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BTS at the 2019 GRAMMYs

BTS at the 2019 GRAMMYs

Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

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BTS Keep Breaking Records: Here's Why k-pop-phenoms-bts-keep-breaking-records-heres-why

K-Pop Phenoms BTS Keep Breaking Records: Here's Why

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There's something special about the Bangtan Boys
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 22, 2019 - 1:48 pm

It's official: The seven stars of BTS—J-Hope, Jin, V, Jungkook, Jimin, Suga and RM—have created an "ARMY" of worldwide fans. As they continue to break records, it's become increasingly clear that the K-pop titans are currently the most visible representatives of where mainstream pop music—American pop music in particular—is headed. 

Now, K-pop itself is certainly nothing new (the genre in its contemporary form has been around since the '90s). So, what is it about BTS that has America in such a frenzy? Here are five major reasons why the seven-piece band stands apart from the pack, and why they're unlikely to slow down any time soon.

1. BTS Defy Expectations…

At first glance, and considering the industry's ebbs and flows, it might be easy to write BTS off as just another musical fad. But that would be underestimating BTS' power to connect with audiences: Not only do their steady stream of albums touch on important topics like self-love and follow a developing story arc, last year BTS packed arenas on their Love Yourself global tour. The North American leg alone, which brought the boys to eight cities, had four sold-out shows at the 21,000 capacity Staples Center in Los Angeles. And their first-ever stadium show in the U.S., at New York City's Citi Field, welcomed 40,000 loyal fans for another sold-out show.

What's more, BTS openly experiment with K-pop and boy-band aesthetics, crossing genres and subverting expectations. They defy gender norms and push aside outdated ideas of pop star masculinity via their fashion and music choices, not unlike other young, modern stars like Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. In their live review, the LA Times noted BTS' "thrillingly evolved presentation of gender," with multiple costume changes, including "frilly white blouses" and "baggy tracksuits," and playful on-stage interactions

"The effect was a welcome disruption of what we expect a male heartthrob to look and sound like—a radical cultural act made only more encouraging by how enthusiastically it was received by the diverse crowd inside Staples Center," Mikael Wood, a pop music critic for the paper, wrote.

2. …And Gracefully Crosses Genres

Additionally, in his review of the NYC show, longtime New York Times pop music critic Jon Caramanica eloquently summarized how BTS' music is more than just airy takes on bubblegum pop. "Those albums [Love Yourself: Tear and Love Yourself: Answer] show how BTS navigates an increasingly variegated and complex sound: Chainsmokers-esque EDM-pop, 1990s R&B, hip-hop from New York and the South, and much more. As singers and rappers, the members are gifted. As dancers and performers, they are nimble. And at this show, their execution was relaxed," Caramanica said.

BTS On What They're Listening To Now & More

3. All Seven Members Offer Unique Talents To The Group

At first glance, seven members may sound like a lot for a group that doesn't actively play instruments. But, as any ARMY member will be surely attest, Jin, V, Jungkook, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga and RM each play an important role in shaping who BTS are. For starters, the band splits duties between rapping and singing. And, unlike boy bands of yesteryear, there are no de facto "leaders" or frontmen. RM, who is fluent in English, often speaks on behalf of the group, but he is not necessarily the lead member. 

More: BTS On The Creative Process, Breaking Records, Their Responsibility As Artists & More

As Caramanica also pointed out in his show review, BTS readily share the spotlight onstage, much to their fans' delight: "Near the end of the show, 'The Truth Untold' showcased the sweet harmonies of the four singers (Jimin, Jin, Jungkook and V), and was immediately followed by 'Outro: Tear,' which displayed the versatility and range of the three rappers (J-Hope, RM and Suga). Each member was given a solo turn as well — V's sensual R&B on 'Singularity' was a high point, and on 'Serendipity,' Jimin pulled off some balletic, Matrix-esque dance maneuvers."

