THE SUN HAS RISEN.

For others, it's a new life ahead. But for them, it's another day of SURVIVAL — that’s the life of being a trainee. Looking back to the days where they experienced slump because of their trainings – dancing, vocal, rap and even language lessons. It's really tiring. Both their physical and mental state isn’t healthy.

Who would have imagined that being an idol requires a lot of effort to be good in everything? But they made it this far because of their love for music.

"I can still remember how the seven of us met..." RM said out of the blue while they were busy preparing their clothes.

A few years ago when RM was still a freshman of Junior High, he listened to a certain song in which the rap part got him hooked. It got his interest that it came to the point where he started to write or scribble lyrics as a way of expressing himself.  He later on decided that he shouldn't just stay around the corner of his room and write lyrics. He thought to himself that he should be performing in public. That's when he always headed to Hongdae and lied to his Mom about it.

As Runch Randa, he was shooting for a performance as an underground rapper, but Untouchable Sleepy introduced him to a good friend who happened to be Bang PD—the owner of the current managing agency of BTS which is the Big Hit Entertainment.

On the 14th of August year 2010, RM officially joined the group which made him the first ever member of BTS. During that time, when Namjoon aka RM officially joined bighit and was declared to be the first member of Bangtan Sonyeondan or BTS, every staff of the company was talking about it. It would be the first ever boy group that the company will be handling and everyone were excited about that. Little did they know, there was also one trainee that has been training under bighit entertainment. A talented rapper and an aspiring producer named Min Yoon Gi.

When Yoongi was heading towards the training room the next day, he heard all about the fuss around the company.

"Oh, the company is going to debut a boy group," he thought. He continued to walk towards the training room. When he entered the room, he saw a man rapping. Yoongi was mesmerized by his voice and thought, "If I would be part of a group I wanted to be in a group with him."
 

Namjoon sensed that someone was in the room, when he turned towards the door he saw Yoongi.

"Hi," Namjoon greeted the man. "I'm Kim Namjoon. I just joined the company, I hope we can be friends and debut together."

"Hi, Im Min Yoongi, I also joined the company recently. Yeah, I hope we can debut together," Yoongi replied.

After a couple of weeks Namjoon and Yoongi trained together and became best buds. One day Bang-PD announced that Yoongi will be part of BTS. Namjoon and Yoongi were delighted to hear the news. The journey towards their dreams is almost coming to life. They wrote songs, practiced every single day and were waiting for their debut.

One day, while Yoongi and Namjoon were practicing the rap song they wrote someone entered the room wearing a cap, shirt and pants. Both of them stopped practicing and asked the person that just entered.

"Who are you?" Namjoon asked.

"Hello! My name is Jung Hoseok. I just passed the audition here."

Namjoon and Yoongi looked at each other. "Did they tell you you're going to join the group named BTS?" Yoongi asked.

"Yes," Hoseok agreed. Namjoon smiled at him.

"Well, Hoseok welcome to the group."

The three of them practiced and practiced, waiting for other members to join them. Hoseok, who has no knowledge on how to rap, was able to do it with the help of Namjoon and Yoongi. The 3 of them are starting to get anxious whether they will debut or not, still waiting for members to join them. And then a young boy entered the practice room looking nervous and lost. He looked at the older members as they asked him who he was.

"Hello my name is Jeon Jungkook and I actually know that I'll be joining BTS. I hope that we will get along." Even though he was nervous he tried to speak calmly.

"Of course, we will get along! Welcome to the group." Yoongi said to him. After they welcomed him they interviewed Jungkook.

"So why did you audition here?" Hoseok asked.

"Well, I have a dream. I dream to perform on the stage, singing and dancing, so I want my dream to come true," Jungkook said.

"Whoa, that's nice! We are all same that we want to achieve our dream. So let's wait for the others and we should practice and practice until we are good." Namjoon said.

