In early May, the internet was buzzing with rumors about an intriguing book. The title wasn’t revealed until June 13th, but its worldwide release was set for July 9th with a massive initial print run of 1 million copies. The media focused on speculation that the book might be by Taylor Swift, which led to a surge in preorders. However, some of us had a hunch that the book was actually about the South Korean pop sensation, BTS. The release dates aligned with significant anniversaries for the group, further fueling our certainty. And sure enough, a few days later, Flatiron Books confirmed that the 544-page book was called “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS.” It was written by South Korean journalist Myeongseok Kang and translated into English by a team of translators.
As a fan of BTS and a cultural critic who has written my own book about them, I had many questions about this new release. How candid would the members be? Would this book only appeal to die-hard fans like me, or would it have broader appeal? How far would “Beyond the Story” delve into their journey beyond their well-known successes?
Upon reading the book, I discovered that it’s not your typical memoir or personal biography. Instead, it offers a meticulous account of how BTS was formed and rose to become a global phenomenon under the guidance of Big Hit Entertainment (now known as Hybe). For those who have wondered how BTS achieved their success in America, this book provides answers. It’s a captivating and intricate chronicle of their fan-driven global dominance, and it’s also accessible to newer fans.
Many ARMYs (BTS fans) have pieced together the group’s history through fan-made videos, official documentaries, livestreams, memes, and Twitter threads. Now, Kang presents this history in a comprehensive and unguarded manner. Even for long-time fans, seeing BTS’s career laid out so deliberately is mind-boggling. Kang covers every album, tour, and major awards show up until mid-2022, just before BTS announced their temporary focus on solo projects and mandatory military service. While the book doesn’t go into their personal lives beyond their careers – given their desire for privacy – Kang manages to convey an emotional journey alongside their professional one. Through their artistic growth, the members of BTS show readers how fame, at such an extraordinary level, has shaped them as individuals.
“Beyond the Story” is divided into seven sections, each tracing a different era of BTS’s rise. While many readers already know where their story ended up – with chart-topping hits, Grammy nominations, UN General Assembly appearances, and even a visit to the White House – there is still suspense in the early chapters. Kang vividly captures the intensity and acumen of BTS’s leader, RM, who was scouted by producer Bang Si-hyuk as a teenager to form a hip-hop group. Joined by underground rapper Suga and street dancer J-Hope, BTS initially faced challenges as they learned to work together. Eventually, four vocalists were added – Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook – transforming BTS into a more traditional idol group.
In the book’s first half, Kang contextualizes BTS’s journey within the broader K-pop industry, illustrating how they defied norms to stand out. They offered fans unpolished glimpses into their lives through vlogs, sometimes even criticizing their company. This rejection of conventions was groundbreaking in the Korean idol industry. Kang also explores the unconventional and realistic nature of their early music, noting that experimenting in this way was seen as self-destructive within the industry.
As a fan, I was amazed to learn that BTS often seemed unaware of the reasons behind their immense popularity. Yet they maintained deep gratitude towards their fans. Even as they achieved monumental success, they never acted as though it was inevitable. This genuine humility is one of the things that endears them to their fans. For example, Jimin fondly recalls the handful of fans who showed up during their first performance, expressing gratitude for their continued support. The book also touches on their mindset after their English-language single “Dynamite” topped the Billboard Hot 100. Rather than reveling in the achievement, Suga emphasized the importance of staying grounded, stating there was no need to float in the air.
“Beyond the Story” immerses readers in the bewildering experience of BTS’s growth. It showcases the extreme highs of their international success – appearing at awards shows and major talk shows – alongside the profound lows of overwork, depression, and a loss of privacy. The members open up about the challenges they faced in the US, a market where most of them didn’t speak English. J-Hope reflects on his struggles with language and self-doubt, while trying to balance dance training with language learning. The pandemic further disrupted their plans and forced them to experiment once again by releasing their first English-language single. The unexpected success of “Dynamite” surprised even the members themselves.
According to Kang, it was only later in their career that BTS transitioned from seeking external validation to focusing on personal growth and achieving excellence. Their interior growth and artistic development are intricately connected in the book. Jungkook, who joined Big Hit at a young age, discusses learning to recognize and express his emotions through music. V reflects on going through a mental adolescence and understanding the need for genuine inspiration when creating music. Jin describes how letting go of obsessive worrying freed up mental space, enabling him to sustain his work.
For fans, this book offers a comforting sense of familiarity, albeit in an official format. It’s gratifying to see their journey laid out before us. The book captures the essence of BTS’s remarkable story, providing deep insights into their artistic and personal evolution.
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