Like the group’s image, the BTS logo has undergone several redesigns over the years. The old BTS logo, which began as a bulletproof vest, was intended to pay homage to the group’s full name, Bangtan Sonyeondan, which translates to Bulletproof Boy Scouts.
The logo has gone through three iterations since then. The current BTS logo debuted in 2017 and has been the group’s logo ever since. Along with the new logo came a new name for the band: Beyond the Scene. But what prompted BTS to undergo such a significant rebranding? Let us find out…
Overview
With such a large global fan base, BTS has never failed to draw attention with each rebranding. According to BigHit Entertainment’s press release, the most recent BTS logo from 2017 was designed by a top design agency in Korea. Creating this new visual identity was lengthy, lasting nearly a year. It needed both the band members and the people who run the band and interviews with focus groups.
BTS, a seven-member Korean pop group, debuted in the summer of 2013. BTS has become a worldwide sensation thanks to BigHit Entertainment. They have broken many streaming records and are often called the most popular band in the world.
The band has made 14 albums in just six years, and their unique style of music continues to draw fans from all over the world. According to Insider Magazine, the trio is currently the second most consumed genre musician (behind Billie Eilish).
BTS debuted its most recent logo in the summer of 2017. This new logo carried a fresh meaning or viewpoint on their name. BTS stands for “Beyond The Scene.”
This was an acknowledgment of their massive fan base, known as “ARMY members.” The official explanation says that the logo’s goal is to “Protect Youths from Prejudice” and to encourage young people to follow their dreams instead of settling for less.
The first BTS logo was a bulletproof vest in black with the capital letters “BTS” in white or silver. As the design detail suggests, the theme behind this emblem was “firepower.” The acronym BTS, which stands for “Bangtan Sonyeondan” in Korean, translates best as “Bulletproof Boy Scouts.” As a result, the bulletproof vest concept seemed to be a good visual fit for their name.
What Does the BTS Logo Represent?
The logo has the appearance of “Doors.” The two doors appear to open in a different world with BTS font.
According to their official Twitter, the BTS logo means ARMY and BTS union at the door.
The new BTS logo depicts a youth that does not settle down to reality but opens doors to move forward to grow. And the Army Logo was artistically intended to face the BTS members, opening the doors to a new universe. The group’s meaning goes beyond the idea that the past and the future are linked. BTS has been expressing itself since its beginning.
“Boys who stand up to the unfairness and prejudice that teenagers face in a culture that is quick to judge.”
BTS’s meaning has been altered and is now “Beyond the Scene,” which means “Youth who do not settle down to make their goals a reality.” According to Hybe Labels, they created and visualized the BTS insignia with diversity and a future perspective to encompass all the themes of their albums or campaigns.
“The new BTS logo was created by combining the ideas of the nation’s best design consulting team with data on fan wants to be gathered from research, corporate staff, and BTS members over nearly a year.”
The logo is made up of two parts:
- ‘The ARMY’ (two trapezoids representing the half-open doors outside)
- “BTS” (two trapezoids signifying the half-open doors inside)
These two parts have a distinct twist. When we combine both logos, the army half is placed underneath the BTS, and the BTS half is on top. It becomes a shield, a protection against the harsh world. On a black background, the logo is silver.
The BTS Logo Evolution
The timeline below shows all of the logos the famous Korean band has developed, and I see a lot of improvement in the logo with time.
Let’s go through them one by one;
Bulletproof Vest BTS Logo (2013 – 2016)
The initial design came with their first album, ‘2 kool 4 skool,’ and fit well with the overall image they were going for, as their band name was ‘Bangtan Sonyeondon,’ which translates to ‘Bulletproof Boy Scouts.’
However, from a designer’s perspective (that’s me!), the logo itself does not look amazing.
The logo is too busy and not very flexible because it is complicated and may lose details when it is enlarged or shrunk. However, some design aspects emphasize BTS’s intention to demonstrate some “firepower.” These can be the lines around the vest that you may have seen in comic books or cartoon pictures to convey some impact, as well as anything that looks like a flash bang on the left side of the vest to give it a “police” appearance.
Using the same bold stencil script employed to symbolize military operations also suggests some manpower (like some Army Boot Camp Signs.)