They were busy talking while waiting for the others. Jungkook kept sharing what happened to him when he auditioned—that it was hard to audition and he keeps on thinking that he will fail the audition. While Jungkook was talking, Namjoon suddenly said that they want to hear Jungkook sing, and they want to hear what he sang when he auditioned. Jungkook picked the song Lost Child by IU. They were listening and were shocked because of his beautiful voice.

While Jungkook was singing, the door opened and two boys entered the room and all of them looked at the two who were walking. One has a kissable lips and they gasped because he's like a "worldwide handsome" guy, while the other one is like a country boy and looks very naive.

"Uhm. Hi?" said by the boy who has kissable lips as he entered the room. "Are you guys the members of the group that we will be part of?" Asked by the country boy.

"Yes, we are," answered by Namjoon.

"By the way I am Jin."

"And I am V."

They introduced. "This is Yoongi and that is Jungkook," said by Namjoon while pointing to them.

"And I am Hoseok," Hoseok said with a sweet smile. The two new members looked so nervous. They just quietly listened to the other four members.

"Hey! We are one in this group. Don't be nervous. Arraseo?" Jungkook said while tapping V's shoulder.

"Jin, can you sing a song for us?" Namjoon said.

Jin was kinda stiffed because he was not ready. He thought it would just be a getting-to-know-each¬-other stage.

"Wait guys I'm not ready," Jin objects.

"Hyuuung~ jebaaaal sing for us. I'll share my talent after you sing," V said while hugging Jin.

"Don't worry Jin. Sing for us" Yoongi said with a face of assurance to him. Then Jin nodded and started singing 'Where did you come from?'

"Gasinaya ni neun eodieseo wat no

kkari ppong ssam hane jigeum eodero gano

ni neun myeocsal igo? niga nae bo danunayaga?~" -Jin

They all looked mesmerized as Jin sang. "Hyung, you are so good", V said immediately after, V looked really amazed by the voice of Jin. Jin just chuckled as he saw their faces. "Now V it's your time" Namjoon said. V did his signature freestyle dance. He really looks so fabulous. After they shared their talents, they decided to get some food. They ordered pizza and chicken legs. While they were eating, they became more comfortable to each other. Jungkook was such a funny boy, he keeps on imitating his hyungs.
 

Days have passed.

They were in the practice room when Bang PD enters the room and there was a guy behind his back. "Gentlemen the last member of the group," Bang PD said as he moved a little bit.

"Hi. I am Jimin the last member of the group. Hope we can work well together," Jimin said.

The members greeted him and they started to introduce themselves again. They also said that they want to watch Jimin dance. They were overwhelmed when he finished the dance and gave him a big round of applause.  After that, they've decided that they needed to give their best and all efforts in practicing.

Jimin is very confident when he is dancing but when it comes to interacting, he gets all flustered and shy. V gazed at Jimin, he looked at him intently. V familiarized Jimin and stared at him until finally realizing that Jimin was his classmate. Jimin gazed back at V who was looking at his direction and looked so shocked.

"Jiminie, it's good to see you again!" V said as he looked very happy to see his best friend again. They became best friends because V always protected Jimin when their classmates made fun of Jimin's accent...V was there to protect him.

After several minutes, BangPD came in again together with a guy near him, "Boys, meet your choreographer. His name is Son Sung Deuk." The 7 boys gazed at each other and they happily welcomed him. BangPD went back to his office after introducing Mr. Son. Now that the boys and Mr. Son are together in one room, he explained everything about the choreography stuffs and many more. Then he approached the boys and started teaching the moves. Mr. Son looked at the mirror in front of him while dancing but then he stopped and observed everyone's actions and he looked disappointed to the 3 boys in front.
 

... Jimin, Namjoon and Jin.

Jimin, Namjoon and Jin were all disappointed with themselves too when they actually realized that dancing was this hard. At first, the boys thought it was just Mr. Son who complicates the dance steps and the choreography, but no. They felt burdened since the other boys are able to perform the choreography. They felt uneasy and not enough to be in the group especially Jimin, who shed his tears every night in his sleep. Namjoon who was losing his focus every time they hit the studio for the choreography and there was Jin who was losing his confidence when it comes to dancing.

