171 Fun Facts About BTS

BTS made their official debut with the single album '2 Cool 4 Skool' in what year?

June 13, 2013 was debut day, with '2 Cool 4 Skool' and its lead single 'No More Dream'.

What is the official name of the BTS fandom?

ARMY is a backronym for 'Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth' and, fittingly, an army goes with bulletproof armour; the fandom's founding date is celebrated every July 9.

Which member of BTS is known as the group's leader?

RM, born Kim Nam-joon, was the first member Big Hit recruited (2010) and has led BTS since the 2013 debut; he largely taught himself English and speaks for the group abroad.

The Korean name behind the initials BTS, Bangtan Sonyeondan, translates literally into English as what?

Bulletproof Boy Scouts is the literal meaning of Bangtan Sonyeondan: 'bangtan' (bulletproof) was meant to suggest deflecting the pressures and stereotypes aimed at young people.

Which BTS member is the oldest, often referred to as the 'hyung' of the group?

Born Kim Seok-jin in December 1992, he was also the first member to begin mandatory military service, enlisting in December 2022.

Which of these songs gave BTS their first music show win?

BTS achieved their first music show win with the song 'I Need U' on SBS MTV's The Show on May 5, 2015.

Which BTS member's 2023 solo debut 'Seven' entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number one?

Jung Kook, the group's youngest member, saw 'Seven' enter the Billboard Hot 100 at number one in July 2023 and top the Global 200 the same week.

Which album earned BTS their first Daesang (Grand Prize) at the 2016 Melon Music Awards?

BTS received their first Daesang, the Album of the Year award, at the 2016 Melon Music Awards for their compilation album 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever.'

Which 2020 single, BTS's first all-English recording, gave them their first Billboard Hot 100 number one?

Dynamite, released August 21, 2020, was the group's first English-language single and first Hot 100 number one, and earned their first Grammy nomination.

In which year did BTS first address the UN General Assembly in New York?

BTS first spoke at the UN on September 24, 2018, when RM delivered the 'Speak Yourself' speech at the launch of UNICEF's Generation Unlimited initiative in New York.

BTS's leader began in Seoul's underground hip-hop scene as a teenager under what name?

As a teenager RM rapped in Seoul's underground scene as Runch Randa, then debuted with BTS in 2013 as Rap Monster before shortening the name to RM in 2017.

What was the title of the BTS leader's 2022 solo album, which peaked at three on the Billboard 200?

It featured Erykah Badu and Anderson .Paak and was then the highest-charting album by a Korean soloist.

The oldest BTS member made his official solo debut in October 2022 with which single?

Jin released 'The Astronaut', co-written with Coldplay, on October 28, 2022, and performed it with the band in Buenos Aires that night, weeks before enlisting.

Under which alias does Suga release his solo mixtapes?

Agust D is Suga's alias, under which his 2023 album D-Day debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.

In which South Korean city was Suga born?

Suga, born Min Yoon-gi on March 9, 1993, grew up in Daegu's Buk District and rapped in the city's underground crew D-Town before joining Big Hit in 2010.

Which singer featured on J-Hope's 2019 single 'Chicken Noodle Soup'?

Becky G sang the Spanish and English verses on J-Hope's 'Chicken Noodle Soup' (September 2019), a remake of Webstar and Young B's 2006 Harlem hit.

What was the title of J-Hope's 2022 debut studio album?

J-Hope's first studio album, Jack in the Box, arrived on July 15, 2022, led by 'More' and 'Arson'; he performed it headlining Lollapalooza Chicago two weeks later.

Which BTS member's 'Like Crazy' was the first Korean solo song to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100?

Jimin's 'Like Crazy', from his March 2023 debut album Face, entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number one, making him the first Korean solo artist to top that chart.

What was the title of Jimin's second solo album, released in July 2024?

Muse, released July 19, 2024, was Jimin's second solo album; its lead single 'Who' topped the Billboard Global 200 for weeks while he was serving in the army.

V made his acting debut in which 2016 historical television series?

He and Jin contributed the song 'It's Definitely You' to its soundtrack.

What was the title of V's debut solo EP, released in September 2023?

Layover, V's debut solo EP, arrived on September 8, 2023, led by the singles 'Love Me Again', 'Rainy Days' and 'Slow Dancing'.

In 2022, the youngest BTS member featured on which Charlie Puth single?

Jung Kook sang on Charlie Puth's 'Left and Right', released June 24, 2022; it peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Which Jung Kook song appeared on the official 2022 FIFA World Cup soundtrack?

'Dreamers', with Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi, was Jung Kook's track on the official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 soundtrack; he sang it at the opening ceremony on November 20, 2022.

Before founding Big Hit, Bang Si-hyuk spent years as a composer and producer at which agency?

Bang Si-hyuk, nicknamed 'Hitman', spent years as a composer and producer at JYP Entertainment alongside Park Jin-young, writing hits for its acts, before leaving to found Big Hit Entertainment.

