What does BTS stand for? K-pop band name explained

BTS took over the world with their boyish charms, infectious melodies, and out-of-this-world stage presence. But fans might be confused by what their name means. Here’s everything you need to know about the meaning of BTS.

Formed in 2010, BTS consists of seven band members: Jimin, RM, V, Jin, Jungkook, Suga, and J-Hope. A global phenomenon, the K-Pop band has sold millions of records and toured the world. Many of its members have also achieved quite a bit of solo success.

But with such a long and successful career, it can be hard for new fans to get up to speed with everything, such as what BTS means. Here’s everything you need to know.

What does BTS stand for?

BTS for the Korean phrase Bangtan Sonyeondan, which directly translates to Bulletproof Boy Scouts. They’re also known as the Bangtan Boys.

However, in 2017, the band underwent a rebranding. They updated their logo and even changed their name. BTS switched to now mean “Beyond the Scene.”

In an interview with Affinity magazine, BTS singer J-Hope discussed the meaning behind the name. “‘Bangtan’ means to be resistant to bullets, so it means to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim at adolescents like bullets, to preserve the values and ideals of today’s adolescents.”

Reportedly, Big Hit’s producer and songwriter Bang Si-Hyuk had a name in mind when searching for the band members who would eventually make up BTS.

After debuting in 2013 on Big Hit Entertainment, the band released their first albums, Dark & Wild and Wake Up, in 2014. They’ve released eight total records, spanning Korean and Japanese, and one reissue. Those albums include 2018’s Love Yourself: Tear and 2020’s Be.

Some of the band’s biggest hits include “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “On,” “Idol,” “Fake Love,” and “Boy with Love,” among many others. The group is known to co-write and/or co-produce much of their work.