The difference is that BTS is breaking the K-pop mould and bringing the once-niche genre into the international spotlight. (Zulekha Nathoo/CBC)While some K-pop music can sometimes be viewed as frivolous, part of BTS's appeal is the social messaging in their lyrics. The 2017 suicide of Kim Jong-hyun, a member of South Korean group SHINee, put mental health in South Korea and the struggles of K-pop fame in the spotlight. 8 on Billboard's year-end top artist chart in 2018 and earlier this year, became the first ever K-pop group to present an award at the Grammys. BTS attended the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles Feb. 10, becoming the first K-pop group to present at the show.

Source: CBC News April 14, 2019 08:00 UTC