What was the lead single of BTS's 2013 debut single album?

'No More Dream', the lead single of '2 Cool 4 Skool' (June 2013), asks listeners what their dream is; its video and choreography set BTS's early hip-hop image.

In July 2017, BTS announced their name would also stand for what English phrase?

Beyond the Scene was added in July 2017 alongside a new logo, framing BTS as youth who push past the reality they face rather than settling for it.

Which BTS single was the first by a K-pop group to receive an RIAA Gold certification?

'Mic Drop', in its late-2017 remix version, went RIAA Gold in February 2018, a first for a K-pop group, after peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Which BTS album was the first from South Korea to top the Billboard 200?

Love Yourself: Tear debuted atop the Billboard 200 in May 2018 with 135,000 units, the first Korean album to do so, led by the single 'Fake Love'.

In June 2019, BTS became the first Korean act to headline which London venue?

Wembley Stadium hosted BTS on June 1 and 2, 2019, the first Korean act to headline there; the same Love Yourself: Speak Yourself tour also filled the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

BTS partnered with the children's agency UNICEF in 2017 to establish which anti-violence campaign?

Love Myself, launched with UNICEF in November 2017 under the #ENDviolence banner, raised over one million dollars in its first year and framed RM's 'Speak Yourself' speech at the United Nations.

BTS paused in 2022 so members could complete how many months of military service?

South Korean army conscripts serve 18 months; the first member enlisted in December 2022 and the last were discharged in June 2025, after which the group resumed work.

How many Grammy Award nominations had BTS received by the end of 2025?

Five: 'Dynamite' (2021) and 'Butter' (2022) in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, then three at the 2023 ceremony for 'My Universe', the 'Yet to Come' video and Coldplay's Music of the Spheres.

BTS were the first K-pop act to perform on which American late-evening sketch show?

Saturday Night Live hosted BTS on April 13, 2019, the first K-pop act to perform on the show, the day after Map of the Soul: Persona was released.

BTS's second English-language single, released in May 2021, was called what?

'Butter', released May 21, 2021, spent ten weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the longest run of any BTS single.

Which British singer-songwriter wrote BTS's 2021 single 'Permission to Dance'?

Ed Sheeran co-wrote 'Permission to Dance' with Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid and Jenna Andrews; he had earlier co-written 'Make It Right' for Map of the Soul: Persona.

BTS's 2019 single 'Boy with Luv' featured which American singer?

Halsey sang on 'Boy with Luv' (April 12, 2019), lead single of Map of the Soul: Persona; its video drew 74.6 million views in 24 hours, then a YouTube record.

Which 2020 BTS single was the first primarily Korean-language song to debut at number one on the Hot 100?

'Life Goes On', lead single of the album Be (November 20, 2020), was written during the pandemic after the Map of the Soul Tour was called off, and debuted atop the Hot 100.

Which BTS studio album, released in February 2020, was led by the single 'ON'?

Map of the Soul: 7 came out on February 21, 2020, led by 'ON'; it was BTS's fourth Korean-language studio album and sold more than four million copies in Korea that year.

What was the lead single of Proof, BTS's 2022 anthology album?

'Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)' led Proof, the three-disc anthology released June 10, 2022, on the eve of the group's ninth anniversary.

BTS's label Big Hit was founded on 1 February of which year?

Big Hit Entertainment was founded on February 1, 2005, by producer Bang Si-hyuk; it was renamed Hybe Corporation in March 2021.

What was the title of BTS's first Japanese-language studio album, released in 2014?

Wake Up, released December 24, 2014, was BTS's first Japanese studio album; it reached number three on Oricon's weekly chart and led to the 'Wake Up: Open Your Eyes' Japan tour in 2015.

Which BTS album became the first Korean album certified Platinum by the RIAA?

Love Yourself: Answer was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2021, the first Korean album to reach that mark; it had given BTS a second Billboard 200 number one in September 2018.

Which South Korean honour did BTS become the youngest recipients of in 2018?

BTS received the Order of Cultural Merit (Hwagwan, fifth class) in October 2018 as its youngest-ever recipients; the honour usually goes to artists with 15 or more years of achievement.

How is BTS's name rendered in Japan?

Bōdan Shōnendan is the Japanese reading of 防弾少年団, the same characters behind the group's Korean name; Japanese releases also use the acronym BTS.

Which three future members stayed when other trainees refused to join an idol group around 2010?

J-Hope, RM and Suga stayed when Bang Si-hyuk's planned hip-hop crew around RM became an idol group; other trainees such as Supreme Boi left the line-up, and Jin, Jimin, V and Jung Kook joined later.

On which music show did BTS make their stage debut on June 13, 2013?

M Countdown (Mnet) hosted BTS's first stage on June 13, 2013, the day after '2 Cool 4 Skool' came out; the group played its debut single and 'We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2'.

