By Kim Hyelin and Kim Young Shin

President Moon Jae-in has congratulated the pop group BTS and its entire fan base, called the "Army," for topping the Billboard 200 chart, a first for a Korean artist or group.

“The songs, dances, dreams and enthusiasm of BTS energize and give strength to young people around the world,” said the president in the message he wrote on his personal Facebook profile. “I congratulate BTS on topping the Billboard 200 with its album 'Love Yourself: Tear.'"

“At the very heart of BTS’ outstanding dancing and singing is sincerity,” the president said. “Each of the seven members sings in a way that is true to himself and the life he wants to live. Their melodies and lyrics transcend regional boundaries, languages, cultures and institutions.”

“Through BTS, Korean pop music leaped closer to international audiences,” praised President Moon. “Our young people can now sympathize about life, love, dreams and agony with young people around the world through the language of music, K-pop.”

“I support BTS’ dream to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, to win a Grammy, to go on a stadium tour and, finally, to become the world’s most influential pop group,” he said. “I also support its fan club, the 'Army,' which makes its voice heard around the world along with the group itself.”

BTS’ album “Love Yourself: Tear” is the first Korean pop album to top the Billboard 200 chart and the second Korean pop album to be included in the top 10, following BTS’ own “Love Yourself: Her,” which reached seventh place in 2017.

“It’s the first primarily foreign-language No. 1 album in over 12 years,” said Billboard. “It logs the biggest week yet for K-pop.”



kimhyelin211@korea.kr