4. Their Music Feels Authentic To Fans

While BTS have clearly mastered how to look and sound good, they do more than just draw people in with catchy hooks and eye-catching clothes and hair. They tackle important issues, like mental health and self-love. The group acknowledges the importance of serving as role models to so many young people around the world. In Korea, K-pop stars are even referred to as "idols"—and BTS don't take that responsibility lightly.

Back in Sept. 2018, the GRAMMY Museum hosted A Conversation With BTS, where 300 fans listened to the group talk about a breadth of topics, including their responsibility as artists.

"That makes us think more about our responsibilities, how we should act, how we should make our music. So it makes us think more deeply about what we do, how responsible we should be about what we're doing, and the music we're making," Jungkook said.

They also discussed their creative process and how they work collaboratively as a team, as well as with Bang Si-hyuk, the head of their label, Big Hit Entertainment. "When we had our conversation with Mr. Bang when we first started out, he always emphasized that we should sing about our own experiences, our own thoughts, our own feelings. So, that has always been at the center of the music that we made," RM explained.

He also emphasized their collaborative process as bandmates. "We try to participate together as much as we can. I think our participation in the process makes the music more sincere, make the songs more sincere, and that changes our attitude about how we approach our songs," RM said.

Even More: BTS: "Fans Gave Us The Wings That Allowed Us To Be Where We Are"

5. BTS Think Of Their ARMY As Family

You can't talk about BTS' record-breaking rise without also highlighting their loyal ARMY, which stands for Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth.

In fact, BTS has two official Twitter accounts: At the time of this writing, @BTS_twt is home to 18.5 million followers. The ARMY is very active on the platform, as evidenced by one unoffical ARMY account having sent out a fervent 116k tweets to date. Additionally, BTS' official YouTube page has over 15.6 million subscribers.

Yet just as fans support BTS, BTS supports their fans. All in their mid-to-early-20s, the members of BTS know how to use social media as a tool to connect with their millions of admirers online, giving fans regular access and updates on their lives. While many social-media users at risk of falling into feelings of isolation the more they "like" and scroll, BTS actively leverage positivity on social media. Fans follow suit, filling BTS' YouTube page with upbeat, supportive chatter. Together with their fans, BTS creates a giant, supportive family.

I just got home from work, and then what? My twitter account exploded!!! Am I dreaming? @BTS_twt congratulations! you really made it! I stan legends! #BTS #방탄소년단 #LOVE_YOURSELF #SPEAK_YOURSELF https://t.co/Rtx9JhrXxY

— acai_ (@achaanneng) February 19, 2019

And the BTS U.S. takeover is only just getting started: Following the announcement of BTS' new 2019 tour dates, fans took to Twitter to share in the excitement, with some wondering if this was how their parents felt when The Beatles toured. Others pointed out the significance of some of the venues: For example, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where BTS will be performing on May 4, is a football stadium with a capacity of 90,888. Rose Bowl concerts are reserved for the likes of the Rolling Stones and Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who brought their OTR II tour for two nights to the huge venue last September.

The numbers don't lie: Between record and ticket sales, streaming numbers, self-aware lyrics and a fervent fan base, BTS have tapped into a formula for history-making success—in America and all over the world.

All The Ways BTS Won Our Hearts At The 2019 GRAMMYs

BTS

BTS

Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

News
BTS Drop Smooth Juice WRLD Collab, "All Night" bts-drop-juice-wrld-collab-all-night-lead-bts-world-release

BTS Drop Juice WRLD Collab, "All Night," In Lead Up To BTS World Release

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"All Night" marks the third week of releases for BTS, following last week's Mura Masa-produced summer-ready jam, "A Brand New Day," led by J-Hope and V, along with Swedish pop songstress Zara Larsson
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jun 21, 2019 - 12:23 pm

New music Friday is always a good day, especially when your favorite artist drops a hot new bop you can't stop playing.

Well, K-pop heartthrobs BTS are always ones to warm their fans' hearts, and today they did just that, with a smooth new song, "All Night," featuring rising Chicago rapper Juice WRLD. The song features just RM and Suga of BTS, two of the group's rappers, and was produced by RM and Powers Pleasant.