What was the title of the second entry in BTS's 'school trilogy', released in September 2013?

O!RUL8,2? ('Oh! Are you late, too?'), released September 11, 2013, was the second part of the school trilogy; its single 'N.O' continued the theme of students under pressure.

What was BTS's 2013 SBS MTV variety show called?

Rookie King Channel Bangtan aired on SBS MTV from September to November 2013, with the members parodying shows such as VJ Special Forces and MasterChef Korea.

Which 2014 EP completed BTS's 'school trilogy' and first charted on Billboard's World Albums chart?

Skool Luv Affair, released February 12, 2014, closed the school trilogy and reached number three on Billboard's World Albums chart; its singles were 'Boy in Luv' and 'Just One Day'.

Where did BTS play their first US show, in July 2014?

West Hollywood's Troubadour club hosted BTS's first US shows in July 2014; the group returned to Los Angeles for KCON that August.

Which two singles came from BTS's 2014 album Dark & Wild?

Dark & Wild, released August 20, 2014, was BTS's first full studio album, with 'Danger' and 'War of Hormone' as its singles; it peaked at number two on South Korea's Gaon album chart.

What was the name of BTS's first concert tour, launched in October 2014?

The Red Bullet, BTS's first concert tour, opened in Seoul in October 2014 and ran through August 2015 across Asia, Australia and the Americas.

What Chinese phrase, meaning 'the most beautiful moment in life', titled BTS's 2015 EP series?

Hwayangyeonhwa is the Korean reading of 花樣年華, 'the most beautiful moment in life', the phrase that titled BTS's 2015 EP pair and also Wong Kar-wai's film In the Mood for Love.

BTS's 2015 single 'Dope' is known in Korean by what title?

'Jjeoreo' (쩔어), slang for 'it's awesome', is the Korean title of 'Dope', from the 2015 EP The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1; its video was BTS's first to pass 100 million YouTube views.

At what position did BTS first appear on the Billboard 200 with The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2?

171 was where The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2 entered the Billboard 200 in December 2015, BTS's first appearance on that chart; its lead single was 'Run'.

Which three singles came with the 2016 compilation that closed the youth trilogy?

'Epilogue: Young Forever', 'Fire' and 'Save Me' were the singles of The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, the May 2016 compilation that closed the youth trilogy.

What was BTS's second Japanese studio album, released in September 2016?

Youth, BTS's second Japanese studio album, came out on September 7, 2016, with Japanese versions of 'Run' and 'Fire'; it topped Oricon's daily chart with 44,547 first-day sales.

How many album-equivalent units did Wings sell in its first US week, then a K-pop record?

16,000 album-equivalent units in its first US week sent Wings to number 26 on the Billboard 200 in October 2016, then the highest entry for a K-pop album.

What was the repackaged edition of Wings, released in February 2017, called?

You Never Walk Alone, the February 2017 repackage of Wings, added four new songs, including the single 'Not Today', to the original album's tracklist.

Which award did BTS win at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, the first for a K-pop group?

Top Social Artist went to BTS at the May 2017 Billboard Music Awards, the first Billboard award for a K-pop group, after more than 300 million fan votes ended Justin Bieber's six-year hold.

Whose 1995 song 'Come Back Home' did BTS remake in July 2017?

Seo Taiji and Boys released 'Come Back Home' in 1995; BTS remade it in July 2017 for Seo Taiji's 25th-anniversary project Time: Traveler, keeping its theme of societal change.

What four-stage narrative structure shaped BTS's Love Yourself series?

Beginning, development, turn, conclusion is the four-act scheme 起承轉結 (giseungjeongyeol), mapped onto the Love Yourself instalments Wonder, Her, Tear and Answer.

At what position did 'DNA' first enter the Billboard Hot 100 in 2017?

85 was 'DNA's' debut position on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2017, the first entry by a K-pop boy band; it climbed to 67 the following week.

Which rapper featured on the 'Mic Drop' remix that reached number 28 on the Hot 100?

Desiigner, the 'Panda' rapper, added a verse to the November 2017 'Mic Drop' remix, which peaked at number 28, the first top-40 Hot 100 entry for a K-pop group.

What new song accompanied 'DNA' and 'Mic Drop' on BTS's December 2017 Japanese single album?

'Crystal Snow', a winter ballad written for Japan, was the new track on the December 6, 2017 single 'Mic Drop/DNA/Crystal Snow', which sold over 250,000 copies in its first week.

BTS's 2018 documentary series Burn the Stage was released exclusively on which platform?

YouTube Premium (then YouTube Red) carried Burn the Stage as a YouTube Original from March 2018; its eight episodes followed the 2017 Wings Tour.

What was BTS's third Japanese studio album, released in April 2018?

Face Yourself, released April 4, 2018, was BTS's third Japanese studio album; it reached number 43 on the Billboard 200, a rare placing for a Japanese-language record.