BTS 4 Circles Wings Logo (2016 – 2017)
BTS debuted their ‘Wings’ emblem in 2016, ushering in the Wings Era.
This is the most challenging of the four logos I’ll address in this post, owing to its abstract nature and completely distinct patterns. Many admirers used to believe that this was just another random collection of circles with no meaning.
However, after releasing a list of their logos, BTS informed its fans that nothing they do is ‘normal.’
So, based on the above image, we may conclude that the wings logo abstractly represents each band member.
However, there is more to this hypothesis because BTS’s incredible fan base does not stop there and goes on to create a variety of hypotheses about creating the logo.
Logo of BTS 2nd Wings (2017 – 2017 summer)
Still, in the wings era, a new logo design was launched in 2017 that included four blue empty ellipses overlapping and meeting in the middle.
The lettering became significantly bolder when the typeface was altered somewhat. The font also dropped the rounded corners of the letters in favor of a square cap. They altered the font color to blue and added their tagline, “You Never Walk Alone.”
Trapezoid BTS Logo (2017 – Present)
BTS debuted a very modern and clean-looking logo in the summer of 2017.
The logo features two trapezoids that resemble doors opening on the inside and a condensed, bold font with sharp caps that looks modern with a hint of futurism.
But the most important change might not be the logo itself, but the word that made this design possible. BTS used to stand for Bangtan Sonyeondon, but with the release of this brand identity, they changed it to mean “Beyond the Scene,” which is visible in the logo.
The logo is meant to show how close BTS is to its loyal fan base, the ARMY. BTS said its goal was to “protect youths from prejudice” and to get young people to “follow their dreams” instead of giving in to the harsh realities of this world.
Who Created the BTS Logo?
A former employee of Big Hit Entertainment who now works for HYBE Labels said that Korea’s best design firm was making the BTS icon. The name is kept secret. The creative process of the emblem took over a year with HYBE Labels staff’s participation, BTS members’ thoughts, research of the other K-Pop group, and Fandom’s choice.
The Evolution of BTS
According to BigHit Entertainment, BTS’s original objective was to make hip-hop songs. At first, the band’s managers wanted them to be a rap group, but they quickly switched to the more profitable pop-idol idea. In 2010, the band members were hired by the team.
Before the group became a unit, the members spent around three years training with BigHit Entertainment. The training was demanding, including singing, acting, and general media lessons. The group members were also advised on how to prepare to become celebrities. After putting a few cover songs on YouTube, the seven-person group made its official debut in 2013.
Album Launches
BTS’s debut album, “2 COOL 4 SKOOL,” was met with favorable reviews. The album peaked at number ten on one of the country’s monthly charts. “No More Dream,” the title song, was interpreted as a social statement on the pressures of growing up in Korean society.
Their next chapter, Dark & Wild, served as a sort of bridge before the release of “HYYH,” which stands for “Hwa Yong Yeon Hwa,” which translates as “the happiest or most beautiful times of one’s life.” This release represented a turning point in their musical development. It had themes about growing up and getting older, reflected in the sound and the visuals. This is the first of the three albums that sounds the most like what the group is doing now.
Taking on New Challenges
In 2016, BTS came out with “Wings,” which started a new era of songs about temptation and the struggle between good and evil. The members also ponder discovering their convictions, with “Blood, Sweat & Tears” being the album’s biggest success.
BTS entered a new period in 2017, nicknamed “Love Yourself,” in which the members focused on love. After going through a process of growing up that includes figuring out what each person thinks, the group sings about loving yourself and others. “Tear,” the group’s second album from this era, marked the group’s global debut.
Members of the BTS Band
BTS is a seven-member pop group as of 2020, with the oldest member being 27 and the youngest being 21. BigHit Entertainment, a talent management business, brought the boys together.
Namjoon Kim (RM, 24)
Kim, often known as RM, is the group’s leader and was the first to be recruited. RM is the tallest of the lads as well. As is usual for Korean pop groups, the leader speaks for the group and accepts awards on its behalf. This role is ideal for RM because he is bilingual. He polished his English-speaking abilities by watching Friends numerous times.
RM is said to have an IQ of 148 and be intelligent and personable. He is, however, perceived as clumsy or uncomfortable, and he has revealed to fans how he attempts to reconcile his musical image of RM with Namjoon. He enjoys visiting museums and parks in his spare time.
