BTS

February 1, 2019

Gr 5 Up-BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys or Beyond the Scene, is a K-pop group with growing popularity around the world. BTS made their debut in 2013, before entering the United States' Billboard 200 ranking in 2015 and continuing to rise in popularity. They were recognized as the most retweeted group in 2016 and honored with their own emoji on Twitter. In 2017, BTS became the first K-pop group to perform at the American Music Awards. Their popularity continues, in Korea and abroad, and the group enjoys a strong online following. In this unofficial fan guide, BTS's rise to popularity is chronicled, along with quick facts about the group, dating back to the original auditions held in 2011. Two sections of profiles on each of the group's members are included, along with photographs and fun facts about all of the members. Interspersed between information about the group are short blurbs on fan culture and BTS's online presence, quizzes to test knowledge of BTS trivia, and lists of important music videos and other appearances. While the information provided is cursory and can be learned from other sources, here it is pulled together in a visually appealing way, with glossy pages and large, color photos. Appropriate for both casual listeners and die-hard fans who want to read every bit of BTS material, this is will help to fill out a K-pop collection. VERDICT An additional purchase.-Zoёuml; McLaughlin, Michigan State University

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