By CIA SIAB VAJ

 The Mirror reporter

They’re a Korean Boy Band with seven members consisting of RM (leader, rapper), Jin (vocal), Suga (rapper), J-Hope (dancer, rapper), Jimin (dancer, vocal), V (vocal) and Jungkook (dancer, vocal). They’re known as 방탄소년단 (Bang-tan-song-yeon-dan) in Korea, but globally known as BTS.

They are the first Korean artists to win a Billboard Music Awards and just made their TV debut at the American Music Awards, performing their new hit single “DNA.”

“While watching the performance on TV, ARMYs (fandom name) were so loud they had to blur out the sound from the audience. I was also screaming and doing the fan chants,” said Nestle Lee a SPASH student.

Lee chanted, “Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, Jeon Jungkook, BTS!”

They also did a collaboration with DJ Stevie Aoki and the rapper Designer which peaked at #26 on Billboard Hot 100 with “Mic Drop Remix.” Not only that but their new album “Love Yourself: Her” got onto Billboard 200 albums.

Because of these accomplishments and breakthrough for Asian artists, to be in the western music industry, they were invited to perform at Times Square for New Year’s Eve, however, with their busy schedule ending the year they recorded their performance.

“I don’t like Kpop, never was a big fan. However it’s so cool how BTS was on Ellen and all these other shows even at the AMAs too, so I watched their promotions while they were in the States. I watched because they’re one of the first Asians I’ve seen come this far, even Asian Americans haven’t gotten this far,” Gaoku Vue, a SPASH student, said.

Other than Psy, who performed in 2013, BTS is the next Kpop act to be performing. These boys are breaking so many barriers by representing Asians in the music industry. With the love of their fans known as ARMY nothing is stopping them, even the racist’s comments won’t.

“BTS and ARMYs are so strong, we’re not artist and fans. We’re a family. We love and support each other through hard times,” stated Natalie Khang, a SPASH senior.

BTS are grateful to have such passionate fans who support them. Because of the power of ARMYs, BTS was able to breakthrough into the western industry and will continue to thrive for better things.

Watch BTS on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018 with Ryan Seacrest on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. on ABC.