10 Historic BTS Milestones That Changed the Global Music Industry

 

 

On the first day of the new year, the global music scene erupted with news that K-pop superstars BTS would be making their return on March 20. The release of a full album featuring all seven members marks the end of a three-year hiatus in group activities due to military service. The New York Times commented that "the group's new album and tour will serve as a decisive catalyst, once again injecting vitality into the industry as a whole."

 

BTS have been active for over a decade, and countless new K-pop acts debut and rise to prominence each year. However, their absence made only one reality clear to everyone: "BTS's presence is something no one can easily approach." This is precisely why their return in 2026 became a global focal point as early as six months before all members completed their military service.

 

From being classic underdogs in the K-pop scene more than a decade ago, BTS have rewritten the industry's established order through talent and ambition, rising to become the most anticipated return of today's "21st-century pop icon." Their journey is truly one of a kind and deeply admirable. As excitement builds toward March 20, let us look back at ten unforgettable moments from BTS's journey of pushing boundaries and conquering every limit.

 

 

 

 

1. "Artist of the Year" at MAMA 2016: The Spectacular Overthrow of the "Underdogs"

 

 

 

 

The first daesang at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) marked the beginning of a journey that would see them rise to become a leading global group. Prior to that, K-pop had been almost entirely dominated by the so-called Big 3—SM, JYP, and YG. Simply put, artists debuting under those three companies were nearly guaanteed the greatest popularity, the most recognition, and preferential treatment at major award ceremonies.

 

By contrast, BigHit Entertainment at the time was a small and virtually unknown company—so much so that in BTS's debut year, it could not even secure an invitation to MAMA. Yet just three years later, MAMA itself was compelled to acknowledge BTS's outstanding musical success by awarding them one of the ceremony's most prestigious honors. 

 

That daesangs was not merely a trophy; it was a powerful acknowledgment form an industry  that had once turned its back to them.

 

 

 

2. The First Global Boost at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

 

 

 

The "Top Social Artist" award at the Billboard Music Awards was not only a personal achievement for BTS, but also a milestone that marked K-pop's official entry into the mainstream American music scene. For the first time, BTS's name was announced alongside top artists such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and the won through the sheer power of their global fandom.

3. "Love Yourself 轉 Tear" Topping the Billboard 200: Breaking Language Barrier

 

 

 

By entering the Billboard 200 with an album entirely in Korean, BTS proved that music knows no borders. "Love Yourself 轉 Tear" was not merely an album; it became a global movement centered on self-love, contributing to a shift in how the world perceives K-pop—not as a passing fad, but as a sustainable global phenomenon.

 

 

 

4. Speech at the United Nations and the "Love Myself" Campaign: When Artists Become Social Advocates

 

 

 

BTS's appearance at the United Nations was a symbolic moment, demonstrating the group's influence beyond music—extending into culture, society, and global discourse. It also affirmed their position as "21st-century pop icons" and "a national treasure of Korea."

RM delivered a powerful speech on behalf of the group, promoting the "Love Myself"campaign in collaboration with UNICEF. This moment marked BTS's evolution beyond artists into global voices for youth, encouraging self-confidence, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of a better world.

5. "Dynamite": A Global Hit Amid the Pandemic

 

Amid global uncertainty caused by COVID-19, "Dynamite" emerged as a source of joy, delivering an upbeat sound and an optimistic message. Beyond its emotional impact, the song became a historic breakthrough, as it became the first K-pop song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In doing so, BTS expanded boundaries not only for themselves, but also for future generations of artists.

6. Grammy Nominations: A Historic Step in the Global Music Industry

 

The Grammy Awards empasize musical quality, artistry, technical excellence, and long-term impact, earning them the reputation as the "Oscars of music." For K-pop artists—who have traditionally not been regarded on the same level as Western acts—receiving a Grammy nomination represents an extraordinary achievement.

BTS's nomination was therefore not only a historic personal milestone, but also a signal of shifting perspective within the Western music industry, placing K-pop on equal footing with other global genres. In essence, BTS compelled the world to recognize the value of K-pop and paved the way for Asian artists in the international music market.

7. "Butter": Proof Their Momentum Never Faded

 

Released in the summer of 2021, "Butter" dominated charts worldwide, from Billboard to YouTube. With its infectious melody and strategic promotion, BTS demonstrated that they were not a one-time phenomenon, but a consistent musical force caapble of producing consecutive hits and maintaining global dominance.

 

 

 

8. Appointment as Presidential Special Envoys

 

 

 

In September 2021, BTS transcended the status of a national group to become national icons. When President Moon Jae-in appointed them as Special Envoys for Culture, BTS became a powerful symbol of Korean diplomacy, delivering positive messages to young people and audiences worldwide through their actions and values.

9. "Proof" and Chapter 2: Transparent, Mature, and Transformative

 

The album "Proof" holds a pivotal place in BTS's career, both musically and narratively. Released at a crossroads—when the group paused group activities to fulfill military service and explore solo paths—it served as a deliberate reflection on nearly a decade of work. Rather than an ending, "Proof" represented a necessary pause before the beginning of a new chapter.

Notably, "Yet To Come," a track from "Proof," was nominated for Best Music Video at the 65th Grammy Awards (2023). This marked the first time a Korean-language song received a Grammy nomination, even within a music video category, further advancing global recognition of Korean-language music.

10. Speech at the White House

 

In June 2022, BTS appeared at the White House at the invitation of President Joe Biden to address anti-Asian hate. Without performing, the members spoke with sincerity and purpose, delivering messages of equality, diversity, and the strength of Asian representation. In that moment, BTS stood not only as artists, but as representatives of a thoughtful, responsible, and globally engaged generation.

From small stages in South Korea to the White House, BTS have achieved what few could imagine: reshaping how the world perceives K-pop—and Asian culture as a whole. And one thing remains certain: the "BTS legacy" is still being written, driven by the seven members' talent and relentless ambition.

BTS's return this March is widely expected to continue breaking barrier—not only on the U.S. Billboard and UK Official Charts, but also in their pursuit of a Grammy win. Suga once remarked at a press conference in Los Angeles, "It won't be easy, but I know there are still walls to overcome, and I'm grateful that we can continue to challenge ourselves," adding, "There's no tree that won't fall after being struck ten times. Wanting it to fall after just two strikes would be greedy."

With that mindset, ARMYs around the world are ready to stand alongside BTS and help create yet another year filled with milestones and success.