Behind The (S)team - Bang PD No Compromise: Behind The BTS Dream

BTS is arguably the biggest group in the world. Their achievements and accolades are too numerous to list. The boys have climbed to the summit of the biggest music markets, cementing their hold on the industry, and they show no signs of slowing down. Behind every success is a dedicated team working alongside the boys and ARMY to help BTS grow and maintain their worldwide status. Let’s take a closer look at one of the people who helps to bring the BTS steam.

The Beginning

To fully understand the scope of what BTS has and is accomplishing, we must first look at how BTS came to be. To do that, we look no further than the father of BTS, Bang Sihyuk. Most commonly known as ‘Bang PD’ or ‘Hitman Bang,’ he was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. According to an article by K-Crush Magazine, Bang Sihyuk realized his love of music at an early age. However, like many parents, his family did not support his dream of becoming a musician. So, instead of music, Bang Sihyuk majored in Aesthetics at Seoul National University.

Door To The Industry

The article goes on to explain how he moved from Aesthetics to the door that would eventually lead him to his dream of music, “In 1994, while he was still at university, Bang entered the Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest and was awarded Third Prize. This eventually paved the way for him to work in the music industry.” Later, Bang Sihyuk would meet Park Jinyoung, the founder of JYP Entertainment. The two formed a friendship that has lasted to this day. Bang Sihyuk often thanks Park for taking a chance on him. Bang, along with Park, would write and produce for many well-known Korean idol groups. “Bang’s stage name ‘Hitman’ originated from this era when he and Park garnered a reputation as ‘hit-makers,’” according to K-Crush Magazine.

Right about now, you’re probably asking, what does this have to do with BTS? Glad you asked. In 2005 Bang Sihyuk left JYP to start his own company, Big Hit Entertainment. You’re probably wondering, “why would he leave a successful company just to create his own?” Excellent question which Bang Sihyuk answered in a commencement speech given to the graduates at his alma mater, Seoul National University, in 2019.

No Compromise

Bang’s answer, according to KPOP Herald, was anger. “Looking back, I was always furious, instead of having a special dream,” he said. “I came to where I am today with anger and rage against the reality that cannot be accepted and situations that made me unhappy. That was my driving force behind my actions, and the reason I cannot stop.” Simply put, he was angered by the unfairness he saw all around him and refused to accept it and decided he would try and do something about it.

The article goes on to quote Bang Sihyuk saying, “I don’t have many dreams, but I am a person with endless discontent. I think this phrase best describes me. As I look back on my life for today’s Big Hit and BTS to exist, one clear image that comes to my mind is that I am a person with lots of dissatisfaction.”

“There are so many compromises in this world… But by nature, I can’t just compromise. When it comes to my work, and even with things that are not directly related to me, I will complain if the best efforts are not made in any situation. And if the situation doesn’t improve despite that, I become furious.”

Resisting Bullets

BTS was born from Bang Sihyuk’s desire to see fairness and hard work succeed in the world. BTS is a group of seven who do not compromise their musical integrity to fit in or be accepted. Their unwavering dedication to their craft and their willingness to stand up against injustice is etched into the fabric of their name, Bangtan Sonyeondan. As j-hope explained to Affinity Magazine, “It has a profound meaning… ‘Bangtan’ means to be resistant to bullets, so it means to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations… like bullets.” BTS may have started out as one person’s need for fairness, but they have evolved into a global phenomenon that’s changing the world for the better.

Written by: Lisa

Edited by: Dae

Designed by: Rei

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