BTS have opened up about the moment they realised they had achieved worldwide fame, citing their 2016 album Wings as a pivotal turning point. The South Korean group's release, featuring the track Blood Sweat & Tears, reached number 26 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned them a Bonsang award at the Golden Disk Awards in their home country.
Jungkook recalled that around that time, fans across the globe began embracing their music, leading to their first Billboard Music Award for top social artist the following year. 'Even internationally, it was around then that more and more people began to respond to our albums, and I'm really grateful,' he told Pitchfork.
Jimin added that Blood Sweat & Tears holds special significance as it was the song played when they received their first BBMA award. The album Wings, according to Jin, explores themes of 'strong, irresistible temptation' and internal conflicts faced when encountering such experiences.
Little did the group know that their early success would pave the way for a number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a long-held dream. This milestone was achieved earlier this year with the English-language single Dynamite. Suga confessed he was 'having a hard time accepting' the achievement, describing it as 'like a dream'.
Looking ahead, BTS are preparing for their upcoming comeback BE (Deluxe Edition) in November, which they describe as their most 'BTS-ish' album yet.