The new single is the third release from the band's forthcoming BTS World Soundtrack, the musical accompaniment to their new mobile game of the same name. Both the soundtrack and game, where you can play the role of young Jin, V, Jungkook, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga and RM's manager, back when they formed the fab 7 squad, are due out next week. The game will be available to download in the U.S. on June 25 and the soundtrack drops June 28.

Related: BTS Shine At GRAMMY U SoundChecks In Chicago

"All Night" marks the third week of releases for BTS, following last week's Mura Masa-produced summer-ready jam, "A Brand New Day," led by J-Hope and V, along with Swedish pop songstress Zara Larsson. The group tapped British alt-pop queen Charli XCX for the first BTS World song, the anthemic "Dream Glow," released June 7.

BTS have had a big year so far, taking over their first GRAMMYs, being named one of the "100 most influential people" by Time, channeling the Beatles on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, launching a crowd-sourced database dedicated to their fans, continually breaking records, and more.

BTS On What They're Listening To Now & More

K-Pop Phenoms BTS Keep Breaking Records: Here's Why

GRAMMYs

BTS

Courtesy Photo: Big Hit Entertainment

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BTS On "Dynamite," New Album, ARMY & More bts-dynamite-interview-new-album-army

BTS Talk Inspiration Behind "Dynamite," New 2020 Album, Gratitude For ARMY & More

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"Even in the midst of hardships, we must focus on what we can do," the South Korean superstars tell GRAMMY.com
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Aug 21, 2020 - 9:00 am

Today, Aug. 21, after several weeks of teasers, K-pop superstars BTS have released their first English language track, "Dynamite," a jubilant disco-tinged bop meant to inspire joy and hope during these difficult times.

"[The inspiration for] it all began from this: even in the midst of hardships, we must focus on what we can do. As for us, we found freedom and happiness in singing and dancing. This song goes to the ones who need encouragement. We hope people feel energized when listening to the song," the chart-topping band recently told GRAMMY.com.

BTS Perform "Dynamite" | Press Play

Even in such an unprecedented year of turmoil and slowdown for the entertainment industry (and virtually everyone), BTS have been able to maintain their stance at the top of the global pop landscape. After having to cancel their massive 2020 Map Of The Soul World Tour, the South Korean group, already having a super engaged online presence with their huge ARMY of dedicated fans, got creative and delivered a lively, colorful—and wildly successful—pay-to-view virtual concert, BANG BANG CON: THE LIVE, in June.

This year, the loveable pop stars also led by example of what it means to be a positive force in the world, using their platform for good in many ways. In June, along with their South Korean management company, Big Hit Entertainment, they donated $1 million to Crew Nation to support out-of-work concert crews and $1 million to the Black Lives Matter Foundation. (Just 24 hours later, the BTS ARMY matched the donation by raising more than $1 million.) They also stood in solidarity with the Black community with a simple yet powerful Tweet that made their stance against racism clear.

And, of course, they've also been busy working on new music, delivering "Stay Gold" and their fourth Japanese album, MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 ~The Journey~, in June and July, respectively. Now, with "Dynamite," we get the first taste of the forthcoming new album they've been focused on crafting.

To hear more about "Dynamite," the upcoming project, the ARMY and other BTS 2020 highlights, we checked in with the dynamic septet (consisting of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook) over email. Read on to hear more from BTS.

Get To Know K-Pop Kings BTS | For The Record

What was the inspiration behind your new song, "Dynamite"? What do you hope listeners feel when they hear it?

BTS: It all began from this: even in the midst of hardships, we must focus on what we can do. As for us, we found freedom and happiness in singing and dancing. This song goes to the ones who need encouragement. We hope people feel energized when listening to the song.

More: BTS Talk New Album 'Map Of The Soul: 7': "The Genre Is BTS"

"Dynamite" is your first song sung/rapped fully in English--how did you prepare for the recording and who wrote the lyrics?

