You can have sob stories as much you want but without talent???how this will work???BTS worked their ass off to be where they are today….so please separate BTS from the crowd ..they are unique

Thank goodness Bts documented every step of their journey! Imagine if they hadn't? Would anyone believe their story today?(if it wasn't documented) I am looking forward to their Part 2. in 2025. The Best is Yet to Come! You all have a Lovely Day...✌💜💜💜

Another great topic and video. I'm 60 yo, I grew up with music lovers. There is no way I would like BTS or any other group if there wasn't substance. That term "I'm too old for this sh*t", definitely applies to me. Bore me and I'm gone, 30 seconds is what you get. BTS is like nothing I've ever seen or heard of before. Love is Love and truth is truth. 🕊💜

For me.. hardships, sacrifices, etc are what molds a person's character. What's interesting for me is how that person rose above those hardships and made something of himself. You can be as talented as heck but if you let life beat you to the ground, then you're doomed to fail. In my opinion, talent, hard work, and strength of character are what makes an artist stand out and contribute to their longevity in the industry.

It crazy to see the shift in kpop where coming from a big agency with all the money and privilege used to be such a huge flex but following bts, that perception has changed drastically.

BTS don't even use their "sob story" they only talk about it when it's relevant, and to express gratitude for their unprecedented success

Everyone wants to copy BTS! The reason they are who they are is because they are still humble and have this synergy which comes from within

I feel bts story is not a sob story. Its more about the crap the music industry in korea and the west making it harder for them than it needed to be. The racism and xenophobia the disrespect by other groups and companies. That was and still is a crazy part of BTS’s story and despite that they have out done them all

Im glad you brought up this topic. I think most everyone has some sort of sob story but what separates these is the success you achieve after such a hard and humble beginning. It’s not about how hard one can fall but whether they get back up again. I don’t think anyone’s sob story will bring them success in the west. That’s all hard work and dedication by the artists and the fans

Heres the truth simple BTS are loved f9r their personalities not their hardships

It's not their humble beginings tha😂t made BTS' succeed. Rather it is their struggle as group and remarkable character that attracted ARMY to grow immeasurably.

As you said, BTS does not really dwell on their humble beginnings, instead they talk about their music. It is actually the fandom that tell their story e.g. Intro to BTS & BTS Hardships by XCeleste; A Story of BTS by Rice Squad; A Guide to 7 BTS: Bangtan 7 by Taylor; Rise of Bangtan by Aneesa -all super fans! New reactors start with one or more of these intros and old armys watch them fall into the rabbit hole over and over again, and Army laps it up!

I talked about this a few years ago when it was obvious that Groups from JYP, SM & YG were copying the BTS' story. The companies that used to make fun of BTS are now copying every movement. Now everyone/group is doing it. These other groups came from Agencies that had money, promotions, had access to television & interviews. These other companies had elders in their companies to mentor to rookies. BTS came from completely different circumstances than these groups. I guess it's a way to fool their fans into supporting them, get your fans to believe you have a sob story. One thing I do know about fans is; that they want their artists to be real, not some liars. Most fans want actual talent and people who can write & produce their own music. The difference between BTS & Other Groups are; we/ARMY were with BTS during their beginnings. We got to see their REAL struggles. It was never any made-up press release or fake set up interviews. I think about the way BTS were treated from these other fans, groups and companies and now these other groups are following the BTS blueprint. Remember ARMY, we use to say, we would climb the mountain step by step together with BTS. STEP BY STEP! Remember! I'm sure other fans are now copying what we said years ago.

I'm so tired of antis and haters finding reasons to invalidate BTS's popularity and success. Do you ever hear anybody really questioning BP's popularity? The difference here is that BP had ready-made fans because their company had lots of money. BTS was an unknown group with an unknown small company and they built their fandom and their success from the ground-up - underground actually. When they were struggling in the beginning, people stuck around because they saw the hard work from the boys and their natural talents, and thus became ARMY. Why do so many people begrudge BTS that success when they are beautiful, determined, genuine, hard-working, humble, wonderful human beings? Envy and jealousy are such destructive and counterproductive emotions to have. I don't mind any artist, idol or otherwise, getting some publicity from their hard-luck stories, but will remind everyone that BTS did not talk about their hardships that much - ARMY and media did. And frankly, not only did BTS have those natural hardships because of where they came from, but they were given more to get through because of the mean-spirited K-pop industry. The truth is the idols themselves are not the ones promoting their own hardships and fueling hatred for other idols. All this is the fans, antis, haters and media! The music industry worldwide is big enough for all of these artists. Let them be. And thank you for another wonderful video! 💜

I don't hear BTS talking about their humble beginnings other than when they are reminiscing about the "old days"- usually affectionate, nostalgic stories about the leaky practice room, the restaurant owner who used to feed them extra noodles, etc. The bulk of the humble beginnings narrative seems to be something content creators draw on when they are making guides, probably because everyone loves a good underdog story. I can't speak to what other artists are doing.

