There is no “BTS Formula”

‘BTS is BTS because they are BTS’

I saw this comment “To recreate BTS’s success, you need BTS” which is true, people should see the impossibility of that and stop trying. There’s no BTS ‘formula’, BTS are BTS because they are BTS, they are genuine and actually love their work. Being musicians is in their blood, they could have all walked away when it got hard, but they stayed. There have been many articles about the ‘NEXT BTS’, The Successor of ‘K-pop King’ BTS, Meet new K-pop boy band, Building the Next BTS, The next BTS, or just another boy band?, the ‘Next BTS’ and Representative of K-pop’s Fourth Generation etc.

The question is always, why are you trying to find the next BTS if THE BTS is still alive and creating music. Trying to recreate BTS is futile because even BTS themselves say, there is no next BTS, even they did not want to become the next ‘somebody’ they watched other artists, admired them and learnt how to be themselves. They did not copy anyone but found a way to build themselves up with what worked for them. Even their founder Bang Si Hyuk admitted that when they were putting the members together, they did not know the 7 would have such synergy and even they do not know how they did it or how to create a similar group.

Throughout their careers, BTS have had moments where they almost gave up, but it was their love for music and the bond they found in each other that kept them in BTS. They have shared their most vulnerable moments which make them human and relatable.

RM once revealed that he ran away during their trainee days, and his dad convinced him to go back to BTS. j-hope was already at the bus stop leaving the dorm because he was frustrated about debuting, but he came back to BTS. SUGA at some point told the company that he couldn’t do it anymore because of his shoulder injury, the company told him they would wait for him to recover and he stayed in BTS.

Jimin almost got cut several times and he would call his dad to tell him that even if he might not make it, he’d find something that would make his dad proud and he made it in BTS. While he was having tough times, V said that he’d once called his dad and told him he wanted to quit and his dad told him that whatever he chose to do he would still support him, that gave V the strength to continue, and he stayed in BTS.

Jin didn’t sing, didn’t dance, he felt frustrated, he could have left and gone on to become an amazing award-winning actor, but he persevered, worked hard and stayed in BTS. Jung Kook missed home, he was still a teenager through those hardships he could have called home and told his parents to come pick him up, and still gone on to become someone great in whatever field he chose, but he chose to stay, in BTS.

These 7 boys cried, felt like quitting, like they couldn’t do it any more (2018) but their love for music and each other kept them going through the hard and harsh times. No formula can replicate a bond like BTS, 7 unique very different individuals living and working together 24hours a day, 365 days a year, had to learn to sync and learn to live with each other.

BTS is unique in many ways, which is why replicating their success is nearly impossible. Here’s why:

Exceptional talent and chemistry: Each member of BTS brings something distinctive to the table, whether it’s their singing, dancing, songwriting, or rapping skills. The synergy they share is rare. They have a perfect balance of skills that complement one another, and their bond as a group is part of what makes them so special.
Hard work and dedication: BTS is known for their immense work ethic. They’ve spent years honing their craft, and their commitment to improving and growing is unmatched. They’re not just idols; they’re creators, working relentlessly behind the scenes to compose, produce, and choreograph much of their music.
Authenticity and vulnerability: Their music touches on real-life struggles, mental health, identity, and personal growth, making their message resonate deeply with fans. They are transparent and often share their personal experiences, making them feel approachable and genuine.
Global appeal and cultural Impact: BTS transcended borders and language barriers, becoming global superstars in a way no other group has. Their message of self-love and empowerment resonated with a global audience, leading to an unprecedented international fanbase (ARMY).
Innovative approach to content: From their music videos to their variety show appearances and social media engagement, BTS continuously innovates how they connect with fans. Their approach to storytelling, not just through music but also through content like “Bangtan Bombs” or “Run BTS,” keeps fans invested and engaged.
Timing and luck: While BTS’ rise to fame is largely attributed to their talent and hard work, timing also played a significant role. They broke into the global scene during a time when social media and streaming platforms allowed international artists to have direct access to global audiences, which helped propel them to worldwide success.
ARMY: Their fandom, ARMY, is one of the most dedicated and powerful fan communities in the world. The loyalty and support BTS receives from ARMY, both online and offline, are unprecedented, and their fans are crucial to the group’s success. If you are going to replicate BTS, then also replicate ARMY.