BTS: It was a new challenge for us as well. The lyrics, which are exactly what we wanted to say to our listeners, were written by David Stewart and Jessica Agombar. At the first try, it sounded fresh and perfect as it is in English, and throughout the whole process of recording, we've strived to get the message delivered flawlessly in English. 

https://twitter.com/JessicaAgombar/status/1296076981474385920

I’ve never been more excited about the release of a song as I have about Dynamite 🧨#BTSARMY @BigHitEnt @bts_bighit #BTS_Dynamite ✍🏼 @dstewartmusic

— Jessica Agombar (@JessicaAgombar) August 19, 2020

Can you tell us more about the new album you've said is coming later this year? What kind of sounds and themes are you exploring on this project?

BTS: We're currently working on a new album and sharing the process with our fans via livestream. Each member's input has been significant for this particular one, so we're kind of doing everything we've wanted to try. It's slated for later this year and more details are coming soon.

BTS Live!: iHeartRadio Fest 2020: BTS, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Migos, Coldplay & More To Play COVID-19 Adherent Concert

In February, Map Of The Soul: 7 became your fourth album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with your highest first-week numbers yet. What does the success of this album mean to you?

BTS: We cannot be thankful enough to our fans. They made this possible.

https://twitter.com/bts_bighit/status/1296099613762564097

#BTS_Dynamite Countdown Live까지 D-1!
'방탄소년단의 Dynamite는 ___다' 한 단어로 표현하여 트윗을 남겨주세요! 방탄소년단이 읽어드립니다!

What are your thoughts on Dynamite so far? Let us know in one word with "BTS Dynamite is ___" BTS will read your tweets! #BTS_Dynamite_ONEword pic.twitter.com/EqzV5jNlwz

— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) August 19, 2020

Iconic Idols: K-Pop Phenoms BTS Keep Breaking Records: Here's Why

You've all released music as solo artists—what does it feel like working on your individual projects versus BTS? What's the biggest thing you've each learned from your solo projects?

RM: It feels like I have two completely different identities. Working as BTS, I have to be considerate of others, but at times it also means I just have to do my part well and the rest will roll. When working individually, I definitely have more freedom but less of the sense of comfort and belonging I can feel when working with the other BTS members.

Jin: I can do whatever I want when I work alone, whereas we all need to be on the same page on concepts, melodies and lyrics for a collective project.

SUGA: [For me,] there's not much of a difference in terms of process. It's just really encouraging to have my team by my side and work together on a BTS album.

j-hope: I get to know about my shortcomings from a solo project. We have many people participating in our team projects, including producers. But a solo project is a direct result of the planning and execution done by myself, which helps me better understand feedback from the public—those are valuable takeaways.

Jimin: I focus more on my personal thoughts when I work alone, whereas working together allows me to contemplate more on the things we experience as a team. I also believe that solo projects are additional activities enabled by BTS.

V: I'm currently working on my own mixtape and I must admit there's a lot of pressure. I think there's more to think about compared to group projects. 

Jung Kook: I don't think I can call myself a solo artist yet since I'm short of many things. I really need to improve. I'll keep listening and making music until I'm able to come up with something on my own. 

https://twitter.com/BigHitEnt/status/1293789401131020288

BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E 공연 개최#BTS #방탄소년단 #MapOfTheSoulOne pic.twitter.com/LXEW2eDh2K

— BigHit Entertainment (@BigHitEnt) August 13, 2020

Your virtual BANG BANG CON show was a huge success—what did it feel like to all of you to connect to the ARMY in this way? Do you think you'll plan another one?

BTS: We were so happy to be performing for our fans. Yes, we did miss their loud cheers, but we gave it our all thanks to the love sent by our fans from near and far. We're actually holding another show in October called "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" and this time it will be both virtual and offline. We're so excited and thrilled to finally meet our fans in person.

https://twitter.com/BTS_twt/status/1268422690336935943

우리는 인종차별에 반대합니다.
우리는 폭력에 반대합니다.
나, 당신, 우리 모두는 존중받을 권리가 있습니다. 함께 하겠습니다.

