How Was BTS Formed? Real Story Behind The Most Popular K-Pop Boy Band

BTS needs no introduction. The globally popular K-pop group enjoys a massive fan following across the world. It also has one of the most compelling origin stories in modern pop culture, rooted in persistence, reinvention and a fiercely loyal fanbase. But do you know how the group was formed or how members like RM, V, Suga and others joined the sensation? Let’s find out.

How Was BTS Formed?

Formed by Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE Corporation), BTS debuted on June 13, 2013, with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool. The group comprises seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — who were selected through auditions and rigorous training under the K-pop system. While RM, SUGA and J-hope were the first three members to join the group,

others like Jin, Jung Kook, V and Jimin joined later via auditions.

Their early music tackled themes such as youth struggles, societal pressure and mental health — setting them apart from many contemporaries in the K-pop industry. Their breakthrough came with The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series (2015–2016), followed by global chart dominance with albums like Love Yourself: Tear (2018) and Map of the Soul: 7 (2020).

What Does BTS Mean?

BTS is an acronym for the name ‘Bangtan Sonyeondan’, which translates to ‘Bulletproof Boy Scouts’. The K-pop group is sometimes also called the Bangtan Boys.

In 2013, J-Hope appeared on the South Korean radio show Kiss the Radio when he explained that the name represents the group’s desire “to block out stereotypes, criticisms and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets.”

However, later in 2017, BTS announced that its name would also stand for “Beyond the Scene”. He stated that this was because the group also represents their growth “from a boy to an adult who opens the doors that are facing forward.”

BTS’ Comeback 

Earlier this month, BTS members made a comeback and released their fifth studio album ARIRANG. The seven-member group returned after four years of focusing on solo projects and completing their mandatory military service. Leading the new album is the full-English title track ‘SWIM’ – which is a music video shot in Lisbon.

After the release of the album, BTS members also performed at the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Their comeback show was also streamed LIVE in India on Netflix. The group will hold more shows across the world in the coming months.