"Hyung, it's okay. We still have time." Hoseok said to Namjoon one time during their lunch. The group felt the heaviness of the three. The gloomy atmosphere filled their dorm and then suddenly Jin spoke.

"I guess I don't deserve to be in the group." Jin faked a smile. Nobody responded.

They were up to rehearsal again, when Bang PD-nim entered their dance studio, announcing that their debut was delayed due to some problems and left after all of the necessary announcement was made. Without realizing, Jin, Jimin and Namjoon fell onto their knees. Feeling that they are the reason for the delay of their debut.

"I'm so sorry about being a failure," Namjoon said looking down. "I don't want to be the reason that you guys cannot debut." Jimin added. "You deserve to be an idol." Jin said trying to cheer the group even though he needed it the most.

"We will not be THE GROUP WE WANTED TO BE without you. Let's debut together. Let's hit that stage together." Yoongi said in a very authoritative manner.

"Let's help each other from this day onwards." Hoseok playfully hugged Jimin and Namjoon tapping each back.

"We'll fight together." Taehyung went to Jin creating the link between Hoseok's mini group hug! Jungkook and Yoongi throw themselves in and in an instant they were in a group hug.

From that moment on, every rehearsal, they helped each other which made Mr. Son appreciate the group's cooperation. Jimin secretly went on practice every 4:00 am ‘til 7:00 am. While Jin, every after rehearsal, he extends beyond for his solo time. Namjoon is practicing every day at 8 pm until all of his energy is drained. They were sneaking into the studio, practicing secretly to rehearse. They were working very hard to improve each day, practicing religiously, despite their tired selves that they were feeling from their scheduled rehearsals. They continued to work hard until such time Mr. Son acknowledged their improvements.

Until that fateful time when their debut date was announced.

June 13, 2013, the boys debuted with their group name “Bangtan Sonyeondan or also called Bulletproof Boyscout” and BTS for short. They debuted with their debut track ‘No More Dream’ and with the album 2 Cool 4 Skool. At first, they enjoyed their time performing on the stage. Seeing and interacting with their senior group was also fascinating for them but at the end they felt that being an idol is not as easy as what they thought. They experienced to vigil every night because of their hectic schedule and also they feel a lot of pressure as they need to put in more efforts just to acknowledge them more and to have more fans to cheer them on.

“Ah, I’m tired”, almost all the members exclaimed these words as they finished their schedule for that day.

“Okay, that’s all for today. Let’s all rest up for now and get ready for another tiring day,” their Manager said.

“Yes Manager-nim.” The members said in chorus.

“Good job everyone! I know it’s a tiring day but let’s keep working hard! We can do it! We can achieve our goals, just work hard. We will reach the top someday,” Namjoon said.

“Yes, go for Rookie Award!” Hoseok said as the members laughed on what he said. They continued their conversation on their way home.

The boys really worked hard for their dreams. Even if they were tired and wanted to quit, still they continued for their beloved ARMYs- their fans. Opportunities came knocking. They finally had the chance to do world tours. They became more popular not just in South Korea but to the whole world. Lots of local and Hollywood celebrities started to idolize them. Their last destination for their 2015 concert world tour was in the Phillipines and all the Philippine ARMYs were excited because again, they'll be able to meet their idols. The members were also then excited to see their Filipino fans. The members felt loved as stories about Philippine ARMYs getting wild and excited after hearing the confirmation news of BigHit Entertainment that Philippines will be the final stop for the first ever "BTS World Tour". From the start, they knew that it is possible to see their idols perform on stage because of its large fan base in the country. They heard stories about some of the fans who were starting to save money for them to have a chance to be one of the lucky Philippine ARMYs who will watch the kpop boy group sing their hit songs like Boy In Luv, I Need You and Just One Day. Other fans from the different provinces came as they don't want to waste this opportunity just to see their “oppas” perform live on the Philippine Stage.

