Why BTS Billboard Win Is Important

BTS’ huge win at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards has started an important conversations about Asian representation and international music in mainstream pop culture.

The seven-member boy band won the award over Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes and Ariana Grande thanks to a heavy commitment to their social accounts (which include more than 26 million followers across Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and their V app) and their dedicated fans voting for them, but there's a deeper reason to why there's so much excitement over the septet.

While they aren't the first, BTS are the latest K-pop act focusing their music on social, mental and political issues to connect with an international audience. Songs like "Blood Sweat & Tears" or "I Need U" talk about being dangerously in love, but other tracks like "Whalien 52" heartbreakingly detail loneliness while "Spring Day" acts an inspiration anthem. It's been a focus on more personal and relatable topics that have helped BTS fans—affectionately known as Army—connect on an even deeper level with the pop act which has parlayed into an overwhelming amount of support that saw the group earn K-pop's biggest sales week in America and ultimately help them win their BBMA.

The K-pop scene has been making inroads in America for years, and BTS are taking the next big step to continue the journey begun by the artists before them. By finding a deep connection with listeners to incite an excitement and passion for the group, BTS are not only making major moves in the mainstream industry but doing so in a way that could mean larger representation for future Asian and international acts.

SOURCE: FUSE TV