Kim raps and also produces on the music side of things.
Yoongi (Suga, 26)
Yoongi is a talented producer and writer, in addition to being a rapper. He was the group’s second member, and his stage name is Suga. Many of BTS’s songs bear Suga’s imprint, and he also writes and produces for artists other than the group.
Suga and RM fought a lot at the beginning of the group, but they now consider each other wonderful friends. Suga nearly left the organization several times over the years, believing that he was giving up his independence to belong. However, the band’s fans are relieved that he elected to stay and aid with musical direction.
Hoseok (J-Hope, 25)
J-Hope, also a rapper, is one of the group’s best dancers. He was hired at first because he was good at street dancing, but BigHit taught him how to rap later on. Hoseok claims he chose the stage name “J-Hope” to give people joy and hope. He’s considered one of the band’s most colorful and outgoing members, and it’s not uncommon for him to break out into a little dance during interviews.
Ji-min (Jimin, 23)
Along with J-hope, the group’s top dancer, Jimin is one of the group’s more popular, outstanding members. Before he joined the group, Jimin went to an art school and learned classical techniques. Because of his pleasant, melodic voice, he is also a vocal line member. He’s known for being sensitive and kind, and aside from being a flirt, it’s easy to see why his followers adore him.
Taehyung (V, 23)
V, 23 years old, is the band’s youngest member and the last to join. He went to the same school as Jimin, and while they weren’t close at first, they eventually became close friends after realizing how much they had in common. V is fascinated by aesthetics and the arts and visits museums whenever possible. When the party visited Texas, he purchased an art piece from a local gallery.
Jin
Jin, the oldest of the group, is 27 years old and has been dubbed “global gorgeous” since introducing himself as such at a news conference in 2017. Even though the introduction probably wouldn’t work for most people, it was perfect for Jin, whose looks were a big part of why he was chosen to join the group. Jim spends most of his free time playing video games.
Jung-kook (Jungkook, 21)
Jungkook, 21, is the group’s youngest member yet one of its most gifted. He is the group’s lead vocalist as well as one of the key dancers. He’s generally known as “golden maknae,” a term he got for being exceptionally gifted in various areas.
Jungkook was a precocious trainee, and many labels wanted his signature. He wanted to join BTS primarily because he believed Namjoon was incredibly cool. He enjoys various activities, including bowling, videography, and, most recently, boxing. Since he has so many different interests, it’s not surprising that he’s the most successful of the boys, and he sometimes likes to rant on Twitter.
Wrapping Up BTS’s History and Its Logo
As the BTS brand expanded, its management saw the need for a brand identity that reflected its values. Their most recent logo took over a year to design, and incorporating their “ARMY” fans as one-half of the logo has earned them even more fans.
K-pop groups are an important component of Korean entertainment culture, and the musical influence of groups like BTS is felt worldwide. The group’s fan following, known as the “ARMY,” is a force to be reckoned with in and of itself, and BTS already appears to be one of the most successful boy bands of all time.
With their perfectly synchronized dancing skills, designer apparel, and musical themes addressing concerns such as mental health and societal pressure, this pop trio appears poised to conquer the music world for quite some time. And, considering their large fan base, the boys are already well on their way, having done so much at such a young age.
However, BTS’s popularity did not occur immediately. Before making their formal debut, the boys underwent a rigorous three-year training program with BigHit. Most importantly, as teenagers and later young adults, the group has managed to evolve its music and reach heights they could never have dreamed of.
Why is BTS ARMY called that?
BTS gave their fans the term ARMY to signify the fan club’s war readiness and the fact that BTS members and fans are always together.
“BTS has always referred to their followers as ARMY and themselves as ‘the BTS army’ (‘army’ and ‘BTS’ sound the same in Korean). The name appears to have several meanings. The first is that the members and their followers form an “army” that can accomplish anything.
The other is that they are an ‘army’ that will always look out for one another. Another interpretation is that the word ‘army’ refers to ARMYs’ dedication and devotion to the group, as well as their efforts to support BTS.” – Koreaboo.
Why Do K-pop Fans Refer to Themselves as ‘Army’?
It all began with BTS. The fans were already organized on social media platforms such as Twitter, Tumblr, and Reddit, but they lacked a sense of identity.
