When BTS debuted in 2013, they were just a bunch of eager teens ready to prove themselves. But instead of following the traditional K-pop rulebook, they seemed to toss it out the window entirely—and somehow, it worked. As someone in marketing, I can’t help but admire their rebellious streak. There’s an old saying: If you want to be like everyone else, do what everyone else is doing. But if you want to stand out? Do what no one else dares to do.
Chris Wallace. Barbara Walters. Charlie Rose. Diane Sawyer. These are some of the best interviewers the world has ever seen. Their ability to motivate people to open up and share sides of themselves rarely, if ever, seen by others is unparalleled. In Korea, there are some celebrities who can, if you listen to them closely, match their level of sincere inquisition.
There’s this lingering idea in the world of music—especially in K-pop—that if you’re not at least co-writing or co-producing your songs, then you’re not really an artist. You’re a poser. A puppet. Just another pretty face with a mic. This belief is one of the many reasons why BTS is often held in such high regard. Fans and critics alike point to their deep involvement in their music and creative direction as the key to their monumental success. But is authenticity really the only reason BTS made it so big globally—both commercially and critically?
Published April 18, 2025
Shows & Appearances
10 Times Suga’s Suchwita (Episodes 6–10) Did What No Other Asian Show Has Done
In a temporary loop of time, Suchwita became Rchwita, hosted by the guy Suga has lived with for 13 years—RM.
It was one of the first times Suga opened up about why he created Agust D: to express a raw side of himself. The heavy sound and intense themes of Agust D and D-2 were born from a frame of mind he described as a “young man in turmoil.”
But as he matured—found his place, his voice, his balance—he realized he no longer needed to separate Agust D from SUGA. In that moment, I thought: Suga has reached his Super Saiyan mode. A level of self-acceptance and peace where he could fully present who he is.
It made me think about us, too.
Have we all created alter egos to navigate different environments? Are you a closeted musician? A weekend chef no one knows about? Funny at work, serious at home? The strict boss who turns into a softie with their kids? Are you an accountant by day, pole dancing instructor by night?
And more importantly—do we still need these alter egos? Will there come a time when we can just be ourselves, everywhere?
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE LEFT?
I’m certain Suga will keep writing and producing for a long time. While he may not perform as much as he did pre-military, music will always be his home.
But when he spoke about change—about embracing it—it reminded me of Suchwita Episode with Shin Dong-yeob, who said, “You have to embrace age. It’s inevitable, universal.”
Suga’s acceptance of it felt refreshing. He seems fully at peace with the idea of doing what he loves for as long as he can, until the time comes to step back.
How about you? How much time do you have left—at your current job, in your current city, in your current relationship? Are you making the most of it? Are you collecting memories that will sustain you when it’s time to say goodbye?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT TAKES?
Lee Sung-min spoke the hard truth in one episode—getting into the entertainment industry comes with a staggering rate of failure. For every one job, there are a hundred rejections.
What stood out was his courage to say it plainly, knowing how rare blunt honesty is in Korean culture.
Suga echoed it, saying he survived because he didn’t know how hard it was going to be. That naivety may have protected him from the weight of it all.
Have you ever gone all-in on something and still failed? Or succeeded while watching others fall short? Would you want someone you love to walk that same road?
DID YOU ENJOY YOUR STRUGGLES?
Lee Seung-min said he’d like to return to his 20s—not to change anything, but to relive the struggles. That drive, that hunger.
Suga, when asked the same question by RM on Rchuwita, said he’d go back to their trainee days. Despite the hardship, he misses the drive and the joy hidden in the struggle.
It’s a powerful contradiction, isn’t it? That we can suffer and still find joy? That pain doesn’t have to cancel out purpose?
Have you ever faced something difficult but found a way to see the good in it? Did it change how you see yourself?
FEELING EXPOSED
There’s a sacredness in songwriting, in creating any kind of art—especially when it contains a piece of the artist.
When an artist writes from their own story, it’s like placing a piece of their heart on the table, open to judgment, criticism, and misunderstanding. Even valid critiques can sting because they’re directed at something deeply personal.
That’s what makes BTS’ work so moving. Their foundation has always been their story. Their truth. That it resonated with millions was a beautiful bonus.
What courage it takes to open yourself to the world.
FINALLY LEARNING HOW TO PREPARE
Jimin once admitted it took him ten years to learn how to truly train himself.
Coming from a perfectionist like Jimin, that humility is striking. While we may see perfection, he sees constant growth—and that’s what makes him special.
It’s a maturity many of us can relate to. When we were younger, we chased things too fast. We wanted greatness yesterday. Now, we realize true growth takes time—and that we still have a lot to learn.
May we all have the humility of Park Jimin.
DO YOU HAVE A SUGA TO YOUR JIMIN?
The relationship between Jimin and Suga is one of beautiful balance. Who is your Suga—your calm, your honesty, your grounding force?
Or are you the Suga to someone’s Jimin?
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Every HYBE group gets called privileged, but few know the grit TXT had to endure. Aside from Lee Hyun, they’re the only ones who trained in those old basement studios, supported by a skeleton staff, living in small, beat-up rooms.
Suga addressed it. TXT suffered twice: once from the tough conditions of a small agency, and again from the constant comparisons to BTS.
But TXT is holding their own—and no one knows that better than Suga.
HARD WORK IS TALENT TOO
Sometimes, that’s all that needs to be said.
We often praise the one with the pretty face, the best vocals, the flashiest dance. But teams work because of more than just talent. They work because of grit, discipline, and relentless hard work.
Let’s remember to celebrate that, too.
DON’T GIVE THEM WHAT YOU HAD, TEACH THEM WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW
It’s something I heard about parenting—but it applies to mentorship, too.
We try to give the next generation what we lacked. But maybe what we should be doing is teaching them what we never knew but wish we had.
Suga may not be a parent, but he embodies this principle. He supports TXT by passing on wisdom he wished he had himself.
SUGA SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE OF BEATS AND MELODIES
It’s rare to find idols who are also producers, composers, and songwriters.
Every BTS member does it, but it was refreshing to see Suga connect with someone outside his team—Woozi from SEVENTEEN.
Suga caught the nuance in Woozi’s song that even Woozi was surprised he noticed. It confirmed what ARMYs already knew: Suga doesn’t just feel music—he understands it.
That’s what makes his music both grand and soulful. He speaks the language of beats and melodies.
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REWIND
J-Hope’s “On The Stage” tour was nothing short of a spectacle—bold, introspective, and full of artistic depth. While his albums have always been explorations of style and sound, this concert felt like a reflection. It wasn’t just a showcase of his music; it was a journey through his artistic evolution, tying together pieces of his past work into a cohesive masterpiece.
When you listen to BTS’s music, you might notice something interesting—the rapline’s sound feels distinct and well-established compared to the vocal line. Some fans even describe their music as having a more “certain” or “defined” identity. But why is that?
RM’s documentary RPWP is a fascinating deep dive into his journey as an artist, both as part of BTS and on his own. After watching it, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much it reveals—not just about him, but about BTS, K-pop, and even life in general. Here are ten things that stood out to me.