BTS

by Katy Sprinkel

BTS: K-Pop’s International Superstars is the must-have celebration of RM, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, V, Jin, and Jungkook, who have won over fans across the globe with hits like “DNA” and “MIC Drop.” With dozens of stunning full-color photographs, this volume offers an extensive look at the guys behind the incredible voices, verses, and dance moves—from their early days as bandmates, to worldwide tours, to their relationship with their passionate and quickly-growing community of fans. This commemorative collection also looks back at the Bangtan Boys’ evolving musical sound, explores what makes each member of the group so memorable, and has fun with their friendship and social media presence. Also featuring a look ahead at what is sure to be an even brighter future, this is the ultimate book for ARMYs as well as new K-pop fans everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the first few chapters were fascinating about the rise of K-pop and the Hallyu, there were one too many inaccuracies about BTS itself.
The worst was using V’s picture for JK.
While the author had good intentions and did do a fair amount of research, it is rather obvious that the author did not fully understand. I would say the author did a lot of research through English sources (American interviews, etc) rather than translated sources. The issue with that is as non-native speakers, there is a language barrier and the members usually give brief, simple responses when speaking in English. Often RM is left to translate for the group and the poor guy doesn’t want to take two minutes each to translate the long thoughtful comments by the members.
Additionally, much of bio info is taken out of context. For instance, the author states that Suga’s favorite pick up line is “Do you know BTS?” I have seen the interview this is from, and while he does say that in response to a question, it’s also an inside-joke. Jin (along with other members occasionally) is known to continuously ask people this question when they are abroad.( Also who would not include sprite as J-Hope’s fav food?)
If this author had fans/ARMYs (or additional people if she herself is ARMY) review the book before publishing, it would have smoothed out these details. These errors undermined the legitimacy of the book to me — how much could i actually trust? Otherwise I enjoyed it.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even with my limited knowledge I know they got some stuff wrong. It's also super weird to see internet posts and videos talked about in a book - and their tour dates listed to boot! It was like a super long Buzzfeed article in book form.

[Khalidha Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister is a huge BTS fan and she likes this book because she thought they were spoken about how they “deserve” to be spoken about. Their history and achievements are described, in addition to some lessons on Korean lingo. However, in one place they use the picture of V when describing Jung Kook, as well as some other minor inaccuracies which the author should have been more careful about.

[Irena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving 4 stars because I love reading about them. But there are some obvious mistakes that should not happen if you considers yourself serious author.

[María · Rating 2 out of 5]

No sé si reír o llorar, pero me tengo que ir haciendo a la idea de que aún no se ha escrito un libro con contenido en condiciones sobre BTS... para sacar esto y aprovecharte de los fans, mira, mejor déjalo.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few things that I'm pretty sure were not exactly correct or the boys themselves have stated they would prefer if fans stopped saying, but otherwise I really enjoyed this book!

[Park Pia]

BTS IS THE BESTTTTTT

[Jenna Helmuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

oMy GAWDDDDDDD I love bts so this was a perfect book for me I loved it.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent info but honestly should be labeled as a K-Pop info book since it focuses on a lot of other groups outside of BTS.

[Brynn Lal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing for army!

[Chinook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as a bit of a laugh because my teen nieces are obsessed with BTS. It’s terribly written, basically an extended Tiger Beat.

[Aaliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing I love it

[Trudy Monk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has Hally-wood been released yet? But this cool book of huge full page pictures of the band are pretty cool, they could be cut out for cool posters in your room if you dont mind taking away the wordy pages. This is a little of everything for a super fan. It includes other well known songs like Gangnam Style, very cool close up pictures of these idols. It gives trivia about other kpop groups and songs recommended per group. Nice broad overview of the genre and industry around 2020 ish.

I trust these reviews than my own opinion, as I do not know much about this band. Many say there are inaccuracys in information. Pictures mislabeled. Its still cool to go through get good pictures and posters along with the book though.

[Mika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think if you buy this or read it on hoopla from your local library, you are already begining to fall into the BTS fandom. SO this book feels weird to review? Like, I got what I wanted, which was a book I could occasionally read (I actually started this in like January, I just rarely flipped more than a few pages a day.) That would give me BTS feels, so I feel a three star is appropriate.

I liked it. It didn't blow my mind, I've seen free, online BTS primers and guides that were more useful, BUT thus was fun to flick through and show my non ARMY friends.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pop sugar reading challenge 2024 - a book about K-Pop

This is basically a picture book for fans, telling the history of the BTS group and some other things about K-Pop. I read it to satisfy the prompt, but I then looked up some music videos of the group. They have amazing choreography and dancing, so I enjoyed that.

[Kellie Isaacson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok for newer fans of BTS or fans of the music wanting to know about the guys a little more. It seems to have been written in a matter of a couple days as the facts are things I could have pulled from my brain. There are a couple errors that stood out to me.

[Amy kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it

I love BTS, I became an ARMY in February 2020 after watching the do Carpool Karaoke with James Corden for Map of the Soul: 7, and I haven't looked back since, I started learning Korean in May 2020, and I'm now on Level 2

[Sydney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Idk what I was expecting but this was … offensively bad.

The writing is bad, the mislabeled photos are unforgivable, and it definitely just a bunch of random stuff the author found on Google.

I’m considering making it my life’s new mission to write this book but, uh, better

[Jaylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent info, most of it I already knew. Picture of V labled as Jungkook. I like how it introduces a few new kpop bands and shows bts albums.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro into the internationally popular K-pop band.

[Monica Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yass

[Beloved · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fun and games until you are quizzed on stuff that wasn't in the lecture.

[karina Teresa cedeno estupinan]

Sheuyla

[Min Min]

J

[Angie]

It is SOOOOOO AMAZING BTS RULES THEY ARE AWESOME

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid intro to BTS. Great pictures.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely would give it more stars considering the fact it's about my favorite band ❤❤❤

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ARMY I found this to be a fun and interesting read—and I most definitely expanded my knowledge of BTS and k-pop in general. Unfortunately, I was disappointed to discover some errors in information and the photo of V being labeled as Jungkook. Regardless, this is a fun book for ARMY or aspiring BTS fans.

[Emely]

how do you even read the book???

[Srilu · Rating 5 out of 5]

im really excited to read hope it would be good
im a big fan of bts
I purple you