BTS Returns: The K-pop Industry will Forever be Changed

The Global Sensation BTS

First and foremost, as an Army, I have been waiting 3 years for all my boys to make it back safe and healthy. I have counted down the days, cried each time they left, and knew that when they returned my world would be different. Not just my world, I realized but the entire K-pop world.

The Group That Paved the Way

If you are reading this blog and do not know who BTS is, I am concerned for you! Just in case, let me give a little background; also, this is just an excuse to talk more about them.

BTS is a 7-member group that debuted June 13, 2013, under BigHit Music, a small music company at the time. The group contains a plethora of talent, and each member has created a name for themselves as individuals. Starting off, we have the leader of the group, the main rapper, personal translator, and the creator of masterpieces in music and lyrics Kim Namjoon (RM). The oldest member, vocalist, worldwide Handsome, and the king of "never knowing his next move," Kim Seokjin (Jin). The king of rap himself, an actual cat in a human's body, sweetest gummy smile, acts tough but is really a softy Min Yoongi (Suga). The best dancer in the industry, actual sunshine, brightest smile, and a mother of three Jung Hoseok (J-Hope). The IT BOY of Korea, voice and dance moves of an angel, sweetest human being, and a fashionista Park Jimin. The visuals that stun the world, a voice like honey, a silly guy whose mind works in mysterious ways, the real maknae Kim Taehyung. The actual youngest member, boba eyes for days, looks intimidating but he is just a baby, will devour all the food in front of him, and has one of the best voices in all of K-pop, Jeon Jungkook.

They had already reached unbelievable heights across Asia and some globally, but their growth was exponential with the release of songs like Dynamite, Butter, Permission to Dance and My Universe. BTS became global sensations loved all over the world. This created a new path for all of K-pop. BTS was the first to get this global recognition and like the title says, they paved the way. Thanks to their success and hard work other K-pop groups have better global success. Not to mention their success led to the growth of their company, making Hybe one of the big 3 K-pop companies. Producing so many successful groups now.

BTS genuinely started from asking strangers on the street to watch their performances and are now one of the most well-known pop groups in the world.

The Inevitable Enlistment

I started this post saying that they will soon be coming back, leading to the question, where did they go?

South Korea has mandatory enlistment for all male citizens. It was always inevitable that BTS would have to enlist. That is until fans and members were given hope that this might not be the case. BTS had accounted for so much of South Korea's economic growth, from selling out concerts, merch, albums and creating more tourism. The South Korean government decided to give BTS a chance to show how vital they were by holding a concert. This was to prove their popularity, and of course they did just that and more. They filled the largest stadium in South Korea to the brim with fans from all over the world. For this concert alone tourism boomed. There was no denying their strength.

However, the BTS members decided to take matters into their own hands and eventually released a statement that within the next three years, starting in 2022, each of the members would fulfill their mandatory enlistment. They announced they would be going on hiatus as a group, pursuing their solo careers and of course enlisting.

This left fans not knowing what was next for the group. The members stopped at nothing to put ARMY at ease but there was a lot unknown.

Every member had a very successful solo career and left ARMY with plenty of content, but the question still remained. What would it look like when they got back?

The Month we Have All Been Waiting For

Since the start of the enlistment all ARMY have chanted one phrase, June 2025, well that time is finally here. The promise of all sevens return is now at our doorstep. By the end of this month, we will have all of BTS back. Now what to expect.

lil Kiwi heads

As soon as it hit June 1st (South Korean time) ARMY got their first Festa, in well years. The two members who had been released prior were seen on live giving us a rundown of Festa. One to go down in history. Not only will most of the members be back but they will be celebrating their 12th anniversary. This whole month will be dedicated to Festa, and army couldn't be happier.

As of now we have gotten spoilers on a Jungkook solo tour leading fans to debate the potential of other members. We have the spoiler of a Greek god themed comeback. Hobi hinted at the next comeback being on the sexy side. Knowing we will get an album before their tour makes me feel a little better, my bank account needs a little more time lol.

With all this to come what does this look like for the rest of K-pop?

Is the K-pop Industry Ready?

It is a known fact that BTS has an extensive and loyal fan base. Before their enlistment groups would purposefully pull their comeback and change the dates so it didn't collide with BTS's comeback. The entire K-pop industry understands the power they hold. So, are they ready?

I can imagine the fear some companies probably feel right now. For three years they have had time for their groups to grow to accumulate fans but with this notorious of a group returning, what will it look like?

There have been so many groups that have gained a lot of popularity, many within the big three some outside of them. These groups have made a name for themselves and are globally recognized. I can't wait to see how their PR team; management team and company have decided to combat the return of BTS. I will keep updating this blog as time goes on, critiquing the way in which other groups fight for the spotlight.

I just know there will be so much in store this upcoming year for so many groups!

Forever 7

In all honesty I think BTS has set a lot of precedents and them coming back from enlistment and continuing group activities will be one of them. You don't always see groups continue where they left off after enlistment, so I am excited to see how they once again change the K-pop industry. I will continue to update as we witness in real time BTS comeback and how much more they grow.

What more will they accomplish? How will others keep up? How will the K-pop industry thrive with them back?

These are all things I can't wait to see, and I will continue to write about their beautiful business model.

Love you, Army! Love you BTS!