The fans then adopted the abbreviation “ARMY,” which stands for “Adorable Representative M.C for Youth,” the group’s original title. The name was created to reflect the group’s social media-savvy fans, many of whom joined the fandom following the introduction of the “BTS official” Twitter account.
Although the fandom began with the name “ARMY,” it was quickly renamed “BTS-ARMY” to distinguish it from other fandoms with similar names. The fandom eventually dropped the “ARMY” component of the term, instead referring to themselves as “BTS,” which is currently the fandom’s most frequent name. Fans are occasionally referred to as “BTS-ers,” though broadcasters and journalists commonly employ this word.
How Does the ARMY Contact BTS?
BTS has a massive international fan base. However, the majority of them are based in South Korea. What distinguishes BTS from other groups is its truly global fanbase. The fandom is ARMY, which stands for Adorable Representative MC for Youth. The word “army” is designed to connote power and solidarity. The ARMY refers to BTS as “Bangtan,” a mashup of Bangtan Sonyeondan, which translates to “Bulletproof Boy Scouts.” Every member of BTS has a nickname and a group nickname. BTS Jin, for example, is known as “J-HOPE” since he is the group’s main dancer and rapper. BTS V’s stage name is “VOHSUNG” since he is the group’s “visual.”
Why is BTS Illegal in China?
BTS was prohibited in China since it is a Korean music group. As a result of the Korean government’s backing for THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) to deal with North Korea’s nuclear threat, the Chinese government restricts access to Korean dramas and other content. Fans of BTS in China told the BBC they are disappointed and could not accept it.
Why is BTS Without a Beard?
Many fans are perplexed as to why BTS lacks a beard. It must be due to military regulations. Korean military regulations “recommend” that all Korean men cut their beards before enlisting. However, this does not imply that Korean males are permitted to grow beards. As a result, the army provides the soldiers with an option.
What Size is the BTS Army?
BTS was the first Korean artist to surpass 10 million followers on their official Twitter account in October 2017, according to Billboard’s “K-Kings Pop’s of Social.” BTS has the most Twitter engagements of any Korean act as of November 2017.
Is there a BTS Army Day on July 9th?
July 9 is not a BTS army day but the birthday of the [Mino-muse]. BTS member Min Yoongi’s nickname is [Mino-muse]. What is the significance of the name [Mino-muse] day? Because this was when he acquired the stage moniker ‘Mino.’ He is one of the group’s rappers and has a distinct rapper voice. So he was given the name, and the 9th of July has since been known as [Mino-muse] day. Even though it is not an army day, followers nonetheless celebrate by uploading photos of Min Yoongi on social media and performing the ‘Min Yoongi dance.’
What Was the First Song Released by BTS?
BTS (Bangtan Boys) is a seven-member South Korean boy band widely regarded as the best KPop band. On June 12, 2013, BTS made its debut as a group with the song “No More Dream.” BTS received multiple prizes in their first performance, including “Mutizen” on “M! Countdown”. BTS earned a record-breaking number of prizes at the 2013 Melon Music Awards. So, BTS released its debut full-length album, Dark & Wild, in 2014, followed by a repackaged album, Skool Luv Affair.
BTS Logo FAQs
Does BTS army have a logo?
The ARMY logo consists of two trapezoids pointing outward. This represented ARMY as the door opening and BTS as the people they welcome anytime they open a new door.
Is BTS real name?
BigHit Entertainment’s Bts is a kpop boy band. In Korean, Bts stands for Bulletproof Boyscoucts. However, they just changed their English name to Beyond the Scene. They debuted on June 12th, 2013, with seven members (3 rappers and four vocalists). The army is the name of their fandom.
What is the Colour of BTS?
The official color of BTS is still up for debate. While others believe the official color is silver or black, followers associate purple with a unique meaning. Furthermore, BTS mic colors vary for each member for various reasons. First, the various hues correspond to the members’ personalities and tastes.
Related Articles
- US ARMY LOGO: Concept, Requirement, Rank, and All You Should Know.
- QUEEN LOGO: The Real Meaning, History, and Why There Is a Bird in Queen Logo
- WHAT IS PATAGONIA LOGO: Meaning, Font, and History
- AIR FORCE LOGO: Symbolism and Meaning
- NETFLIX LOGO: Evolution & Tips on Digital Branding
References