Before the first day of ticket selling, there were a lot of fans who chose to stay overnight in all the ticket outlets just to secure their spot for the concert. It feels like a panic buying for other people who don't idolize and weren't familiar with BTS, but for ARMYs it is a normal atmosphere because all of their Filipino fans wanted to watch them perform live but only a chosen and lucky fans can grab this unforgettable chance to be with their Korean Idols.

Only a week left before the BTS' first ever World Tour and all of the Philippine ARMYs were excited to see their idols in the country. Some of them are "Team Airport", "Team Labas" but above all are luckiest fans which are the "Team Concert". They chuckled as they heard the pseudonym as classification for each fans.  They did not expect those. The members also felt sorry for the majority of the fans who were students. They were called "Team Bahay", who were those unable to buy tickets for the concert.

Despite these, they still felt energized and thankful. Two weeks before the world tour, BTS have practiced a lot to perfect their performances that they'll show in their upcoming World Tour concert. They were getting more and more agitated to perform wildly and hear the cheers of the fans. What they did not expect was the fact that the tickets were sold out very fast and were surprised.

“Philippine ARMYS are really excited to see to us.” Namjoon smiled at the thought.

 

THE DAY

 

This is the day that they have been waiting for.

"Guys fighting! Good luck to us. Let's do this. Let's go." BTS chanted.

On the big stage, they performed their popular music and tried to say tagalog words. ARMYs cheered them and did the fanchant saying all the names of the members of the group loudly. They felt proud as their fans were so amazed by the tagalog words from BTS in the d-day. They can hear their cheer out on the top of their lungs. One fan even squealed because of excitement as V serviced her. On the other side, they knew that there were fans who were streaming on a video or via phone call and in audio streaming.

The crowd roared more as they started to sing their next performances which were Miss Right and Tomorrow from Skool Luv Affair Album. BTS performed their last song before their encore ends. They felt sad while reassuring the Philippine ARMYs that they'll come back in the Philippines for more exciting, amazing and awesome performance night to remember. Philippine ARMYs got sad but at the same feeling happy because of the promise of BTS.

The boys were tired after their exhausting yet fun concert in the Philippines. But they were happy seeing their Philippine ARMY’s love and support for them. On their way to the hotel where they temporarily stayed in, they talked about how happy and fun the concert was. They were so excited to make their fans happy. They want more, more comebacks, more concerts, and more events. Even though being an idol group was so stressing and exhausting, there was happiness in their faces that nobody could describe.

They rested a bit and then flew again to another country for their concert tour. Their faces were all tired and sleepy but they needed to continue this because this is their dream as a group, as a team, to make their ARMYs happy. Back to Korea after their concert tour, they immediately practiced their dance, sing and rap skills in order to improve more—in the hopes that everyone will be proud of them and would continuously support them. They wanted to see their fans around the world be proud of what they've become.

As they pulled off their tour successfully, Bighit gave them a 10-day vacation that served as a reward for their hard works and to relax their restless body and mind for their, again, upcoming comeback. The vacation went impalpable and the boys are back to work. As of now, all of them are so busy preparing for their comeback. Doing 10 hours rehearsing, producing and having other schedules simultaneously is not an easy task as it requires huge amount of time and strength. But giving up never strike up to their mind because they know, all of their hardworks will pay off prosperously in the end.

The time for their comeback finally arrived. During their three-day The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: On Stage tour, they performed their new song entitled, "Run". This song is the lead single for the extended album, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2 which was then later released. The album topped the weekly Gaon Album and Billboard World Albums charts and remained at the top in Billboard World Albums for multiple weeks, making the group the first ever Kpop act to achieve that feat. It also peaked at number 171 on the Billboard 200 Chart with over 5,000 copies.

The 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards finally arrived and they were nominated on different categories. Words can't describe what they were feeling after waiting for the results of the event.

"Congratulations the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards, the World Performer winner is BTS."

