KUALA LUMPUR: Popular American magazine Time revealed its list of 100 Most Influential People of 2019 yesterday on its website.
Among this year’s annual list that complied 100 people considered to be the most influential pioneers, leaders and icons in the world, was K-Pop juggernaut BTS.
The South Korean music group was featured in the “Artists” category among other notable personalities which included Dwayne Johnson, Emilia Clarke, Regina King, Rami Malek, Ariana Grande and Brie Larson.
Other sections included eminent public figures such as Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Imran Khan, Jacinda Ardern, Hasan Minhaj, Sandra Oh, Michelle Obama, Lebron James, Bob Iger, Mark Zuckerberg and Mohamed Salah.
Each of the chosen on the list had a tribute written by a friend, fan or peer. Popular American singer and songwriter Halsey, who is featured on BTS’ latest song Boy With Luv, penned an elaborate tribute to the group, made up of RM, V, Jin, Suga, Jimin, J-Hope and Jungkook.
Part of it read: “How exactly does one accomplish world domination? Surely it takes remarkable talent, charm, kindness, altruism and dedication. But you’d still be missing a key component: a devoted community to uplift your efforts, soften your stumbles and shoot light from their eyes into the sky in your name every single night.”
She added: "By these parameters, BTS has reached the top. Over the past few years, the K-pop group has taken the music industry by storm — shattering sales records, gathering accolades and performing across the globe for head-spinning audiences — all the while remaining exemplary ambassadors for their Korean culture.”
She further wrote that, “With positive messages of self-confidence, intricacies of philosophy hidden in their sparkly songs, true synergy and brotherhood in every step of their elaborate choreography, and countless charitable and anthropological endeavours, BTS boys have put their 14 best feet forward as role models to millions of adoring fans and anyone else who finds themselves drawn to BTS’ undeniable allure.”
The longstanding magazine’s official Twitter account featured a post yesterday that read: “Behind those three letters are seven astounding young men who believe that music is stronger than the barriers of language. It’s a universal dialect.”
It was revealed on the Time website that BTS had also won the 2019 Time 100 reader poll. This made it the second year in a row that the popular K-Pop outfit had achieved this accomplishment.
Previously, the music group was named one of Time’s Most Influential People on the Internet in 2017 and 2018.