BTS Turns 12: A Look at Their Historic Journey, Achievements, Struggles, and What’s Next

By Rowella Michaels | June 13, 2025 | Culture & Music

Photo by Bulletproof7bts license under CC BY 4.0, 

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Celebrating 12 Years of BTS: From Seoul to Global Icons

On June 13, 2025, BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) marks its 12th anniversary. From humble beginnings in Seoul to dominating the global music industry, BTS has become a defining force in pop culture. Over the past twelve years, they've shattered records, redefined the K-pop genre, and built one of the most passionate fandoms in the world—ARMY.

As we celebrate BTS’s incredible journey, let’s explore their biggest milestones, global impact, personal struggles, and what’s next for the group post-military service.

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The Rise of BTS: From Rookie Group to Global Powerhouse

BTS debuted in 2013 under a small agency, BigHit Entertainment (now HYBE), with “No More Dream.” Their early music addressed youth struggles, societal pressure, and self-identity—setting them apart from many K-pop contemporaries.

By 2017, BTS had crossed into international markets with their Love Yourself series. In 2018, Love Yourself: Tear became the first Korean-language album to top the Billboard 200, marking their global breakthrough.

Their subsequent albums—Map of the Soul: Persona, Map of the Soul: 7, and BE—topped global charts and cemented their place as cultural icons.

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Record-Breaking Achievements that Made History

1. Billboard and Chart Records

• First Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100 with “Dynamite” (2020)

• Multiple No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200

• Over 20 entries on the Hot 100, including “Butter,” “Permission to Dance,” and “Life Goes On”

• Grammy-nominated three years in a row (2021–2023)

2. YouTube & Streaming Records

• “Butter” set the highest 24-hour YouTube views (108.2M)

• “Dynamite” and “Boy With Luv” hold top spots for K-pop streams on Spotify

• Most-viewed online concert: Bang Bang Con: The Live (2020) with over 750,000 viewers

3. Cultural & Social Impact

• Named in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People

• Delivered speeches at the United Nations (2018, 2020)

• Raised over $3 million with UNICEF through their Love Myself campaign

• Donated $1M to Black Lives Matter in 2020—ARMY matched it within 24 hours

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The Struggles Behind the Spotlight

BTS’s journey hasn’t been without hardships.

Mental and Physical Challenges

• Members have opened up about anxiety, burnout, and identity struggles

• Jimin and Jin underwent surgeries; multiple members have sustained injuries during tours

• In 2022, BTS announced a group hiatus citing the need for creative freedom and mental well-being

Navigating Military Service

• South Korea mandates military enlistment; BTS members began service in 2022

• All seven opted to serve without exemption, earning public respect

• Jin, J-Hope, RM, and V are now discharged, with the remaining members completing service by late 2025

Their hiatus tested the group’s endurance—but also underscored their integrity and patriotism.

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Solo Careers and Creative Exploration

During their period of group hiatus for military service, BTS members flourished as solo artists. Here are some of their artistic endeavors in their solo careers: 

• J-Hope: Jack in the Box and Hope On the Street tour

• RM: Indigo—a poetic, introspective album

• Jimin: Face, breaking records with “Like Crazy”

• Suga: D-Day (as Agust D) and a successful world tour

• Jungkook: Golden and the global hit “Seven”

• V: Layover, showcasing his jazz and R&B influences

• Jin: “The Astronaut” and his acting debut

These solo ventures have only expanded BTS’s artistry and reach—building anticipation for their reunion.

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ARMY’s Unwavering Support

BTS’s global fandom, ARMY, has been central to their success. Known for their activism, streaming campaigns, and unmatched dedication, ARMYs are more than fans—they're a movement.

From breaking voting records to organizing charity drives, ARMYs have supported BTS through every album, award, and challenge. Their online presence has turned BTS into a social media powerhouse, and their enthusiasm has kept the group relevant even during hiatus.

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What’s Next for BTS in 2025 and Beyond

As of June 2025, BTS is preparing for a full-group comeback, with all members expected to finish military service by year-end. HYBE has confirmed that all seven renewed their contracts, promising a bright and unified future.

What to Expect:

• Potential comeback album in 2026

• A possible world tour post-enlistment

• More solo and unit projects

• A reimagined BTS—matured, evolved, and more powerful than ever

RM’s cryptic hashtag #ARMY2025 has already ignited fan theories and excitement.

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BTS’s Enduring Legacy

BTS isn’t just a boy band—they are a cultural shift, a global bridge, and an emotional sanctuary for millions. Over 12 years, they’ve turned vulnerability into strength, language barriers into connections, and fans into family.

As we look forward to BTS’s reunion, one thing is clear: this is not the end—it’s just a new beginning.