They went to the stage and their ever supportive fans were cheering so loudly. They received the award and gave speeches. They were slowly achieving their goals. There were so happy more determined to worked harder.

Months passed by and another era for them.

They did their best in everything for ARMYs. Even in their music videos, they exerted a lot of efforts because for them, it was served as their gratitude to every ARMYs who always support them.

But behind those smiles, behind those strong performances, they all have their own limits.

During their WINGS tour concert in Chile, they were preparing backstage for their next performance when they noticed that Jungkook wasn't feeling well. In that time, he was terribly ill. Jungkook nearly passed out from his exhaustion and overworked. The members were worried. They were so worried because Jungkook has never been like that before. He was always strong. ARMYs didn't notice it because Jungkook seems fine. He was pretending he was okay and continued giving his efforts in dancing and singing. Because of his love to ARMYs, he even neglected his body.

“You are not fine, Kook. You should rest for a while. Just come back to the stage if you recharge your energy.” RM said with a worry face.

“A-ah no, hyung. I can handle it. This is for the ARMYs. This is my gratitude for them for always being with us and supporting us in everything.” Jungkook said while barely breathing.

RM couldn't do anything about it. He knows that he can't stop the maknae especially if it's for ARMYs. He just tapped Jungkook's shoulder and gave him a 'Fighting' gesture.

The crowd was so wild, to the point that ARMYs gone crazy while watching BTS performance. After that concert in Chile, they went straight to their next destination.

While they were resting in a hotel in New York, they were talking about what happened in Chile and RM advised them to take care of their health first. While they were talking, Suga shared something about him. It was the accident that injured his shoulder during their trainee days. Suga told the truth about his shoulder.
 

After that night, they woke up early and prepared themselves for their concert in New York. During rehearsal, V was somewhat bothered. When it was break time, V went to Jin and told him about what he needs to do in a specific choreo since the stage was big. Jin said he was doing it right. V then talked to him that something was not right about the steps. They argued about it until RM noticed it. They were still arguing when the members went to them. RM then said to stop it because it was not the time to argue as the concert was about to start.

"Let's talk and settle this later." RM added.

After the concert, they went straight to their hotel room. The members gathered.

“It's obvious, you both fought. It's normal. The important thing is, how you can handle it.” Suga said.

RM also said that, “Yeah, I also did wrong sometimes and you obviously can get angry about that. I hope all can think about that.”

"We'll give you both some time to talk privately." RM patted both Jin and V's shoulder.

Jin and V were left in that room. At first they were so quiet until Jin started to talk. He said what he felt and how offended he was because of what V said. V then explained his side. "I didn't say that to offend you, hyung. I'm sorry if it feels like I’m offending you." V said and wiped his tears. Jin then hugged him and said it was just a misunderstanding between them.

"Let's drink sometimes." Jin said and laughed. V smiled.

After that scene, V and Jin become closer. Both of them realized that it's okay if they'll fight as long as they will settle it after. That it's normal between brothers. The members were so happy and made a group hug. It seems that they really wanted to give their best for their fans. After all the bad situations they had, they were still as one. Always supporting each other even though they fight sometimes. BTS believe that they are not just a group but a family.

Everything became blurred right after. What happened between V and Jin turned into a buried history, resolved and forgotten. A proof that even the smallest of an issue could make a group as one. The group continued to work hard. They made it past through the curtains of their tough chronicles.

"THOSE were the days!" Jin exclaimed as he tried to laugh off his sweat.

"I couldn't believe Jungkook would pass out like that! He was always so energetic and so alive that we never thought his body would burn him off," Jimin added while giving Jungkook a bump on his shoulder.

"Well, I think I underestimated my y body." He answered.

Everyone groaned in playful annoyance as their maknae started boasting himself.

Rapmon, on the end of the sofa, smiled, giving each member a good look. He nodded.

"Stop trying to be "the man", Jungkook! You're still an aegi to us!" They teased.

"Woah! I'm not a baby anymore! Look, I've got to show off my abs later! Girls are dying to get a touch of this, see?" Jungkook lifted his shirt.