We stand against racial discrimination.
We condemn violence.
You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.#BlackLivesMatter

— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) June 4, 2020

As a group, you've stood in solidarity with Black Lives Matter on Twitter and with a generous donation in partnership with Big Hit. As non-Black allies, why is it important for the group to speak out and join the Black community in solidarity?

BTS: We think our Twitter message speaks for itself. We stand against racial discrimination and condemn violence. We all have the right to be respected. It doesn't matter whether we are non-Black or not. 

Watch More: BTS On The Creative Process, Breaking Records, Their Responsibility As Artists & More

What's next on the horizon for BTS?

BTS: As we mentioned, we have a show in October and an album coming later this year. And we have lots of things prepared surrounding "Dynamite," so everyone better keep their eyes on the ball!

K-Pop Phenom Eric Nam Talks New Mini-Album 'The Other Side' And Life As One Of Korea's Biggest Stars

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5 Ways BTS Won Our Hearts At The 2019 GRAMMYs all-ways-bts-won-our-hearts-2019-grammys

All The Ways BTS Won Our Hearts At The 2019 GRAMMYs

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From hinting at new music to dancing in the audience to presenting their first award, everyone's favorite K-pop septet lived it up at their first-ever GRAMMY Awards
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 11, 2019 - 4:30 pm

The seven members of K-pop phenomenon BTS—J-Hope, Jin, V, Jungkook, Jimin, Suga and RM—were clearly as excited as their fans were for their first appearance at the 61st GRAMMY Awards. From arriving in style to dancing in their seats to more firsts as they took the stage, let's countdown the top five ways the boys of BTS stole the show—and our hearts.

5. Looking Dapper In Tuxes

The South Korean group always has a strong style game, but their understated pizazz in matching black-and-white tuxedos really elevated their look on their first GRAMMYs red carpet. Their excitement to be a part of Music's Biggest Night was palpable as they exited the SUV, posed for their first photos of the evening and made their way to the carpet.

4. Coyly Teasing New Music On The Red Carpet

Once they were on the carpet, the Recording Academy shared a special moment with the boys by asking few burning questions. When we asked when we could expect a new album, they teased with just enough info to get fans buzzing.

"It's gonna be real soon," RM said.

When asked if it would be a collab album, RM gave a coy answer, while Jimin looked straight into the camera and said: "There could be a collaboration song and some joint songs, we don't know, we're working on it."

They also shared their excitement about seeing H.E.R., Lady Gaga and Travis Scott perform at the GRAMMYs. (Back in September, during their visit to the GRAMMY Museum, BTS shared that they'd been listening to a lot of Scott's "Sicko Mode," so the boys were definitely ready to dance.)

More BTS: "Fans Gave Us The Wings That Allowed Us To Be Where We Are"

3. Dropping Even More Collab Hints

BTS & H.E.R.

BTS & H.E.R. | Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

In addition to being ready to watch some of their favorite U.S.-based artists live for the first time, BTS name-dropped H.E.R., Scott and Gaga all as their dream collaborators. As they told Variety in another playful red carpet interview, they would love to work with the aforementioned artists, along with Camila Cabello. 

2. Singing & Dancing To "Jolene"

Jungkook feeling himself while singing to Dolly Parton song is a big mood. @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/Ri0mV7sCXI

— Dr Bangtan (@DrBangtan1) February 11, 2019

The boys seemed to be having the most fun of pretty much everyone when Dolly Parton took the stage for a big medley with some very special guests to celebrate her being the 2019 MusiCares Person Of The Year. As the cameras cut to the audience during Parton and goddaughter Miley Cyrus' "Jolene" duet, BTS could be seen dancing and singing along enthusiastically. Clearly anyone sitting near them had the best seats in the house, and the BTS army was quick to make the joyful moment viral.

