Time, the global breaking news multimedia brand, recently put out their annual round of ‘The 25 Most Influential People on the Internet’. Bangtan Sonyeondan, also known as BTS, is the only Korean representatives that is part of this year’s influential list.
“TIME sized up contenders by looking at their global impact on social media and their overall ability to drive news.”
According to the write up, BTS made an impressive mark after they spent 27 consecutive weeks atop Billboard’s ‘Social 50’ chart, overtaking other pop icons.
According to Raisa Bruner, “…BTS, a Korean boy band — the full name, Bangtan Sonyeondan, loosely translates to “bulletproof boy scouts” in English — whose seven members have managed to cultivate a virtual fanbase that could give the Beyhive a run for its money. In 2016, the so-called BTS Army propelled Wings to No. 26 on the Billboard 200 — the highest-ever debut for a K-pop album — and earlier this year, they helped BTS win Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards. During their acceptance speech, band member Rap Monster (real name: Kim Nam-joon) gave credit where credit was due: “This award belongs to [everybody] around the world who shines the love and light on us,” he said.”
It is no wonder that BTS made it on the list as they are known to constantly interact with their fans all over the world. It is through their powerful music, down to earth characteristics and love for ‘Armys’ that they continue to receive support.
The list includes numerous notable figures like US President Donald Trump, Author J.K. Rowling, Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Chance the rapper, Fitness guru Casey Ho, Youtuber gamer Mark Fischbach a.k.a ‘Markiplier’, Beauty blogger Huda Kattan, Chinese actress Yao Chen, and many more.
Contributor: Nadine Postigo