"Before you, the girls have me!" Jimin did not back off, lifting his shirt and ramped it in front of the hyungs."

"2 minutes!" They heard the director called.

"Now, everyone stop! We need to prepare," Rapmon grunted, interrupting their happy escapades.

It was BTS then. It is BTS still, right now.

They stood on stage of the roaring crowd of Jamsil Olympic Stadium, smiling.

A break of the past reconnected, reconciled. As their hardships came back, realization of the years that flew also came. They had tough years before. And their toughest days have yet to come.

"The future is unpredictable. Nothing is constant."— They always remind themselves with this.

Indeed, no one can predict what will happen in the future. Even BTS didn't expect these things to happen, but because of their love for music fans already know that they'll hit big.

Who would even think that these boys will become popular not just domestically but also internationally?

Before, people mocked them because of their weird name. They were cut from the broadcast countless times. A group from a small company. But look at them now. These 7 boys who were underestimated are now making history.

"Worrying about the future won't make you happy and satisfied. So instead of worrying, just enjoy this moment of your life— I'll enjoy and treasure this moment of my life. Reminding myself how far I've come. Now, I can tell myself that I've really worked hard for this." Suga said happily. "I can finally tell my mom and dad that I made it. That I didn't reach my dream..... I'm already holding my dream." He added.

Fans cheered. Suga smiles at them. His eyes are shining as he looks at them.

"ARMYs!!!!" RM shouted. "Thank you for everything" He genuinely smiles to the fans. "Thank you for being there with us. Cheering and loving us. But instead of looking at us walking in a flowery path, let's walk together in this path. I want you to join us in this journey. Let's achieve our dreams together." RM said and he looks at the army bombs.

"You know that galaxy won't exist if there are no stars, right? Just like us, we won't exist if there are no ARMYs who shine brightly like the stars. You made this galaxy. This is our galaxy. We are in our own galaxy" He added. "And we, BTS will forever believe in our galaxy." With a subtle he wiped his own tears away. ARMYs cheered loudly, some are emotionally waving their army bombs.

"Wooooow~ hyung's the best!" Jungkook teased.

"Don't cry! Don't cry!" The members shouted teasing RM.

Suddenly, V clears his throat. The members are looking at him cluelessly.

"I always wanted to do this in our concert" He grinned. Then Jungkook and Jimin laughed as they already know what V will do.

"SO SHOW MEEEEE!" V shouted at the top of his lungs.

"I'LL SHOW YOUUUUU!" the fans responded.

"ARMYS BORAHAE!" V cutely said. Jhope, Jimin and Jungkook laughed and imitate what V said. Jin laughs and then he gives a flying kiss to the fans. RM smiles while looking at the members and the fans. In the other hand, Suga quietly shakes his head and smiles as he already know that V will do those cute but cringey actions.

They all look happy. This is indeed a beautiful moment that they'll forever treasure.

"Hyung look how beautiful the army bombs are." Jimin whispered.

"Our galaxy is really beautiful. It feels surreal." Hoseok replied. Then they both look at the fans.

"I can't believe that were already here in Jamsil Olympic Stadium having our own concert." Suga said. They all look at him. "You've worked hard hyung. You deserve this." Jungkook patted his back

"We all worked hard for this. We've been through a lot so now let's cry not because we're hurt but cry because of happiness." Jin said and initiates a group hug.

"BTS! BTS! BTS! BTS! BTS! BTS!" ARMYs chanted loudly. They look at their fans with a smile plastered on their face.

 

"Teamwork makes the dreamwork." A quote that BTS tweeted. A quote that they didn't invent but a quote that changed their lives. Today, BTS are already known as global superstars. Slowly but steadily rising. They always knew that it's hard to climb up to reach the top but so easy to fall down. But they are determined. Trusting each other. That through thick and thin they will always stick together. Now, they've finally make their dreams come true. Continuing their journey with a positive mindset.

 

-FIN-