BTS – The group who became a worldwide phenomenon and created a loyal fanbase without singing in English
I’m sure the first thing that crossed your mind after reading the title was, “English isn’t a barrier when you’re as cute as me.”(insert Jimin’s voice) Just Army things!
However, I attempt to elaborate the title based on rationailty.
Let me narrate a story I recently came across while reading a book. The story of a Jewish man who went to San Francisco in search of work knowing only two languages; French and German. His uncle asked him to study English before he applied for a job so that he could be successful. The man already knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to sell real estates so he dialed the numbers of all the French names and German names he could find in the directory and by night, he had seven appointments registered. He went on to become a successful real estate dealer without speaking one sentence in English. This story shows that language isn’t a barrier when you can get your work done with enthusiasm, determination, and strategy. Where there is a will, there is a way!
At a time when artists are expected to sing in English for Western validation, BTS has achieved the feat by doing quite the opposite. They chose to stick to their roots and continue singing in Korean. In their recent collaboration with Halsey, the renowned female singer can be heard singing few lines in Korean. People are turning towards learning Korean in order to understand their songs better. Their strength lies in the fact that people are willing to learn their language and not expecting them to sing in a language familiar to them. This is the impact BTS holds. Part of their success also goes to their fans called ARMY who are trying their best to learn Korean instead of demanding them to sing in English.
Moreover, BTS has influenced fans to read classics such as Herman Hesse’s “Demian”, Japanese authors like Haruki Murakami, analyze Jung’s psychoanalytical theories, and engage in many other intellectual references. Things such as these which were seldom looked upon by such keenness previously have been revolutionized by BTS. Their connection with their fans through their music and the ability to draw inspiration from their music is something which not many artists singing in English have been able to accomplish.
Shakespeare said, “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.” BTS did not sacrifice their essence in the altar of the industry’s expectations. This is an inspiration and encouragement for us to dwell upon our potentialities and master it instead of chasing what others expect out of us. As the saying goes, the grass always seems greener on the other side but if you pay close attention, the grass is greener where you choose to water it.
This article is open to interpretation and discussion so please leave your thoughts in the comment section.
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