Consequence of Sound Magazine Names BTS as 2020 Band of the Year

On November 2nd, 2020, Consequence of Sound, a respected voice in music journalism, named BTS as its 2020 Band of the Year. For many long-time fans and even casual observers, this recognition didn’t come as a surprise, it was an acknowledgment of a year in which BTS not only dominated the charts but uplifted the world in a time of deep uncertainty and sorrow. In the past, this title has been reserved for legendary and genre-defining acts like Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, The Roots, and Tool, bands known for their innovation, cultural impact, and artistic integrity. That BTS now joins this prestigious list speaks volumes, not just about their popularity, but about the way they have reshaped the global music landscape, on their own terms.

2020 was, by all accounts, a year of upheaval. The world came to a standstill as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, shaking every industry, music included. Tours were cancelled, festivals postponed indefinitely, and many artists struggled to find their footing in this new reality. In the midst of this, BTS emerged as a beacon of resilience and hope.

Instead of pausing or pulling back, BTS doubled down on what they do best: connecting through music. With fans unable to attend concerts or in-person events, BTS focused on reaching out in the ways they could, live streams, heartfelt social media messages, and perhaps most impactfully, music that truly resonated with the times.

In 2020 alone, BTS released two major albums: Map of the Soul: 7 in February and BE in November.

Map of the Soul: 7 was a reflection of the group’s journey over the past seven years, a layered, introspective album that confronted fame, identity, pressure, and self-acceptance. Tracks like “Black Swan” dove deep into the fear of losing passion for one’s craft, while “ON” was a powerful anthem of perseverance and embracing one’s fate head-on.

Later that year, when the pandemic had fully gripped the world, BTS gave us BE a raw, vulnerable, and incredibly comforting album that felt like a conversation between friends. “Life Goes On,” the lead single, wasn’t just a song, it was a warm embrace. In a world full of noise and anxiety, BTS offered a space for stillness and reassurance.

Through both these albums, BTS showed remarkable maturity and understanding of the human condition. Their music transcended language and culture, it spoke directly to the heart. Then there was “Dynamite” their first full-English track and a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Released in August 2020, “Dynamite” wasn’t just a catchy, feel-good disco-pop song. It was a strategic move born out of their desire to give fans, and the world, something joyful during difficult times.

The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first all-South Korean act to achieve this milestone. Its retro visuals, infectious choreography, and pure happiness resonated globally. It was more than a hit, it was a shared experience, a dose of serotonin we all desperately needed.

Even more remarkable was that “Dynamite” wasn’t about chart dominance. The members have been candid about its purpose: to uplift spirits. That sincerity, that commitment to being a source of light, is what made the song such a defining moment of 2020. What makes BTS worthy of Band of the Year isn’t just their commercial success, though the numbers are staggering. It’s the humanity behind their work, their relentless efforts to connect, uplift, and inspire.

In 2020, BTS launched initiatives like #ConnectBTS, a global arts project that brought together artists and curators from all over the world, rooted in the values of diversity, love, and inclusivity. They continued their Love Myself campaign in partnership with UNICEF, advocating for self-love and mental health awareness.

They made generous donations, from contributing $1 million to Black Lives Matter to supporting pandemic relief efforts. They used their platform to speak at the United Nations, encouraging young people to speak for themselves and believe in their voices, even amid hardship.

This level of social consciousness and emotional leadership is rare, even among the most acclaimed artists. And BTS does it not because it’s expected, but because it’s deeply aligned with who they are as people. So when Consequence of Sound named BTS their Band of the Year, it felt less like a surprise and more like a long-overdue declaration. This recognition wasn’t just for their impeccable choreography, genre-spanning music, or record-breaking success, though all those things played a role.

It was about how BTS carried a sense of shared humanity through their work. In a year that tested us all, they reminded us of the power of joy, the necessity of empathy, and the strength that comes from connection.

They proved that language doesn’t divide, it unites when it comes from the heart. They proved that a boy band from South Korea could move the world, not just through pop music, but through purpose, vulnerability, and care. BTS being named Band of the Year is also a moment for the history books. It symbolizes a shift in global music culture, an acknowledgment that greatness is not confined by borders or Western standards. That a Korean act can stand shoulder to shoulder with rock legends like Tool or The Roots, and rightfully claim their place.

And yet, perhaps what’s most exciting is that BTS are still evolving. They continue to explore new sounds, share new stories, and use their platform to create a better, more compassionate world. Their legacy is not in any one song, album, or award, it’s in the lives they touch every single day.

In a year that many will remember for isolation, grief, and uncertainty, BTS gave us something else to hold onto: hope. Through their music, their words, and their actions, they reminded us that no matter how dark the world may seem, light can, and will, always find a way in.

So yes, calling BTS the Band of the Year feels more than deserved. In fact, it feels like an understatement.

Because in 2020, BTS weren’t just the band of the year, they were the band of the moment, of the movement, and of the millions who needed to believe again.

“To list out the accomplishments, broken records, and firsts the pop septet have achieved would take up page after page, so consider this year’s accolades alone: first Korean act to land at No. 1 on the Billboard charts (with “Dynamite”). Then, just a few weeks later, the first act in history to debut a non-English language song at the No. 1 spot (with “Life Goes On”). First Korean group to ever receive a Grammy nomination. First band in history to debut a song and album at No. 1 in the same week. Dizzyingly, these events are all from the last few months, but the Bangtan Boys released two full albums this year, Map of the Soul: 7 and BE, both of which went No. 1. To have achieved any of these accolades over the span of a career would be remarkable; to have achieved them all in 2020 is almost miraculous.”