It’s official—later this month, BTS will reunite after completing their mandatory military service, and fans around the world are counting down the days. For millions, this reunion is more than just the return of a beloved band. It’s a cultural moment. A milestone. A celebration of how far K-pop, and BTS in particular, has come. 

From sold-out stadiums to breaking records once thought untouchable, BTS has done more than simply make history—they’ve redefined what it means to be a global artist. Their music has resonated across continents, languages, and cultures. Whether you’re new to the fandom or just need a refresher, here’s a look at seven of their greatest hits and why they matter—not just to ARMY, but to the world. 

💜 More Than Music: How BTS’s Songs Changed the Game 💜

No reflection on BTS’s legacy is complete without mentioning Spring Day. Released in February 2017, long before their Western breakthrough, it remains one of their most cherished songs. Nicknamed the “Queen of Longevity” in Korea, its quiet sorrow and poignant lyrics about loss made it a staple in South Korea and Japan, where it continues to chart years later. 

Their international success truly began in September 2017 with DNA, the moment BTS officially entered the Billboard Hot 100. With its energetic sound and vibrant visuals, DNA signalled that K-pop had broken into the Western mainstream. 

Later that year came MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix). With its hard-hitting beats, assertive swagger, and undeniable energy, the track helped BTS gain traction on US radio and earned them credibility in urban music circles across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. 

In May 2018, they released Fake Love, a darker, emotionally charged track that climbed to number 10 on the Hot 100. Its intricate production and genre-blending style brought BTS critical acclaim in Europe and the Middle East, showing they were more than just pop idols—they were creative pioneers. 

By April 2019, Boy With Luv (featuring Halsey) elevated their global appeal even further. With a pastel aesthetic and catchy, radio-friendly sound, it smashed YouTube’s 24-hour view record and topped charts across Asia, Oceania, and South America, quickly becoming one of their most accessible and widely loved songs. 

But Dynamite, released in 2020, was the turning point. Their first all-English single made them the first Korean act ever to top the Billboard Hot 100. It wasn’t just a hit—it was a global serotonin boost during a difficult year and a powerful cultural statement that non-English language music could dominate the global stage. 

BTS’s trailblazing didn’t stop there. They became the first Korean artists to perform at the Grammys, proving that music transcends language. It was a historic, symbolic moment—millions watched, many seeing themselves represented on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. 

And in true BTS fashion, they made history again by becoming the first act ever to replace themselves at number one on the Billboard Global 200. Their consistency and global dominance are unmatched; when your biggest competition is yourself, you’re in a league of your own. 

Even during their group hiatus, the members continued to achieve remarkable solo success. In 2023, Jungkook’s Seven topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200, marking one of the most successful solo debuts in K-pop history. That same year, Jimin’s Like Crazy became the first solo K-pop song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by Who, further cementing his place on international charts. 

SUGA, releasing music under the name Agust D, dropped Daechwita in 2020—a bold fusion of traditional Korean sounds with modern hip-hop. It earned global recognition and charted on various international platforms, including Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. 

In 2025, as the first members to return from military service, Jin and J-Hope released new solo work that drew international attention. J-Hope’s Mona Lisa showcased his evolving musical style and received strong chart placements. Jin’s latest album, ECHO, marks a reflective and emotionally resonant chapter in his solo career—subtle, sincere, and unmistakably his. 

Over the past decade, BTS has shattered records, topped global charts, and broken language barriers. From humble beginnings at a relatively small company to standing on the world’s biggest stages—from the UN General Assembly to sold-out stadium tours—their journey is nothing short of historic. But why is this such a big deal? And how did a genre most of the world hadn’t heard of 20 years ago become a global phenomenon?

💜Beyond the Stage: How BTS Powers Global Economies and Inspires Social Change💜

Let us give you some examples based on how BTS has impacted South Korean and international economies. Through their role as brand ambassadors for numerous companies, they have driven substantial increases in sales and boosted global brand recognition. Here some rough numbers: 

• Coway, a home appliance manufacturer, recorded a 13.2% increase in sales after advertising campaigns with BTS and, for the first time, surpassed the 1-trillion-Won mark in its overseas business.
• The launch of McDonald’s “BTS Meal” led to record sales in South Korea, with nearly 1.45 million units sold and a 9.7% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. Sales rose to 867.9 billion won, marking a record since the brand’s market entry.
• After Jungkook drank the Teazen’s kombucha during a livestream, sales of the product increased fivefold. (He later complained jokingly that he couldn’t get his own favorite drink anymore because fans had sold it out).
• With Jimin as a global ambassador, Dior achieved an annual revenue of over 1 trillion won in South Korea for the first time in 2023.