BTS’s accolades are truly legendary, they have made history over and over again. Here’s a breakdown of some of their most notable awards and achievements, though honestly, this barely scratches the surface:

Korean Awards

Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA):
- Artist of the Year: 5 consecutive wins (2016–2020)
- Album of the Year: Multiple wins including for Wings, Love Yourself: Tear, and Map of the Soul: 7
- Song of the Year: “Spring Day”, “Boy With Luv”, and more
Melon Music Awards (MMA):
- Daesang (Grand Prize) Sweep: BTS became the first artist to win all 4 Daesangs in a single year (2019)
Golden Disc Awards, Seoul Music Awards, and more:
- Dozens of Bonsangs and Daesangs, breaking records with every release

International Awards

Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs):
- Top Social Artist: 5 years in a row (2017–2021)
- Top Duo/Group: 2019, 2021
- Top Selling Song: “Dynamite” (2021)
American Music Awards (AMAs):
- Artist of the Year: 2021 (first Asian act to win)
- Favorite Pop Duo or Group: 3 consecutive years
MTV VMAs & EMAs:
- Dozens of wins including Best Group, Best K-pop, and Best Choreography
Grammy Nominations:
- First Korean act to be nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (“Dynamite” in 2021, “Butter” in 2022, “My Universe” in 2023)
- Though they haven’t won a Grammy yet, they’ve performed at the ceremony, another historic milestone

Chart Achievements

Billboard Hot 100:
- First Korean group to reach No.1 (“Dynamite”)
- Other No.1 hits: “Butter” (which stayed at #1 for 10 weeks), “Permission to Dance”, “My Universe”, “Life Goes On”
Billboard 200 Albums Chart:
- No.1 albums include Love Yourself: Tear, Love Yourself: Answer, Map of the Soul: Persona, Map of the Soul: 7, BE, and Proof

Cultural and Historic Honors

Order of Cultural Merit (2018):
- Awarded by the President of South Korea for spreading Korean culture worldwide
United Nations:
- Delivered speeches at the UN General Assembly multiple times
- Promoted self-love and youth empowerment as part of the “Love Myself” campaign with UNICEF
Diplomatic Passport Holders (2021):
- Appointed Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture by President Moon Jae-in

World Records

Guinness World Records:
- Over 20+ world records including:
  - Most viewed YouTube video in 24 hours (“Butter”)
  - Fastest time to reach 1M followers on Instagram (all 7 members broke it in 2021)
  - Most streamed group on Spotify (global)

BTS did not only break records, but they redefined what was possible for Asian artists in the global music industry. Their achievements are not only historical but also deeply emotional for millions of fans who watched them grow from underdogs to global icons.

The members enlisted in the military, Jin and j-hope have completed while members, SUGA, RM, V, Jimin and Jung Kook will be discharged in June this year, and yet they kept breaking records with their singles and albums. Jin (Happy) he’s releasing (ECHO) in May this year. RM (Indigo and Right Place, Wrong Person). SUGA (D-DAY). j-hope (Jack in the Box and Hope on The Street Vol.1). Jimin (FACE and MUSE). V (Layo(v)er) and Jung Kook (GOLDEN).

BTS have had moments where they wanted to quit, questioned themselves and the reasons why

So, while there may be other talented groups out there, replicating BTS’ unique combination of talent, authenticity, timing, and connection to their audience is a monumental challenge. Their place in music history is cemented not just by their sound, but by the incredible bond they’ve built with millions of fans around the world.

Personally I would have gone home and said, “yeah, fuck this, I ain’t suffering anymore,” so thank God BTS is not me 😂🤣😎 But seriously, every time I think about what BTS went through and are still going through (hate, rumors, attacks etc.) it makes me tear up and love them even more. Because they don’t have to do it, they can say, “yeah, it’s enough, we’ve done enough, time to stop” because they don’t have to take any of it, but they still do and with grace, so why would I not support them 1000%?