Companies see a sob story as part of the BTS formula for success. It's not their fault people follow them. Putting it out there before they are well known is not a problem when there is already a major story like OmegaX or if someone is trying to get what they deserve like not getting paid. They very well should speak up and let it be known because public pressure might be the only thing that helps them.

I’ve said before that sometimes it seems like groups think that having a sad sob story is the key to gaining fans, however BTS received I’ll treatment on top of their other problems, bad treatment they neither asked for nor wanted and are still receiving such disrespect even this day at the hands of BB, and other entities changing rules with BTS as their main target. The general disrespect afforded these hard working guys was and still is disgraceful. They don’t wear their past treatment as a badge of honor and they have never asked for or begged for acceptance. The way the media and other idol groups treated them like they were unwanted step children is ugly. The thing is these 7 young men actually had true talent and determination and a company, albeit, a poor one to give them the space and confidence to be themselves which went against the existing idol machine and people LOVED it and still love it. People need to understand it’s not the bad treatment that got them where they are today, but the ability to rise up in spite of and demonstrate they had something important and worthwhile to share namely original, excellent music with their own sound that set them apart from the herd, they are original and that sticks in the throats of many. To idol groups who use the tactic of woe is me just stop it, work on your chosen craft. BTS are where they are now because people truly truly love them they are genuine and humble and extremely extremely talented and they treat everyone with respect and often bring attention to other artists. They actually love music and it shows in what they produce, they go against the grain and stay true to themselves. Whew! I didn’t mean to go off on a tangent, but I hope y’all understand what I’m trying to say.

For me if the music or product is good that's it. The probability of success is 90% the sob story is just a bonus.

Kpop groups are overusing anything they think will give them a leg up. Everybody wants the easy answer, the quick fix. BTS came from nothing and became huge? Oh, it must be the social media, the sob story, the rap in the middle of the song, etc. The unimaginative don't pause to ponder beyond a certain point and thus end up grasping at ridiculous straws. Talented artists will, given a break, find their way to the top. Copying anybody else will lead to being second best at most. Product before anything else. Don't try to be the next XYZ be the first YOU.

I agree with your position. People love a good story, and some of the best stories are about overcoming hardships (e.g. rags to riches stories, David vs Goliath, etc). Also, authenticity matters, so 'faking it' is never a good idea. A real story about overcoming hardship, especially through personal endeavour and hard work often resonates with audiences. Like you said, it gives hope to the rest of us. So yeah, I identify with those who have worked hard to achieve success and I like to hear their origin stories.

I don't believe for a second any of them are using it as promotion, I think they are trying to tell people if they can make it anyone can

Sob story! This is not a sob story but sustained targetted attacks on a group of people. But as many have pointed out , many ARMY's are mature people. We are in for the long run because they are talented and sincere. Their music is deep and meaningful. And its not a one off or 2 off.

BTS documented their journey from day one. The K-pop industry is copying BTS tracks VERBATIM. To them, it’s a recipe for success. There isn’t an original bone in K-pop. I’m glad people are seeing it. They don’t understand that by copying BTS, they will never be original and will always be second best. Want to beat BTS? DONT COPY BTS. Be original.

I think sob stories can sound inspiring and admirable to listen to when a group reach a certain level of success. But to tell them when you are barely surviving, that would just sound desperate and asking for sympathy. New groups should focus on what kind of message they want to send and talk about musics. Thats what matters the most.