Which song featured in the nine-minute short film that preceded Love Yourself: Tear?

'Euphoria', sung by Jung Kook, scored the nine-minute short film 'Euphoria: Theme of Love Yourself 起 Wonder', released in April 2018 ahead of Love Yourself: Tear.

Which rapper appears on the alternative digital version of BTS's 2018 single 'Idol'?

Nicki Minaj added a verse to the digital version of 'Idol' (August 24, 2018), from Love Yourself: Answer, and appeared in a second music video for the song.

Which DJ collaborated with BTS on 'Waste It on Me', their first all-English feature?

Aoki had earlier produced the 'Mic Drop' remix.

At which New York venue did BTS become the first Korean act to play a US stadium?

Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, hosted BTS on October 6, 2018, the first US stadium show by a Korean act, closing the North American leg of the Love Yourself tour.

Through what year did BTS renew their contract with Big Hit in October 2018?

2026 was the end date of the seven-year extension BTS signed with Big Hit in October 2018, well before their first contract was due to lapse; a further renewal followed in September 2023.

Which human rights organisation demanded an apology in 2018 over a member's atomic-bomb T-shirt?

The Simon Wiesenthal Center demanded an apology in November 2018 over Jimin's atomic-bomb T-shirt; Big Hit apologised, after Japan's Music Station had cancelled a scheduled BTS appearance.

Which band beat BTS to number one on Billboard's 2018 year-end Duo/Group ranking?

Imagine Dragons topped Billboard's 2018 year-end Top Duo/Group ranking with BTS in second place; BTS finished eighth on the year-end Top Artists list.

At which 2019 ceremony did BTS appear as presenters for the first time?

The Grammys had BTS as presenters on February 10, 2019, handing H.E.R. the Best R&B Album award; a year later they became the first Korean act to perform on the show.

What is the Korean title of 'Boy with Luv' translated literally?

'A Poem for Small Things' is the literal Korean title of 'Boy with Luv'; the single debuted at number eight on the Hot 100 in April 2019, then the best placing for a K-pop group.

Map of the Soul: Persona was the first Korean-language album to reach number one in which two countries?

The UK and Australia both saw Map of the Soul: Persona debut at number one in April 2019, firsts for a Korean-language album; it also sold over 3.2 million copies in Korea that month.

Which mobile game did BTS promote in 2019 with songs featuring Charli XCX, Zara Larsson and Juice Wrld?

BTS World, Netmarble's 2019 mobile game, came with an original soundtrack including 'Dream Glow' (Charli XCX), 'A Brand New Day' (Zara Larsson), 'All Night' (Juice Wrld) and 'Heartbeat'.

Which BTS Japanese single passed one million pre-orders in 2019, a first for a foreign act since Celine Dion?

'Lights', released July 3, 2019, saw shipments pass one million, earning a RIAJ Million certification, a first for a non-Japanese act since Celine Dion in 1995.

Which singer featured on the 2019 remix of BTS's 'Make It Right'?

Lauv sang on the October 2019 remix of 'Make It Right', a track Ed Sheeran had co-written for Map of the Soul: Persona; BTS later featured on Lauv's 2020 single 'Who'.

Which Slovenian troupe performed the choreography art film for 'Black Swan' in 2020?

MN Dance Company, the Slovenian troupe founded by Michal Rynia and Nastja Bremec, performed the 'Black Swan' art film that premiered on January 17, 2020, the day the song was released.

Which Australian singer featured on the digital version of BTS's 2020 single 'On'?

Sia was added to the digital-only version of 'ON' released February 21, 2020; the song debuted at number four on the Hot 100, BTS's first top-five entry.

What was BTS's April 2020 online event of past concert footage called?

Bang Bang Con streamed eight past BTS concerts free on YouTube over April 18 and 19, 2020, drawing more than 50 million views while touring was halted by the pandemic.

Which three songs did BTS perform at YouTube's Dear Class of 2020 graduation event?

'Boy with Luv', 'Spring Day' and 'Mikrokosmos' made up BTS's set for YouTube's Dear Class of 2020 on June 7, 2020, after the members gave commencement speeches in Korean and English.

How many live viewers watched the June 2020 paid virtual concert that set a record?

756,000 paying viewers from 107 countries and territories watched the June 14, 2020 livestream concert, a Guinness World Record for a music-concert livestream.

What was the Japanese single from BTS's fourth Japanese album, Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey?

'Stay Gold', released digitally on June 19, 2020, was the lead single of Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey (July 15, 2020), which debuted at number one on the Oricon weekly album chart.

At which show did BTS give the first live performance of their disco-pop debut English single?

The MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2020, hosted the song's first live performance, beamed in from Seoul; BTS took four awards that night, including Best Group and Best Pop.

Whose single 'Savage Love' did BTS remix to a Hot 100 number one in October 2020?

Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo's 'Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)' got a BTS remix that reached number one on the Hot 100 in October 2020, the group's second US chart-topper.

Where was BTS's two-day virtual concert Map of the Soul ON:E staged in October 2020?

KSPO Dome in Seoul's Olympic Park hosted Map of the Soul ON:E on October 10 and 11, 2020, staged without an audience and streamed to 993,000 viewers in 191 countries and territories.

What did BTS win at the 62nd Japan Record Awards in 2020?

The Special International Music Award went to BTS at the 62nd Japan Record Awards in December 2020, recognising the global run of 'Dynamite'; that year's Grand Prix went to LiSA's 'Homura'.

What was the first single from BTS's Japanese compilation album BTS, the Best?

'Film Out', a ballad co-written with Back Number's Iyori Shimizu, came out in April 2021 as the lead single of the June 2021 compilation BTS, the Best.

BTS's 'Butter' made them the fastest group to four Hot 100 number ones since which act in 1970?

The Jackson 5 scored four number ones within 1970; BTS's 'Butter' (June 2021) gave them four in about nine months since 'Dynamite', the fastest by a group since then.

What record did BTS and Coldplay's 'My Universe' set on the Hot 100 in 2021?

'My Universe' was the first collaboration between two groups to debut at number one on the Hot 100 (October 2021); it was BTS's sixth chart-topper, the fastest six since the Beatles in 1964-66.

Where in Los Angeles did BTS play four sold-out shows in late 2021, their first live crowd since the pandemic?

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood hosted Permission to Dance on Stage – LA over four nights from November 27 to December 2, 2021, BTS's first in-person concerts since October 2019.

What was the title of the BTS-based webtoon released in January 2022?

7Fates: Chakho, a Hybe and Naver Webtoon series inspired by Joseon-era tiger hunters, launched on January 15, 2022, and passed 15 million views in its first two days.

How much market value did Hybe lose after BTS's June 2022 pause announcement?

US$1.7 billion was wiped from Hybe's market value as its shares fell about 25 percent on June 15, 2022; the company insisted BTS was neither disbanding nor on hiatus.

BTS's October 2022 Busan concert supported the city's bid to host what?

World Expo 2030 was the bid BTS backed as Busan's ambassadors with the free 'Yet to Come in Busan' concert on October 15, 2022; the expo ultimately went to Riyadh.

What was the title of Jin's first solo album, released in November 2024?

Happy, released November 15, 2024, was Jin's first solo album, arriving five months after his army discharge; its lead single was 'Running Wild'.

Which member completed his military service as a social worker rather than a soldier?

Suga served as a social service agent because of a shoulder injury; he enlisted on September 22, 2023, and was the last member discharged, on June 21, 2025.

Which two members enlisted together on December 11, 2023?

RM and V enlisted together on December 11, 2023, RM in a regular army unit and V in the Capital Defense Command's special duty team; Jimin and Jung Kook followed a day later.

Which animated series did BTS record the soundtrack song 'The Planet' for in 2023?

Bastions, a Korean animated superhero series, got 'The Planet' from BTS in May 2023, the group's first release since the pause; 'Take Two' followed in June for their tenth anniversary.

On which platform did BTS publicly reunite in a live broadcast on July 1, 2025?

Weverse hosted the July 1, 2025 live broadcast in which all seven members appeared together for the first time since 2022, announcing a new album for spring 2026 and a world tour.

Which Hermann Hesse novel inspired BTS's album Wings?

Demian, Hesse's 1919 novel of a youth torn between light and dark worlds, was quoted in the Wings short films and shaped the album's themes of temptation and growth.

Which Erich Fromm book influenced BTS's Love Yourself series?

The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm's 1956 study of love as a practice, was cited by RM as the starting point of the Love Yourself series, and its Korean sales jumped after he mentioned it.

Which Korean operatic storytelling form provides an adlib in BTS's 'Idol'?

Pansori, Korea's sung-storytelling tradition, lends 'Idol' (2018) its shouted chuimsae adlibs such as 'eolssu jota', layered over traditional drum sounds and a gqom-style beat.

Which 2017 BTS song is widely read as a tribute to the Sewol ferry victims?

'Spring Day' (February 2017) is widely heard as a tribute to the Sewol ferry victims; its lyrics about missing a friend and waiting for spring, and the video's pile of abandoned clothes, fuelled that reading.

What does the ARMY fandom name stand for?

Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth is the backronym behind ARMY, announced as the fandom's name on July 9, 2013, a month after the group's debut, and celebrated yearly on that date.

Which yearly contribution to Korea's economy did a 2018 Hyundai Research Institute study credit to BTS?

US$5 billion a year (about 5.5 trillion won, 0.3 percent of GDP) was the Hyundai Research Institute's December 2018 estimate of BTS's economic contribution, counting exports, tourism and consumer goods.

