In the Kpop music industry, there seems to be an unspoken but clear fine line of an era between pre and post-BTS global success. And the great success of BTS has undoubtedly resulted in a massive impact not only on Korean but also on Asian culture, changing the perspectives in the global community. During an interview with Asia Society, Bang Si Hyuk explains how this changing perception is all thanks to BTS hard work and his own. How was it possible? Find out more about what Bang Si Hyuk says in the complete report below.
The Impact of BTS Global Success: A Changing Perspective Towards Asian Culture
There’s no act other than BTS. Just like Jackie Chan and Michael Jackson, BTS is the one and only act in the modern-day generations that successfully launched Kpop music even further than its predecessors. And this global success of BTS has resulted in a massive impact on how the global community perceives Asian culture, according to BTS founder Bang Si Hyuk.
On December 23, Asia Society released an interview with Bang Si Hyuk, following his previous recognition for his contributions to promoting Asian culture and awardee at Asia Game Changer Awards 2024 on October 25 in New York.
In this interview, Bang Si Hyuk explained that the global success of BTS has resulted in a massive impact on how the international community perceives Asian culture. According to Bang Si Hyuk, before BTS, people often had a narrow understanding of Asian culture. However, BTS changed everything.
After BTS showcased their worldwide influence, breaking multiple historical records, they created a massive impact, leading to a shift in global attitudes. Their success has managed to dismantle the existing stereotypes against Asians.
Moreover, this success has exceeded mere cultural exchange. The massive impact of BTS has also fostered a greater appreciation for Asian culture on a global scale.
“Before BTS achieved global success, the understanding of Asian culture was extremely narrow and often provincial. People who liked Asian culture were viewed as having some kind of peculiar tastes.
However, through BTS, the world began to see our efforts as something exciting, and mutual understanding increased.
The fact that people in the U.S. and globally are now embracing Asian culture and even trying to develop it further is not merely cultural exchange. I believe it contributes to global peace and the advancement of humanity.”
Bang Si Hyuk.
Bang Si Hyuk Reveals the Key to BTS’s Worldwide Recognition in the Interview
Further in his interview, Bang Si Hyuk opened up about the key to BTS global fame. He admitted that BTS’s massive success wasn’t something he expected at first. However, a few years into BTS’s journey, he started to see their potential to break through barriers that no Asian artist had crossed before.
“Honestly, I never thought it was possible. Growing up, the American music industry—the face of global music—felt so far away and out of reach. When we started this journey with BTS, I didn’t think it would lead to the kind of success we see today.
It was about two and a half years after their debut that I began to feel that we could achieve something Asia had never done before.”
Bang Si Hyuk.
As for the key to BTS success, according to Bang Si Hyuk, it was how he focused more on the music that speaks to everyone. All while staying true to his roots.
“I think cultural clashes can be a huge problem, even leading to global tragedies. To truly understand each other, we need to start with cultural understanding. When that happens, the world can move toward peace, growth, and prosperity. More than that, we should embrace our differences and use them as inspiration to create something new.
So, it’s all about finding the right mix. Instead of labeling something as ‘global’ or ‘Korean,’ I focus on universal values everyone can relate to. I combine what I’ve learned as a Korean with the global music I’ve been exposed to. It’s not just about blending cultures but creating something unique that stands out on its own.”
Bang Si Hyuk.
No Greater Power Than BTS—Yet!
Finally, while it is true that there has been no greater power than BTS, nothing is really definable in the world of Kpop music. Seeing how fast and extensive the hallyu wave has improved in the last decades, it is a clear sign that Kpop still has so much to offer.
BTS members hold so much potential not only as the “products” of Kpop but also as the producers. Therefore, it’s not just about BTS as a group—it’s about their ability to pave the way for the next generation of Kpop artists and creators.
The global success of BTS goes beyond performing; they’re setting the standard for innovation, creativity, and cultural impact in the industry. With BTS members already venturing into solo projects and producing their own music, they’re proving that Kpop’s evolution is far from over.
So, we should all take note that this is just the beginning of what the hallyu wave can achieve on a global scale.
Don’t you think so too? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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Source: Asia Society.
