not just an award, but also recognition from an industry that once turned its back on them.

2. The first global boost at the 2017 Billboard Music Award's

The "Top Social Artist" award at the Billboard Music Award's is not only a personal achievement, but also a milestone for K-pop to officially enter the mainstream of American music. For the first time, BTS' name rang out among top artists such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and they won it's all thanks to the power of global fandom.

3. "Love Yourself: Tear" topping Billboard 200: Breaking language barrier

By entering the Billboard 200 with an album entirely in Korean, BTS has successfully proven that music knows no borders. "Love Yourself: Tear" is not just an album, it is a global movement of self-love, contributing to changing the world's  view of K-pop as a sustainable phenomenon, not a passing fad.

4. Speech at the United Nations and the "Love Myself" campaign: When artists become social activists

The moment BTS appeared at the United Nations was a symbolic moment, showing the group's influence not only in the music field but also in politics, cultures and society. At the same time, it also affirmed the group's position as "21st century pop icon," "The treasure of Korea."

RM represented the whole group to deliver an impressive speech, promoting the "Love Myself" campaign in cooperation with UNICEF, which was also the moment BTS went beyond the role of artists, becoming the voice of global youth, encouraging self-confidence, self-acceptance, and fighting for a better world.

5. "Dynamite": A global hit amid the pandemic

In the midst of the world's panic over COVID-19, "Dynamite" appeared as a spiritual medicine with its bustling melody and optimistic message. As the group's first song entirely in English, "Dynamite" helped BTS reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100—a peak that even an European and American artists find difficult to achieve.

6. Grammy nominations: A historic step in the international music industry

BTS's nomination at the Grammys is not only a source of personal pride, but also a signal of a change in the mindset inherent in the western music industry. It puts K-pop on an equal footing with other genres and "paves the way" for many more Asian artists in the future.

7. "Butter": Proof if their heat never cooling down

Released in the summer of 2021, "Butter" swept every chart, from Billboard to YouTube. With its catchy melody and smart marketing strategy, BTS showed that they are not a "one-time phenomenon," but a stable musical force, capable of creating consecutive hits and maintaining the top spot.

8. Appointed as Presidential Special Envoy

In September 2021, BTS is no longer a national group, but a national icon. When President Moon Jaein appointed them as Special Envoys for culture, BTS became a "power"of Korean diplomacy, conveying positive messages to young people and the world through their images, thoughts, and actions.

9. Album "Proof" and chapter 2—transparent, mature, and different

BTS' announcement of focusing on individual development while maintaining the group shows a rare maturity in K-pop. Instead of "secretly disbanding" like many other groups, they proactively shared with fans with transparency, creating a sustainable model for future generations.

10. Speech at the White House

In June 2022, BTS appeared at the White House at the invitation of President Joe Biden to discuss anti-Asian hate. Here, they did not sing, they did not dance, just spoke, but each of their words was a declaration of equality, diversity and the power of Asian culture. At that moment, BTS was not just an artist but they were representatives of a new generation: sober idealistic and responsible.

From small stages in Korea to the podium at White House, BTS has done what few people dare to dream of, which is to change the way the world views K-pop, and further, Asians cultures. The above movements are just the tip of the iceberg called "BTS Legacy." And one thing is for sure: that story is still being written with the hearts, sweat, and dreams of seven boys.