The Influence of KPOP—BTS:Love Yourself

K-pop has become a genre that is wide spread across the world. It went from being a topic that people avoided, to now being one of the number one outlets for music. There have been many groups that have come and gone, but the most influential in western media, by far, has been the group BTS (Bangtan Boys).

They rose to fame in 2019 when they did their first performance on the AMA's performing their hit song DNA. This was most of the US' first look at the group, which soon led to their skyrocketing fame which has yet to slow down. Now, as the members have begun their required military enlistments, fans have begun to venture into a nostalgic time period. As certain members have started their solo career, many people in the BTS Army have been looking back on the past.

For many, the most influential era for the band has been the Love Yourself albums. That is what I will be reflecting on today as these albums have changed my life tremendously. This era was broken down into 3 sections: Her, Tear, and Answer.

Love Yourself: Her
This album was mostly focused around the topic of love! The beginning of new love, new relationships and that fun naive period of pure bliss. The intro to this album is truly beautiful; titled Serendipity, it speaks of having a crush on someone, and the excited feeling that comes along with it. It is a beautiful explanation of how this person feels saved by their significant other; and is asking to love that person as long as they can. Other songs like DNA or Best of Me also have this same vibe with lyrics such as:

"You got the best of me. It's not important if it's dream or reality; only the fact that you're by my side."

"It is truly an album which provides feelings of happiness, joy and the early feelings of love."

Love Yourself: Tear
This album starts to transition you to a more somber state of being. Fake Love is the title track and if the title doesn't give away the meaning, the lyrics definitely will. The song expresses how it feels once you realize a significant other or relationship has changed or ended; the feeling of betrayal and loss. On the other hand, there are songs on this album that have a sad feeling to them but with happy lyrics. A great example of this is Magic Shop. At first, it can give you a sense of sadness or can bring up emotions, but in reality is such a beautiful song. We all have moments of self doubt or can stay stuck in our past, but this song speaks of sticking together by each others side. It is important to remind each other that we all have scars, we all go through things. My favorite quote from Kim Namjoon (leader of BTS) is:

"Even the scars from my mistakes, make up my own constellation"

This has always been a quote i keep in my mind, as it is a great reminder that no one is perfect and all you can do is keep going.

Love Yourself: Answer
This album rounds out the era very well. It, in a way, combines the last two albums together. It takes the sweet beginnings of love, and the heartbreak of losing someone and provides a way to acceptance. My favorites on the album (Answer:Love Myself and Euphoria) express this in such a beautiful way. It brings the album to a conclusion of self love and acceptance. By focusing on loving yourself first, that can lead you to a healthier relationship in the future. It is so important to love yourself, and to make sure you are doing what makes you happy! It really speaks to the mindset that you have to be in a relationship to be happy, when in fact that isn't true. You probably won't be happy with anyone until you find your true self and know to treat yourself right!


This whole era was very life-changing for many people, including me! I am not sure if BTS ever imagined it would go as far as it did; but along with the world records, and awards, came a positive change in the world as well. Countless charity events, donations, and projects were held in honor of these albums by their fan base and changed countless lives! BTS have made it their mission to slowly change the world for the better and this was just the start for them! IF you have never listened to their music, I definitely encourage you to do so!