BTS don't dwell on their difficulties, they dwell on how fortunate they've been, how glad they are to have each other and ARMY, how their rise has exceeded every wildest hope they ever had, and how grateful they are that people support them. They've never asked for pity or played the 'poor us' card; when they bring up the past it's with a sense of amazement at where they are now. Suga even said in his talk with Joon that he wouldn't mind being in his 20s again- he said it was hard, but it was good. What's really ironic is that BTS go to some lengths to advise junior groups so they don't have to go through the same difficulties BTS did- and here are groups trying to make emotional profit out of their hardships. That's not the way to get fans; fans aren't people who pity you. It's just another effort to try and copy/imitate BTS's success, and it's more pathetic than most.

If it’s part of their story then I don’t see why it’s an issue to talk about it. Songs are made based on experience (except when it’s not, it happens). But if that is all they talk about then I have no interest in consuming their content.

Thank you, interesting as always.

From my perspective and what I am able to see in the media is that other companies are trying to analyze BTS's success. These companies try to copy the trends BTS creates and find any/all things they can find about them in order to "hop on BTS's band wagon." One of these things that pops up most often is the "SMALL company" and "ONE bed room" comments. It's also interesting that I also see other fans try to copy the way ARMY promotes/supports BTS, but I can definitely tell that it's at the level of infancy. It will be interesting to see how all these will play out, but all I can say in this moment is that no one can be a copy of BTS and ARMY. When I see other groups and their work I saw nothing about them that made me feel like I was watching "another" version of BTS or the fandom culture of ARMY. I just wish they would stop that because it makes their bands look shameless or something.

Talent shows like AGT are 100% milking sad stories over talent.

This is not true at all BTS never used a sob story what they been through is 💯 true they aren’t doing it for sympathy at all . Many idol groups have been through the same thing as them. Big hit nearly was bankrupt BTS saved the company they still would of debuted even if if it wasn’t big hit. Yoongi had no money he had the choose to buy food or to buy a ticket to get the bus home.

The thing people forget is that for every successful person who had struggles or humble beginnings, there are a million people that struggled that didn’t make it. People just love a rags to riches story. But I agree that the product has to be good or it doesn’t matter.

BTS succeed because of their talent and message I was in the fandom for over 6 months before I learnt what they went thru in the early days and if anything they got a lot of hate because of things that came out.

For me as Army, and because i know of BTS hardships, they RARELY talk about their hardship,and struggles.... and tbh Armys just found out so many past sob stories RECENTLY, like in Suchwita, Suga revealed it like per episodeS and it's bits and pieces only. i think BTS uses their sob stories not as marketing but as a driving force for themselves to work harder, to move forward. All the experiences they have, they made it into a Song, they share the message of hopes and dreams through their Music, MV, etc... And that's attracted fans and became loyal to them. And the thing about BTS is that, they don't want fans to know what went through behind the scenes. The only time Armys will know is if BTS wanted to show it, or talk about it, like through Documentary, live stream, but if not, they will not say anything.

I nearly didn’t click based on the title.

Good subject! There is hardships in EVERYONE's life. Sob stories increase our ability to identify with idols, but of course noone becomes an idol without talent and backing. Jimin and Suga have been very naked in expressing their hardships, but this is about them speaking themselves and their honesty attract us. Still, it's only because the product is great that we buy it, and pay pretty much in both money, time and committment. I think one reason for the international loyalty of Army is that we all have to put in work and time to understand the lyrics and meanings. Cognitive dissonance prevent us from using alot of time on something in vain. We will create a meaning even if there was none. 😅

To me, the main point about BTS struggles is not that they lived them, but the great achievements they reached starting from them. I mean, a lot of groups are discarded from a performance, but they performed despite the conditions, a lot of artists are despised an humilliated in tv, radio news, etc. but they pointed a line and started their own shows under their own terms, and further, they came afterwards and gave shows another chance but in a different condition. A lot of acts aren't performed in radio stations because of payola, but they didn't give in to the game for radioplays. So, to me, their greatness is not about having struggles, instead of the way they managed those without loosing their artistry and their dignity.

BTS attracted me with their music and performances first. Then it was their relationships with each other, how funny and relatable they are that made me an ARMY. Never did their rags to riches stories got me to buy their music, concert tickets nor merchandise.

