There's no doubt that BTS is the most influential and successful in the first six months of 2020. Some journalists, though, say that the band's struggles and controversies could derail most of that momentum.
Here's a short summary and analysis so far of a Korean journalist about the occurrences of 2020.
In their report, they opted to remain unidentified.
The year, quite basically, commenced with a blow. BTS has been invited and scheduled to perform at Times Square in New York City on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve show, being the first Korean group ever to do so.
It looks like a fantastic way that the band will ever start a new year, particularly because less than a month later. BTS was also asked to attend and perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards and became the first Korean band to do just that.
They were cast on stage for an amazing mashup of "Old Town Road - All-Stars," featuring country music singer Billy Ray Cyrus and rapper Lil Nas X.
"What BTS has accomplished musically is really nothing short of astounding. They now have a Billboard and an American Music accolade, and that they could strike the door completely open to them whenever they perform [at the Grammys]," the journalist said.
In late February, BTS launched their fourth studio album, "Map of the Soul: 7," and it instantly became a major hit. It entered into the Billboard 200, which ranks top US albums and EPs. The album is already on the rankings four months later, currently staying at no. 64 as of the week of June 20.
Unfortunately, things began to go sideways soon after, but something out of their power was the coronavirus disease pandemic.
They are set to perform 38 concerts in 18 places around the globe. Of those shows, four have been immediately canceled (all four shows in South Korea), and the remaining 34 events have been temporarily suspended.
Jin's compulsory military affirmation is another imminent case very soon. Together with other celebrities born in 1992, the eldest member is expected to enlist.
Fans, as well as some entertainment executives, nevertheless, have advocated for the exemption of all members. Although it may be feasible, it also seems far-reaching.
The first main to the band by the end of April was the "Itaewon controversy," which implicated several members in various idol groups. One of those idols, Jungkook, caught violating the social distancing that was compulsory at the time and fell on hard times, albeit momentarily.
"I find it often shocking - and even disappointing - that stars whatsoever often believe they're just above the law, and that they're not going to be caught, particularly if they're huge stars and have big names," the journalist stated.
"I'm not implying that this was entirely the case of most of those associated, but the group really got bad publicity regardless. That's all," the journalist added.
In early May, Big Hit Entertainment initially confirmed that they "could not verify the private lives of their musicians." After releasing that statement, they removed it and decided to offer an official apology conversely.
That being said, several started to feel that the explanation was too late to acknowledge it and did feel hesitant. Earlier, Jungkook gave his apologies, which fans were more open to.
"I'm not shocked that fans were more likely than Big Hit's to acknowledge his [Jungkook's] admission of guilt," the journalist said.
"If I have covered an agency making an apology letter, it appears as though it was a filled out form. Whenever you see or hear or read the accused's own phrases, that puts a face behind all those phrases. You recognize that he's a normal human there, and accepting those words becomes easier," the journalist went on.
The latest was Suga's sampling controversy, wherein the band's main rapper used excerpts of the speech of the notorious cult leader, Jim Jones, in his "What Do You Think" track. Afterward, Big Hit released a statement claiming they have a "lack of understanding of historical and social situations," but netizens were hesitant to buy such an excuse.
"I'm not suggesting that Suga intentionally did this. I just find it surprising that things like this still take place, especially by an artist so intelligent and diligent, and a company that is supposed to be even more that way...once again, the company's apology seemed scripted," the journalist said.
In spite of their analysis as to why these adverse events can cause trouble to the band going forward, the journalist also nonetheless praised BTS for their achievements, not just during this first half of the year but their entire career.
"It might seem hypocritical to say this right after highlighting and emphasizing their flaws, but BTS has still done amazing things for Korea, and not just in the music industry," the journalist stated.
"They changed tourism, how our culture is perceived overseas, our international presence, and more. Anyone who denies their influence and impact on Korea and on the world is denying reality," the journalist concluded.