This shows that being on top of the industry holds immense influence. But with that power comes with equally big responsibility. BTS has proven many times that for them it’s not just about capitalistic profit and that they chose to give back too: 

• UNICEF – “Love Myself” Campaign: Since 2017, BTS and their label Big Hit Entertainment have partnered with UNICEF to combat violence against children and young people. By 2020, they had raised over 2.2 Million US-Dollars through direct donations, album sales, and merchandise proceeds. In 2021, they renewed their commitment with an additional donation of over 1 Million US-Dollars.
• Black Lives Matter: During the 2020 protests, BTS and Big Hit donated 1 Million US-Dollars to the Black Lives Matter movement. Their fans, known as ARMY, matched the donation within 24 hours by raising another 1 Million US-Dollars. Crazy, right?!
• The members of BTS have also made significant individual donations. Their social commitment spans various areas including education, healthcare, and disaster relief, with contributions amounting to hundreds of thousands of Dollars. In total, BTS and its members are known to have donated over 10 Billion Won (approximately $7.6 million USD).  

It’s not just about the money though. As impactful as their financial contributions are, they don’t hesitate to help hands on: 

• Hope Delivery: In 2014 BTS hand-delivered food and household items to underprivileged elders living alone. They spent quality time with them- helping them around the house and talking to them.
• Make-A-Wish: In 2016 the members met with a young fan suffering from a terminal illness, making her biggest wish come true.
• In the course of the outbreak of severe wildfires in 2025 in the southern regions of South Korea, Jin was spotted distributing free meals in a relief-center at a disaster-affected region.

These are some heartwarming examples of genuine, in-person engagement of the members of BTS and furthermore its consistency throughout their career. From back when they didn’t have much themselves to now, when they have more than proven themselves, they continuously choose to give back to people in any way they can. As a group and as individuals they raise awareness for social and environmental issues, lending a voice and a helping hand. This displays the humble, generous as well as driven, committed nature of the members of BTS. Their words and actions cause ripples- and inspire millions to follow. 

💜 BTS and ARMY: When Fandom Becomes a Force for Good 💜

BTS’ following fans are called ARMY. The acronym stands for “Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth” and signifies representing youth, speaking for youth, and preserving dreams.  As mentioned in some examples above, ARMY are a forced to be reconned with as well. As an amazingly organized fandom, they have donated to disaster relief, social justice causes, and even matched BTS’s $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter—within 24 hours. Imagine that! 

Unfortunately, these do not seem to be the news that make the headlines. Instead, they get overshadowed by the images of sasaengs: overly invested fans, with little to zero regard for the artists privacy. Although this is a very real and very ugly downside of the K-Pop fandom, it is not the norm- extremists can be found in every kind of group and do not define the rest.  

For the majority of the fans it simply is about supporting and enjoying the work of their favorite artists. In return they also get comfort and support from their idols, although not necessarily directly and personally. If that is genuine or part of a marketing strategy depends on the artist, but like placebo, does it really matter as long as it’s working?  

There is a strong body of research showing that fandom—whether for a band, sports team, TV show, or any shared interest—can have significant positive social and psychological effects: 

• Belonging and identity: Social identity theory suggests that when people identify with a group (e.g. “I’m a fan of Band X”), it enhances their self-esteem, emotional well‑being, and sense of home in the world.
• Emotional Well-Being: A research involving 1,477 K‑Pop fans across 92 countries, stronger fanship predicted greater happiness, self‑esteem, and social connections.
• Coping & Comfort: Fandom offers a support network—it provides emotional validation, mentorship, friendship, and coping strategies during difficult times (e.g. grieving, mental health struggles). A 2024 study found that online music fandoms during COVID helped combat anxiety, loneliness, and depression by providing meaning, community, and purpose.
• Fans often create fan art, fiction, cosplays or organize meetups—creative acts that might lead to new personal skills, self-confidence, and public engagement.

This shows that although it might seem like that at the first glance, it’s not just about music and posters on the wall- the extent reaches much, much further, internally and externally. As for ARMY, being part of a movement that promotes self-love and confidence, compassion and the support of those in need, is incredibly wonderful and powerful. With BTS back in full force, the next chapter in K-pop’s story is about to begin—and something tells us it’s going to be legendary.