I have seen BTS laughing about JK hoovering up the fruit flies in their dorm and Jin & V complaining in a funny way about the food in the old days. Other than them just naturally reminiscing or laughing or cringing about the old days, they never really talk about it let alone use it. It is included in all their series/documentaries obviously, and as their fandom keeps growing, it feels like these facts about their humble beginnings are always a current topic. But I think people should know how they started as this does blow away people's misconceptions about them as a group.💜

Come on, BTS didn’t push their hardships. Rise to Bangtan and hardship doco’s were developed by ARMY not Big Hit. Quite a reach guys. Hardships by any artist are real, but fans of any artists are built by individual choose for many reasons…their skills, their personalities, their performances, their artistry!! This is crazy! FANS have the right to fan whoever they wish to, and for whatever reason. Geez BTS is being targeted again, give them a break guys. There are many fandoms, yet ARMY and BTS is once again being criticised. This discussion is pointless.

There are so many idol group who has sob stories and wasn't a secret yet it didn't make them into a stardom as BTS. Even music artists from west have their sob stories and yet didn't make them like of BTS.

In short: ppl with money dont understand why their money is not working (it always works) so they are copying BTS and their money is still not working 😆 When BTS came along it captured ppl cuz it was something "NEW". That's what they don't understand!!! Boys in "another country", working their butts off, and kept getting pushed down cuz they had no money. Ppl know what that feels like. So for the fact they were "sooooo good" ppl wanted to know more, and more fans got behind them and helped. Then their personalities omg, all 7, all 7 so good and each one completely different. PD seen the ppl getting behind BTS, so he kept investing "everything back in them" cuz he believed in them too. There are so many songs on the radio now about loving myself to where It's gag moment. You can tell its not natural. It's just another tactic where the whole music industry is trying to find the next BTS as they call it.

Fifty fifty is different story. They are suing their company with the manager after having 1 single song on Billboard and comparing to BTS. The court just ruled in favorite to company. Their sob story about their hardship with company reflected...

Whether coming from a disadvantaged background or a nepo-baby with all doors open, it takes actual talent, hard work, ingenuity, passion, intelligence, etc, to not only "make it" in any industry, but to remain and continue to be successful. BTS has all those qualities in spades. I don't think they've used their "suffering artist" background because they didn't/don't need to. Their content is rich & complex on it's own. I sometimes feel that it has become the lore spread by early ARMY that just recirculates & grows with every generation of new fans discovering BTS. The power of internet histories never going away, just being added to!

Could you talk more about what's going on in the fandom? Things seems to be pretty crazy now... 😮

Sob stories sell rags (cheap journalism) and at best motivates young artist. It is the archetype of the starving artist which is why it resonates with the public, especially in some cultures where the dream sold is that "anyone can make it". None such article would sell if there was no product, no art, no quality, no success - just as no golden costume or pretty smile will sell a CD. In BTS case, they were chosen by an agency and well trained. They had difficult times, documented and therefore accurate, but they were also very intelligent, talented, hard working and motivating each other. Their management wasn't anyone: Bang Si-Hyuk sounds like a most savvy, connected and experienced manager. They each acquired skills in their art and then synergy took place. What can divide, can also unite: they were clever enough to find a way to make ANYTHING work, the good but also the bad and even the very bad. THAT... is a tale worth telling! And very inspiring. And it connects to everyone: who has not had a hard time in their life?

BTS DID NOT used their ‘humble beginnings’ to gain popularity and boost their career! You’re right, it was Bang who brought that up and then the FANS more than anyone put that out there in admiration of their climbing success! And in the West, I can tell you (because I live in North America) that nobody gives a $hit about an artist’s hardships, quite frankly! At the end of the day, if the music does not appeal to anyone, or is simply crap, you aren’t going anywhere! BTS have rarely spoken about their struggles, but when they HAVE referred to them, they’ve SANG about them, not talked about them; and those struggles they sing about are the opposition and ridicule the have endured along the way, which we all know was/is 💯 true! And they do it encourage and motivate young people to pursue their dreams ferociously, not to gain sympathy! It never ceases to amaze me the hate and jealousy directed at BTS to this day!

Why they always blame BTS. Yet BTS don't say anything against other k-pop. BTS attracted fans around the world because of the messages of their songs. They are not singers but also great dancers, composers, and humble.

I think if it's their own story and it's real they have every right to talk about it. Maybe it will make things better for future artist's. Also remember you can tell your story but you still need to be talented and have talented people around to help you to continue developing your talent Why shouldn't artists be able to be 'real' about their situation. Rather than delude people that the 'entertainment Industry' is all fun and big money because it's not. It's completely disrespectful to call anyone story a 'sob story' btw. It's disgusting tbh.