Which US-Korea relations honour did BTS receive in 2020 as its youngest honorees?

The James A. Van Fleet Award, given by the Korea Society for contributions to US-Korea relations, went to BTS in October 2020, its youngest recipients; President Moon later made them Special Presidential Envoys.

Which US president hosted BTS at the White House in May 2022?

Joe Biden hosted BTS in the Oval Office on May 31, 2022, the last day of AAPI Heritage Month, to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes and Asian inclusion.

Which sportswear brand did BTS first partner with in 2015, becoming global ambassadors in 2018?

Puma signed BTS as Puma Korea models in 2015 and made them global brand ambassadors in 2018, before the group moved to Fila in 2019.

Which fashion house's Kim Jones designed BTS's 2019 Speak Yourself tour stage outfits?

Dior Men's artistic director Kim Jones created the custom stage wardrobe for BTS's Love Yourself: Speak Yourself stadium tour in 2019; the group separately became Louis Vuitton ambassadors in 2021.

Which electric racing series named BTS global ambassadors to promote EVs?

Formula E, the all-electric single-seater championship, named BTS its global ambassadors to promote electric mobility; the group also fronted Hyundai's Palisade and Nexo campaigns.

How many Billboard Music Awards had BTS won by 2022, the most of any group at the time?

12 BBMAs by the 2022 ceremony: Top Duo/Group in 2019, 2021 and 2022, Top Song Sales Artist and Top Selling Song in both 2021 and 2022, plus five straight wins in a fan-voted category (2017-21).

In 2021 BTS became the first Asian act in the show's history to win which American Music Award?

Artist of the Year went to BTS in 2021, a first for an Asian act; they had already won Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock and Favorite Social Artist.

What is the title of BTS's 2023 book?

Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS, written with journalist Kang Myeong-seok, was published on July 9, 2023, and debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list.

Which American sitcom did RM largely learn English from as a child?

Friends was the sitcom RM watched on DVDs his mother bought, teaching himself English by running episodes with Korean subtitles, then English subtitles, then none.

Which Epik High song sparked RM's interest in hip hop at age 11?

'Fly', from Epik High's 2005 album Swan Songs, was the track that turned RM on to hip hop at 11; a teacher later introduced him to Eminem, which got him writing lyrics.

What was RM's 2018 mixtape, which peaked at 26 on the Billboard 200?

Mono, RM's second mixtape (October 2018), debuted at number 26 on the Billboard 200, then the highest placing by a Korean soloist; it was released free and led by 'Forever Rain'.

Which two guest artists appear on RM's album Indigo?

Erykah Badu and Anderson .Paak appear on Indigo (December 2022), Badu on the opener 'Yun' and .Paak on 'Still Life'; other guests included Tablo, Youjeen and Kim Sa-wol.

What was RM's 2024 second album, which reached number five on the Billboard 200?

Right Place, Wrong Person, released May 24, 2024 while RM was serving in the army, reached number five on the Billboard 200 with an alternative, experimental sound led by 'Lost!'.

In which Gyeonggi Province city was Jin born?

Anyang, just south of Seoul, is where Jin (Kim Seok-jin) was born on December 4, 1992, before his family moved to nearby Gwacheon; Big Hit scouted him on the street while he studied acting at Konkuk University.

Which drama inspired Jin to pursue acting after watching Kim Nam-gil?

Queen Seondeok (MBC, 2009) was the drama in which Kim Nam-gil's turn as Bidam made Jin decide to study acting; he later enrolled in Konkuk University's film department.

Which agency scouted Jin off the street in junior high, only for him to decline?

SM Entertainment approached Jin on the street while he was in middle school, but he turned the casting down, suspecting a scam; Big Hit found him years later at Konkuk University.

What was Jin's solo song on the 2016 album Wings?

'Awake', Jin's solo on Wings (October 2016), was co-written by Jin himself; he released a Christmas version of it free on SoundCloud that December.

Under what name did Suga rap in the underground scene before Big Hit?

Gloss was Suga's name in his hometown's underground scene, where as a member of the crew D-Town he produced '518-062', a track commemorating the Gwangju Uprising.

Which Stony Skunk song first got Suga interested in rap?

'Ragga Muffin', by the Korean reggae-hip-hop duo Stony Skunk, was the song that, by Suga's own account, first drew him to rap as a schoolboy.

Which Suran song, produced by Suga, won Best R&B at the 2017 Melon Music Awards?

'Wine', Suran's 2017 single featuring Changmo, was produced and co-written by Suga and took Best R&B/Soul at that year's Melon Music Awards.

What was Suga's 2020 second mixtape, which reached number 11 on the Billboard 200?

D-2, Suga's second mixtape, released May 22, 2020, debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200, then the highest for a Korean soloist; its single 'Daechwita' samples Korean military procession music.

Which Japanese composer appears on Suga's 2023 album D-Day?

