| 2020-07-24(코리아타임스) |
Korean boy band BTS recently had success with its online live-stream concert the "Bang Bang Con."
On June 14, BTS performed to an enthusiastic audience of 750,000 fans worldwide. Just as any physical concert would, the live stream showcased the performance of some of the band's hits, along with songs from the most recent album, "Map of the Soul: 7."
The concert was streamed to about 107 countries and was a notable commercial success, earning an estimated 25 billion won.
It was a part of BTS's efforts to promote connectedness in the uncertain time of social distancing. On the "Late Late Show with James Corden," group leader RM offered a word of hope to fans, saying: "I think it's quite a difficult time for everyone in the world right now. It may seem like we're isolated, but we're still connected."
Before the concert, BTS made its commitment to coronavirus efforts known through measures such as a 1.2 billion won donation to live-concert crews affected by the pandemic and the band's Twitter-based #BTS of the Day trend ― which updates fans on BTS's social-distancing routine ― in an attempt to stay connected.
This is not the first time BTS has stepped up to tackle crises. Throughout their career, band members have focused much of their songs on talking about social issues that are important to young people today.
Distilling their own experiences, they sing about passion, self-love and social marginalization in narrative-based albums such as "Young Forever" and "LOVE YOURSELF."
Being at the forefront of such dialogue, BTS has grown to be more than just a K-pop band, but a voice for international youth that even the wider public can respect. In 2018, BTS was invited to make a speech at a U.N. conference, where band members emphasized the need to follow passion and, most importantly, to "love yourself."
BTS's awareness of its global influence is perhaps what sets the band apart from its peers. The group's socially conscious actions ― such as the large donations made to the COVID effort ― demonstrate its dedication to utilizing its influence for a good cause.
What is of further significance is that BTS has mobilized fans to emulate their idols. In April, the BTS fan club "ARMY" donated an estimated 537 million won to the COVID-19 effort.
Galvanizing fans to be change-makers, BTS has demonstrated that combating the pandemic requires a global effort. Ultimately, perhaps what BTS and its Bang Bang Con demonstrate is more far-reaching than merely the group's global impact ― rather, it goes to show that even small contributions can promote clarity and hope in this time of uncertainty.
The writer is a 12th grader at Seoul International School.