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[Editorial] We applaud BTS for truly bringing Korean culture to the global forefront

Seven young Korean singers are standing tall atop the peak of global pop music. On Aug. 1, Billboard announced that BTS’ latest single “Dynamite” had topped Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart. This is the first time a Korean act has reached the top of the globally tracked singles chart since its creation in 1958. This is a proud moment for Asians in general, since BTS is the first Asian act to achieve that feat in over half a century, since Japanese singer Kyu Sakamoto did back in 1963. Indeed, it’s a singular incident in the history of pop, shaking up the conservative tendencies and domestic focus of the US’ pop music market.

BTS’ conquest of the Hot 100 is particularly gratifying since the win was so predictable. Since their debut in 2013, BTS has climbed the stairway to global fame one step at a time. They’ve released music that resonates with the current generation both in the West and the East, broken down barriers by communicating with fans directly on social media, and put on spectacular performances, a skill cultivated by many of Korea’s idol groups. While expanding their fan base to the markets of Asia, Europe, and North America, the group has claimed numerous musical awards and steadily risen on the Billboard charts. In fact, BTS’ last four albums have reached the number-one spot on Billboard’s albums chart, raising expectations for top billing on the singles chart as well.

Topping the singles chart is even more significant than doing the same on the albums chart. Loyal fandoms have a big impact on the albums chart, which is tabulated through album sales, but the singles chart takes into account radio play and track downloads. In short, the singles chart reflects universal popularity, transcending any single generation or taste. Previous BTS releases had marched up the chart — “Fake Love” reached 10th in 2018, “Boy With Luv” reached eighth in 2019, and “On” reached fourth this past February — and now they’ve finally hit first. All this shows that BTS has solidified its position in the world’s mainstream music market. In the analysis of music critic Kim Young-dae, “Twenty years after K-Pop debuted in the global market, we’ve entered an era where Koreans are making music that’s enjoyed by people around the world.”

Just as the film “Parasite” swept the Academy Awards earlier this year, BTS’ rise to the top of the Billboard charts is a joyful indication that Korea’s pop culture has matured to the point where it can make the standards for the global culture industry. In an interview with the American press, BTS members said they hoped “Dynamite” would send a positive message to people around the world who are struggling because of COVID-19. Once more, we applaud these seven young musicians, confident that they have even bigger things in store.

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