Ryuichi Sakamoto plays piano on 'Snooze', from Suga's April 2023 album D-Day, recorded with him in Tokyo months before the composer's death; Woosung of the Rose also sings on the track.

Which singer featured on 'People Pt. 2', the first single from D-Day?

IU sang on 'People Pt. 2', released April 7, 2023 as the first single from D-Day; the title track 'Haegeum' arrived with the album two weeks later.

In which city was J-Hope born and trained as a dancer?

Gwangju is where J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok) was born on February 18, 1994, and trained in street dance with the local team Neuron before joining Big Hit in 2010.

What was the 2018 mixtape by BTS's dancer-rapper that reached number 38 on the Billboard 200?

Hope World, J-Hope's first mixtape (March 2, 2018), debuted at number 38 on the Billboard 200, then the highest placing by a Korean solo artist; its lead track was 'Daydream'.

Which rapper featured on J-Hope's 2023 single 'On the Street'?

J. Cole, whom J-Hope has long cited as an influence, rapped on 'On the Street' (March 3, 2023), released weeks before J-Hope's April 18 enlistment; the title nods to his street-dance roots.

On whose 2012 song 'Animal' did trainee J-Hope feature as a rapper?

Jung Kook also appeared in Jo Kwon's 'I'm Da One' video that year.

What is Jimin's solo track on the 2016 album Wings?

'Lie', Jimin's solo on Wings (2016), is a dark, theatrical track he co-wrote; 'Serendipity' (2017) and 'Filter' (2020) were his later solos on group albums.

What was the title of Jimin's first self-composed solo song, released on SoundCloud in 2018?

'Promise', released free on SoundCloud on December 30, 2018, was Jimin's first self-composed solo, a gentle guitar ballad he co-wrote with Big Hit producer Slow Rabbit.

What did Jimin study at Busan High School of Arts?

Contemporary dance was Jimin's major at Busan High School of Arts, where he was the top student in the modern dance department before a teacher urged him to audition for Big Hit in 2012.

With whom did Jimin duet on 'With You' for the drama Our Blues?

Ha Sung-woon, the former Wanna One member, duetted with Jimin on 'With You' (April 2022) for the tvN drama Our Blues, Jimin's first soundtrack single, a year before his album Face.

Which song did Jimin pre-release in March 2023, a week before his album Face?

'Set Me Free Pt. 2' came out on March 17, 2023, a week before Face, as its pre-release single, with a video built around a large dance ensemble.

How many first-week copies did Jimin's Face sell in March 2023, then a Hanteo solo record?

Over 1.45 million copies of Face sold in its first week on Hanteo in March 2023, then the record for a solo artist; the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.

Which instrument did V take lessons on in middle school with his father's support?

Saxophone was the instrument V studied for about three years in middle school, encouraged by his father as preparation for becoming a singer; he grew up in Geochang after being born in Daegu.

Why was V kept as BTS's 'secret member' before debut?

The agency wanted him to be a surprise: Big Hit kept V out of pre-debut logs and showcases so his reveal at the June 2013 debut would be a 'hidden card'; he said the secrecy made him fear being cut.

What was V's self-composed 2019 solo release?

'Scenery', released free on SoundCloud on January 30, 2019, was V's first self-composed solo, a piano ballad about film photography; 'Winter Bear' followed that August.

Which duet did V and Jin contribute to the Hwarang soundtrack?

'It's Definitely You' (죽어도 너야) was V and Jin's duet for the Hwarang soundtrack in December 2016, recorded while V was acting in the drama, his first role.

For which talent show did BTS's youngest member audition in 2011, drawing offers from seven agencies?

Superstar K3, Mnet's audition show, was where Jung Kook tried out in 2011; though cut, he drew offers from seven agencies and picked Big Hit after being impressed by RM's rapping.

Which Los Angeles studio gave the youngest member dance training in summer 2012?

Movement Lifestyle, the Los Angeles studio run by choreographer Shaun Evaristo, hosted Jung Kook for dance training in summer 2012, a year before BTS debuted.

Which rapper featured on the 2023 solo single 'Seven'?

Latto, the Atlanta rapper, guested on 'Seven' (July 14, 2023), which debuted atop the Hot 100; '3D' with Jack Harlow followed in September and reached number five.

What streaming record did 'Seven' set on Spotify?

Fastest song to one billion streams on Spotify was the record 'Seven' set in October 2023, reaching the mark in 108 days; it also debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart.

Which solo debut album includes the explicit version of 'Seven'?

Golden, the debut solo album released on November 3, 2023, includes the explicit version of 'Seven' alongside the singles '3D' and 'Standing Next to You'.

Who wrote and produced BTS's first all-English single?

David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, British songwriters, wrote the retro disco-pop single released in August 2020, with Stewart producing; it was meant to lift spirits during the pandemic.

Which song did BTS perform at the 2017 American Music Awards, their US awards-show debut?

