“We are forever indebted to our fans. You have no idea how unbelievable it is to be here and how thankful we are. I want people to see that our fans allowed for all of this to happen.” (BTS Jimin)

The fans did exactly as Jimin hoped. We know the power of the ARMY community. They were invited to the Billboard music awards for the third year in a row. That’s a first for a Korean artist. On May 1^st, they are set to break another record.

We had a short conversation with RM. Despite his calm exterior, he claimed to have been feeling nervous the whole time. “I’m always nervous when I’m here. I’m nervous and I’m excited for this opportunity. I’m also anticipating the performances for tonight. I feel even more anxious when it’s our turn on stage.”

Dispatch had the chance to see BTS at Las Vegas. We even heard juicy details about their collaboration performance. 

◆ "BBMA, a dream performance.”

Army is pushing for BTS and BTS are paving the way. BTS has been awarded as the “Top social artist” for three consecutive years. This year, they’ve been noticed for their skills and was nominated for the “Pop Duo” category.

To this, Jin said “It’s because of our ARMY. We were able to receive the top social artist due to our fans. It’s the same for this year. The fans and BTS showed such great chemistry and we all worked so hard to get that nomination.”

Their “Boy with Luv” performance with American singer, Hasley is one of the most anticipated of the night. J-Hope showed excitement as he exclaimed “It’s a first for us to perform with an international star. I’m going to just enjoy and have a lot of fun when I perform.”

They’re going to show a side that’s never been seen before. BTS first made their Billboard debut with their song “Fake Love.” Jungkook’s exposure of his abs during one of the performances also received explosive reactions.

Jimin mentioned “I think a lot of people are excited over our Halsey collaboration performance. It’s going to be really cute and a lot of fun. We have great chemistry on stage.” 

◆ "The artist we want to see? Khalid! “

We expect BTS to get a lot of screen time during the show. It’s logical because whenever BTS shows up, fans go wild.

We wonder whose performance this year will get a lot of attention. BTS chose American singer songwriter, Khalid as the artist they want to see the most.

Jungkook adds to this with “I’m excited for Khalid’s performance the most. I listened to his whole album and the songs were all very different, so good. He knows how to pull people in.”

J-Hope chimed in with “I’m also anticipating Khalid’s performance the most. If the opportunity presents itself, I hope we have the chance to collaborate.”  

◆ "ARMY, the wings to BTS."

Like a wise man, RM once said: “Music transcends language, race, sex, ethnicity, and nationality.” BTS has managed to shatter stubborn stigmas and change topics of discussions regarding the language barrier. They are now at the center of the music industry and have made it incredibly far through Korean songs. When the Billboards are over, BTS has a concert at Wembley stadium waiting for them.

Through all of this, the boys have stayed humble. They all credit their fans for their success. Jin sweetly remarked “If it weren’t for our fans, it wouldn’t just be the Billboards. We wouldn’t have been able to receive smaller awards.”

ARMY has been with them every step of the way. J-Hope also said “ARMY were the ones who created these memories for us. They are our wings and our hope.”

BTS’s goals aren’t to own a Billboard trophy. It also isn’t about selling out at Wembley stadium. Their true goal is to perform well for their fans.

Jungkook concludes this with “I want to be someone who makes our fans, proud. I promise to do just as well at the BBMA. Thank you so much for the support. I’ll continue to try becoming the best version of myself.”

▶ BTS,questions and answers.

D. How do you feel about being invited to the BBMAs for three consecutive years?

RM: “It’s always exciting and nerve-wrecking to be here. I’m really looking forward to watching other artists perform. I get especially anxious when we’re on stage.”

Suga: “I couldn’t imagine being here, let alone three years. It’s an honor to be back. I promise to live up to your expectations.”

V: “We’re here and have been for the last three years due to our fans’ effort. Thank you all very much, truly. We’re also grateful to Billboard for inviting us.”

Jimin: “We owe our fans so much. This is another surreal experience brought to us by our ARMY. We’re so thankful. I hope people will see how we got this opportunity to be here today.”

Jungkook: “I’m glad we get to spread news about Korea and our culture through international promotions. Thank you to all our fans and everyone supporting us, for giving us the window to do so.“

D. We’re curious about the red carpet look for the “BBMA.”

Jin: “We chose suits with minimal patterns or designs. We also opted not to add much to our faces, so that they could stand out more.” (laughter)

V: “You’ll be able to catch me with black hair at the red carpet. I hope you notice the changes in our hairstyles too.” (laughter)

D. Anything to say about being nominated for the “Top Social Artist” and “Top Duo/Group?”

Jin: “We were nominated for the “Top Social Artist” and “Top Duo/Group” thanks to our fans. I’m very grateful, thank you. It’s the chemistry and synergy we have with the fans that creates the window of opportunity.”

D. The “Boy With Luv” performance with Halsey is heavily anticipated. What’s a significant part of it?

RM: “I’d say the chemistry we have with Halsey.” (laughter)

Suga: “Please look forward to the chemistry between us as performers. I think it’ll be refreshing to see.”

J-Hope: “BTS is performing with an international artist for the first time. I think that’ll be the highlight of our BBMA performance. You’ll catch us having fun as we perform.”

Jimin: “BTS and Halsey are both very cute and the chemistry between us is fun to watch.”

D. Who are you looking forward to seeing the most at the BBMAs?

RM: “Khalid! I’m anticipating our friend, Khalid’s performance. His recent album is amazing too. Personally, I really wish he’d sing, "Talk."

J-Hope: “I’m also looking forward to seeing Khalid. I hope if the opportunity presents itself, we’d be able to collaborate.”

Jungkook: “Out of all the artists, I’d have to say Khalid. I recently listened to his album. The songs are so good, and they’ve gotten more diverse. He’s someone I really want to see as an artist.”

Suga: “I want to see Drake’s performance. I haven’t seen him perform in person before. Therefore, I’m really excited to finally see it tonight.”

D. Something you want to say to ARMY?

Jin:” I just hope we can all be happy through the results. Had it not been for our fans, we wouldn’t have been able to be here. Thank you for always staying by us. I love you, ARMY!”

J-Hope: “We wouldn’t “ARMY has made everything possible for us. ARMY are our wings and our hope. Thank you all for being on this journey with us.”

Jimin: “I’m aware of how precious the experiences we’ve had, are. We’ll do just as well today so you’d be proud of us. Thank you again.”

Jungkook: “I’ll make our fans proud today. I hope to grow as an artist. Thank you for giving us the strength to do what we love.”

<Photos by=Gyeongbin Min.Yeongwoo Jung(Dispatch), Billboard, Instagram>

<Translated by=Justina Kim(Dispatch)>