BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan (Bulletproof Boyscouts), is a male Korean pop group consisting of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. This year, they appeared on shows with famous hosts Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, and James Corden. They recently debuted in America having their debut stage at the American Music Awards (AMAs) on Nov. 19, 2017.

Although BTS’ exposure in the United States gained them more fans, the group has also received a lot of hate. There was actually a big fuss that was caused on social media by non K-Pop fans because the group performed on an American award show when they are not American. The ARMY, the name of BTS’ fans, argue that artists like Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran, are not American, yet they are nominated in categories for that award show. However, non K-Pop fans retort that their songs are not in English and Americans would not understand what they’re saying.

I have been a fan of this group for a while and despite not being able to speak Korean, I as well as other fans of BTS believe that music has no language barrier and brings us all together. There are actually ARMY who take the time to repost BTS’ videos not only with English subtitles but also Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Russian, and more. Even without subtitles, music can still express feeling and even though we are all different nationalities and ethnicities, we all still feel pain and happiness no matter what language we speak.

A month after the group released their album “Love Yourself‭ ‬‮)‬س Her” they had partnered up with The United Nations Children’s Fund in an anti-violence campaign called ‘Love Myself’ which also sponsors #ENDViolence. UNICEF is an organization that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. Donations of 3 percent of the income from the sales of physical albums of “Love Yourself  ‮)‬س Her” go towards the campaign. The total donations are worth 500 million won (approximately $447,000) from Big Hit Entertainment, BTS’ company. The group is and have been spreading the message that people all around the world should “love oneself before loving another.”

Music isn’t the only reason why people have come to love BTS, although it is a big factor. The boys never hesitate to talk about social issues and mental health. I believe that serious topics like these should really be talked about and given attention and BTS has done that with such a big voice. Through the campaign and through their song lyrics, I really do think that their words can influence change. If meaningful lyrics are what you’re looking for, then take the time to listen to a few of BTS’ songs.