ARMY Magazine - Monthly Issues ARMY Magazine ISSUE NO.7 - JUNE 2019

at the 2019 awards, providing additional reasons to conclude that BTS may not be a one-time phenomenon in the American and global markets. BTS is perfectly engi- neered for the social media era with careful- ly detailed choreography, visuals, and mu- sic. All of these components have helped to make them a social media powerhouse, likely leading to more wins in this category in the future. The big story of the night, though, was the second nomination. BTS won the sec- ond category they were nominated for this year: Top Duo or Group. This marked the first time that they have been recognized at an American awards show for their mu- sic. The same seven boys from South Ko- rea who stood on the sidewalks of Los An- geles passing out flyers in 2014, practically begging people to listen to their music, now stood on an American awards show stage to accept an award for their artistry. This proved to be a significant moment, as it recognized that there was something spe- cial about BTS. It’s that same something that has helped them to charm audiences all over the world with their music, bringing South Korea to the rest of the world. BTS’ experience at the BBMAs has im- plications that reach far beyond the seven men, showing us that the American music market is ready to accept to music and cul- ture from across language and borders, sig- nalling a greater openness to diversity and difference at a time when the world seems to be more divided than ever. BTS was able to gain recognition without ever divesting themselves of their Korean roots, or solely focusing on one market, meaning the rec- ognition from Billboard quite possibly marks a distinct recognition of the growing global- ization of music. Once again, BTS has paved the way, proving that limits once thought firm for non-American groups really don’t exist in our ever expanding, globalized world of mu- sic today. For more information about their 2019 BBMAs experience, be sure to check out our blog through the QR code below! 33

ARMY Magazine - Monthly Issues ARMY Magazine ISSUE NO.7 - JUNE 2019 | Page 33