Related: BTS On The Creative Process, Breaking Records, Their Responsibility As Artists & More

1. Becoming The First K-Pop Group To Present A GRAMMY

In addition to having a blast at their first GRAMMYs, the boys made history as the first K-pop group to present an award in the show's 61 years. They took the stage at STAPLES Center for the first time to present H.E.R.—one of the artist's they were stoked to see—with Best R&B Album.

As they told Variety on the carpet, it was their first time ever presenting an award, so it was quite a monumental day of highs and big firsts for the boys.

From Dolly To H.E.R.: 10 Unforgettable 2019 GRAMMYs Moments

BTS at the 2020 GRAMMYs

BTS at the 2020 GRAMMYs

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

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BTS Cancel 2020 World Tour Due To COVID-19 bts-cancel-2020-map-soul-world-tour-dates-due-covid-19-restrictions

BTS Cancel 2020 Map Of The Soul World Tour Dates Due To COVID-19 Restrictions

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The North American leg of the K-pop superstars' 2020 tour, originally slated to begin in April, was already postponed last month—now all upcoming dates have been put on hold due to the coronavirus crisis
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Apr 28, 2020 - 1:54 pm

All shows for BTS' Map of the Soul 2020 World Tour have been put on hold due to coronavirus concerns. New dates will be announced at a later time, for whenever it is safe to gather huge crowds again. While no one can currently predict exactly when that date will be, the BTS Army received some good news today, in the form of a trailer and release date for the group's new docuseries, "Break The Silence."

"The decision has been made to completely reschedule the 'Map of the Soul' tour, originally scheduled to begin in April 2020," Big Hit Entertainment, the South Korean label who manages the K-pop powerhouse act said today, April 28, via a statement translated by K-pop news outlet Soompi.

Read: BTS Talk New Album 'Map Of The Soul: 7': "The Genre Is BTS"

The tour was originally slated to begin in their home country in April with four nights in Seoul. Per Soompi, these dates were canceled back in February due to the emerging danger of coronavirus. The North American leg of the tour was set to begin in late April, but those dates were put on hold in late March, to be "rescheduled at a later date." The summer dates across Europe and Japan, previously set to wrap up in September, were still on the books until today. 

"This tour involves the participation of staff and crew from around the world as well as global logistics systems. While there are certain countries, regions, and cities where conditions have improved, including Korea, it is difficult to make the decision to begin the tour based on these recent developments. Due to the nature of BTS concerts involving travel by thousands of international fans no matter where the performances are held, it is also difficult to resume the tour with the current strict restrictions on cross-border movement still in place. Moreover, it is impossible at this time to predict when the first performance marking the start of the tour will be able to begin," the statement continued.

"Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the previously-announced tour schedule and develop a new schedule. Big Hit Entertainment will completely reschedule the tour and provide a new tour schedule to our fans as soon as it becomes clear when the tour can begin. This may require considerable time as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. However, we will work to ensure that BTS and their fans will be able to meet each other as soon as they can. We will also create new ways for our artists to engage with their fans and respond to the 'New normal' while we wait to resume activities halted by COVID-19."

Related: BTS Announce At-Home Concert Streaming Series, "BANG BANG CON"

Earlier this month, the band brought their energy and music (virtually) to fans homes with their streaming home concert series, "BANG BANG CON," where they aired past concerts as far back at 2014. Today, they revealed more exclusive concert footage and behind-the-scenes content is on the way in the form of their new docuseries, set to air on Korean app WeVerse on May 12. You can see all seven smiling faces in the trailer below—where you also get a taste of how massive the crowds they draw really are.

BTS' latest album is Map Of The Soul: 7, released on Feb. 21, the project the tour is in support of. Less than a month before that highly anticiapted fourth studio album dropped, the lovable septet brought "Seoul Town Road" to the 2020 GRAMMYs stage with their fiery performance during Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" spectacular—rewatch it below.

No Radio, No Problem: How BTS Scored A No. 1 Hit Without Radio's Help

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