Foreign reporters analyze the success factors and future influence of BTS

▲ This photo, provided by Arirang TV, shows a scene from a previous episode of "Foreign Correspondents." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ This photo, provided by Big Hit Music, shows BTS performing on American talk show "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on July 13, 2021. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- Arirang TV said Thursday that it will shed light on the success of K-pop superband BTS in an episode of news debate program "Foreign Correspondents," where foreign correspondents from around the world who are living in Korea sit down to discuss issues happening worldwide as well as in Korea.

The upcoming episode will include freelance journalist Jack Barton, journalist Andres Sanchez-Braun of Spain's Agencia EFE, and Tetsuo Sakabe from Japan's news agency, NNA, to analyze the success factors of BTS, who are gaining popularity around the world, and predict the band's future impact.

In addition, Dr. Candace Epps-Robertson, a professor at the University of North Carolina, will also examine the social messages contained in BTS' music.

Foreign correspondents based in Korea had reportedly cited BTS' communication with its fans as the key to the band's success.

Barton said, "The key to BTS's success stems from their natural way of communicating with fans through social networking services (SNS), while Sanchez replied, "There is a certain way of communication that happens between BTS and their fandom that we have never seen before."

Barton also pointed out that "BTS' music incorporates worries and social problems experienced by teenagers."

While explaining the concept of "global citizenship," Robertson mentions that "the music and message BTS delivers to the public represent the definition of a global citizenship," adding, "last year, when BTS released their 'Map Of The Soul' album, they also introduced a global art project that could be accessed by many people."

On BTS' recent appointment as South Korea's special presidential envoy for public diplomacy, the foreign correspondents said, "BTS is already fulfilling their diplomatic role," adding, "BTS is strengthening Korea's soft power."

Tonight's episode of "Foreign Correspondents" will air at 8 p.m.

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