The Three Ways Foreign Artists Typically Treated BTS, And Who Was An Exception

BTS‘s recently released memoir, Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS, has given ARMYs an inside look at the group’s decade-long career.

Over seven chapters, the group details their experiences from their trainee days to the present.

(From left:) BTS’s V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin, and J-Hope | Weverse

In the book, the members put into perspective their most memorable moments. From explaining their successes and struggles to navigating promotions in the U.S. and more.

BTS detailed when the group began to reach global fame and how they were suddenly thrust into the spotlight in America, appearing on American talk shows and award shows while being expected to conduct interviews in English.

J-Hope acknowledged the integral role of RM in their Western promotions, who shouldered much of the burden as the group’s leader and the member fluent in English.

If it wasn’t for RM, we would have been in serious trouble… It would have been difficult for us to get so popular in the U.S., in my view. RM’s role is huge.

— BTS’s J-Hope

For RM, he likened his first time giving an interview in English to being suddenly “thrown into a battlefield” after being notified he would be interviewed live in English for an hour.

Furthermore, he was expected to navigate questions from American media about fellow K-Pop artists and the industry as a whole, having to respond carefully to prevent any possible misunderstandings in America and Korea with his replies.

BTS’s RM

While promoting overseas, the group found little comfort in fellow artists. RM categorized the three ways overseas artists often approached them.

Some artists seemed to look down on the group…

There’s the kind who’re like, ‘Oh, you guys are famous these days, good job, I guess? Go for it,’ and seem to look down on us a little…

— BTS’s RM

Others viewed communication with BTS as purely business…

… and those who’re all business and go, ‘I really want to do a song with you!’

— BTS’s RM

BTS performing at the “2022 GRAMMYs”

RM shared that other artists fell somewhere between the two categories, but one artist was an exception.

Chris Martin was none of these three. He was an exception. He is one of the most sincere overseas artists I’ve ever met.

— BTS’s RM

RM of BTS on Chris Martin — pic.twitter.com/3yDLBitfh8

— Percy (@humanheart___) July 9, 2023

Coldplay’s Chris Martin with BTS in South Korea. | @BTS_twt/Twitter

Coldplay collaborated with BTS on their song “My Universe” in 2021, and frontman Chris Martin partnered with long-time Coldplay fan BTS’s Jin to co-write his debut solo song “The Astronaut” in 2022.

Their friendship has been endearing to ARMYs, and Coldplay has consistently shown their support and love for BTS.

Chris Martin showing a finger heart and saying 'This means you love BTS' and dedicating My Universe to them at Coldplay's Jingle bell ball performance pic.twitter.com/hMu2PUxIFy

— Anjaan⁷❖ Seven⍤⃝ (@JinJaaan) December 11, 2022

BTS has overcome many hardships and misconceptions, including heartbreaking treatment from fellow K-Pop idols early in their career, making genuine connections formed with fellow artists even more meaningful.

Check out more from their memoir in the article below:

BTS Get Real About The Heartbreaking Treatment They Received From Fellow K-Pop Idols In Their Early Career