In a year defined by uncertainty, global upheaval, and social isolation, BTS, the South Korean septet that has taken the world by storm, was named TIME magazine’s 2020 Entertainer of the Year. This honor represents not only a recognition of BTS’s undeniable global influence but also their incredible ability to connect with audiences worldwide, even in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), comprised of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, earned this title through their relentless work ethic, profound impact on the music industry, and their message of love, resilience, and unity. In November this year BTS were among other celebrities Nominated as TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year, and today they have been named the “2020 Entertainer of The Year” by TIME. They also received the WSJ. Magazine’s 2020 Music Innovator Award, last month, which just speaks of their influence and how much they are changing music especially in terms of the kind of messages they seek to pass and their creative, unique and legendary level performances. Congratulations for changing the world with your music, personalities and lifestyles!
“We heard the best news and the worst news; worst news was the pandemic and tour cancellation. The best news was the no. 1 on Billboard” RM
Mok Jung Wook for TIME
“What gave us hope and joy this year was our fans and members of BTS” Jimin
“We exist because of the many people who listen to our music” Jin
“We climbed on our was slowly so it feels like we grew together and know each other on a deeper level” Jung Kook
It’s a positive thing that the Korean culture keeps growing. And I think it’s important to show our music and performance” J-Hope
“It’s an honor to be compared to the Beatles and it makes us happy. What is different is that we are seven" V
“We’re just some boys from Korea who love music and performance. That’s it.” RM
Watch the full interview.
2020 was a banner year for BTS, despite the global pandemic that brought much of the world to a halt. BTS broke several records, released their first all-English single, "Dynamite," and became the first South Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Not only did "Dynamite" top the charts, but it also held its position for weeks, a feat that firmly solidified BTS's place in pop history. "Dynamite" was more than just a song—it was a source of joy for millions of fans around the globe, offering a sense of light during one of the darkest years in recent memory.
Additionally, BTS released not one but two albums in 2020. Their February release, Map of the Soul: 7, explored themes of self-reflection and growth, resonating with fans on a deeply personal level. The album topped charts worldwide, further cementing BTS's global dominance. Later in November, the group dropped BE, an album born out of the experiences and emotions brought on by the pandemic. BTS used BE as a means of expressing their collective feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, and hope, creating a direct and intimate connection with their listeners during a difficult time. One of the key factors behind BTS’s success is their unique ability to connect with fans on a personal level. While most artists engage with their audience solely through their music, BTS has mastered the art of communication through social media, interviews, and live broadcasts. The group’s relationship with their fanbase, known as ARMY, is one of mutual admiration and trust. BTS frequently shares their thoughts, feelings, and personal struggles with ARMY, offering a level of transparency that is rare in the music industry.
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During the pandemic, BTS remained in constant communication with ARMY, utilizing platforms such as Weverse, Twitter, and VLive to keep their fans updated on their lives and to provide comfort during an isolating time. From sharing daily moments like RM’s bike rides to Suga’s updates on his shoulder surgery, BTS ensured that their fans never felt alone. The group’s openness about their own challenges made them relatable, even as they reached new heights of global stardom. Perhaps the most iconic moment of 2020 for BTS was the release of "Dynamite," their first fully English track. "Dynamite" debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking a historic achievement as the first South Korean group to do so. The song, with its upbeat, retro-disco sound, was a joyful anthem in a year when the world desperately needed positivity.
The release of "Dynamite" was a strategic move by BTS, aimed at uplifting spirits during a time of widespread gloom. BTS has always been known for tackling serious issues in their music—mental health, self-love, societal pressure—but with "Dynamite," they opted for pure joy. The result was a song that transcended language barriers and cultural differences, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared celebration of life, even amidst hardship.
The success of "Dynamite" did not stop at the Billboard charts. The song broke several YouTube records, including the most views in 24 hours (over 101 million views) and the fastest video to reach 200 million views. It became a global sensation, earning BTS their first Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2021. The song was a beacon of hope, symbolizing BTS’s ability to bring light to even the darkest of times. In November 2020, BTS released their second album of the year, BE, an album that was profoundly influenced by the global pandemic. While Map of the Soul: 7 was introspective and grand in scope, BE was intimate and raw, reflecting the members’ personal experiences of isolation, anxiety, and hope during quarantine.
The lead single, "Life Goes On", became an anthem of resilience and perseverance, reminding listeners that despite the challenges they faced, life would continue. The song’s soothing melody and comforting lyrics resonated deeply with fans who had been struggling with the uncertainty and stress brought on by the pandemic. With "Life Goes On," BTS once again demonstrated their ability to articulate emotions that many were feeling but could not express.
What made BE particularly special was the fact that BTS members took a hands-on approach in the album’s production. From songwriting to album design, BTS was involved in every step of the process, ensuring that the album was a genuine reflection of their thoughts and feelings. This level of involvement allowed BE to become not just a musical project but a personal letter to ARMY, sharing their innermost thoughts during an unprecedented time.
BTS’s success in 2020 was not limited to their musical achievements. The group continued to expand their influence in other areas, including philanthropy and social justice. In June 2020, BTS and their label Big Hit Entertainment made headlines for their $1 million donation to the Black Lives Matter movement, a contribution that was quickly matched by their dedicated fanbase, ARMY. This move demonstrated BTS’s commitment to using their platform for good, aligning with their long-standing message of promoting inclusivity, love, and equality.
Moreover, BTS continued to break cultural barriers, becoming a symbol of South Korea’s global soft power. They were invited to speak at the 75th United Nations General Assembly, delivering a heartfelt speech about overcoming adversity and maintaining hope during tough times. Their presence on such a prestigious global stage underscored their influence not just as musicians but as global ambassadors for positive change. The group’s cultural significance was further highlighted when they became the first South Korean act to appear on the cover of TIME magazine as the "2020 Entertainer of the Year." This accolade marked a pivotal moment in their career, recognizing their unparalleled influence on the music industry and their ability to connect with fans on a global scale.
As 2020 drew to a close, BTS looked toward the future with optimism and determination. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, the group remained committed to their music, their fans, and their mission to spread hope and positivity. They have often spoken about the importance of continuing to grow as artists, and their achievements in 2020 only fueled their desire to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues. BTS’s success in 2020 is a testament to their resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to their fans. From breaking records with "Dynamite" to offering comfort through BE, BTS proved that even in the face of unprecedented challenges, they could continue to inspire and uplift millions of people around the world. Their journey from humble beginnings in South Korea to becoming global superstars is a story of perseverance, passion, and an unbreakable bond with their fans.
As TIME magazine’s Entertainer of the Year, BTS not only set the standard for what it means to be a global music phenomenon but also exemplified the power of music to heal, connect, and inspire. In a year that brought so much hardship, BTS emerged as a beacon of hope, reminding the world that, as their song says, "life goes on." With more projects, collaborations, and music undoubtedly on the horizon, the world waits in anticipation for what BTS will achieve next. One thing is certain: the group’s journey is far from over, and their legacy will continue to grow, reaching new heights with each passing year.
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