'DNA' was the song BTS performed at the American Music Awards on November 19, 2017, at Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater, their first appearance on a US awards show.

Which American rapper featured on the August 2021 remix of BTS's 'Butter'?

Megan Thee Stallion rapped on the 'Butter' remix released August 27, 2021, after a court let her put it out over her label's objection; the remix helped 'Butter' return to number one on the Hot 100.

Which two works inspired the music video for BTS's 2017 single 'Spring Day'?

'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' (Ursula K. Le Guin) and the film Snowpiercer inspired Lumpens director YongSeok Choi's 'Spring Day' video: a hotel named Omelas and a train carriage frame its images of loss.

Which US label serviced 'Fake Love' to American radio in June 2018?

Columbia Records, BTS's US partner label since the 'Mic Drop' remix in 2017, sent 'Fake Love' to American radio in June 2018; the song had debuted at number ten, the group's first top-ten single.

What was the remix of 'Fake Love' on the 2018 compilation album titled?

'Rocking Vibe Mix' was the 'Fake Love' remix included on the August 2018 compilation Love Yourself: Answer; a Japanese version of the song topped Oricon's weekly singles chart that November.

Which Ellen DeGeneres Show regular joined the 2018 'Idol Challenge' dance craze?

Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, the Ellen DeGeneres Show's resident DJ, posted his take on the #IdolChallenge in 2018, weeks after BTS launched the dance craze with 'Idol'.

Which artist co-wrote 'Louder Than Bombs' on Map of the Soul: 7?

Troye Sivan co-wrote 'Louder Than Bombs' with Allie X, Leland and Bram Inscore alongside RM, Suga and J-Hope for Map of the Soul: 7 (February 2020).

How many album-equivalent units did Map of the Soul: 7 earn in its first US week?

422,000 album-equivalent units in its first US week sent Map of the Soul: 7 to number one on the Billboard 200 in March 2020; IFPI later named it the world's best-selling album of 2020.

On which US morning show's 2019 summer concert series did BTS perform in Central Park?

Good Morning America hosted BTS in Central Park on May 15, 2019, for its Summer Concert Series, with fans camping out for days; the group played 'Boy with Luv' and 'Fire'.

Which late-night host took BTS on a Carpool Karaoke drive in February 2020?

James Corden drove BTS around Los Angeles for a Carpool Karaoke segment on The Late Late Show in February 2020, singing 'ON' and Bruno Mars' 'Finesse' along the way.

Which new track on Proof shares its name with the group's long-running variety web series?

'Run BTS', one of the new tracks on Proof (June 2022), takes its name from the group's long-running variety web series Run BTS!, which has streamed since the group's early years.

At which Las Vegas venue was Proof's release date teased at the end of a BTS concert in April 2022?

Allegiant Stadium hosted BTS's four Las Vegas shows in April 2022; the final night ended with a clip reading 'We are bulletproof' and the date 2022.06.10, Proof's release date.

Whose short film 'Begin' opened the Wings promotional series in September 2016?

Jeon Jung-kook, the youngest member, fronted 'Begin', the first of seven Wings short films, released on September 4, 2016; the song is about his gratitude to the older members.

Which Love Yourself: Tear track was paired with 'Fake Love' as a 2018 Japanese single?

'Airplane pt.2', a Latin-pop track from Love Yourself: Tear, got a Japanese version paired with 'Fake Love' on the November 2018 single, which topped Oricon's weekly chart.

On what date did BTS's long-running variety web series premiere?

August 1, 2015 was the premiere of the series on Naver's V Live; it later moved to the group's own fan platform and YouTube, with new episodes traditionally dropping on Tuesdays.

Which 2020 BTS reality series showed the members resting at a forest retreat?

In the Soop ('in the forest'), filmed at a retreat in Gangwon Province, aired from August 2020 on JTBC and the group's fan platform, showing the members cooking, fishing and resting between projects.

Which vocal trio debuted under Big Hit Entertainment in 2007?

8Eight, the vocal trio of Lee Hyun, Baek Chan and Joo Hee, debuted under Big Hit in August 2007; Lee Hyun went on to record solo for the label for years.

Which first-generation group's hits, produced by Bang Si-hyuk, earned him the nickname 'Hitman'?

g.o.d, the five-member boy group that debuted in January 1999, had hits such as 'One Candle' that Bang Si-hyuk worked on as composer-arranger, the run that earned him the 'Hitman' tag.

Where did Bang Si-hyuk earn his degree in aesthetics?

Seoul National University awarded Bang Si-hyuk his degree in aesthetics; he had won a prize at the Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest in 1994 before teaming up with Park Jin-young in the late 1990s.

Which US company did Hybe acquire in 2021 for about one billion dollars?

Ithaca Holdings, Scooter Braun's company that managed Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, was bought by Hybe in April 2021 for about US$1.05 billion, Hybe's first major US acquisition.