Abstract:

BTS is a Korean pop music band. BTS represents Bulletproof Boy Scouts. The study focuses on exploring the influence of BTS on the psychological wellness of the youth. The aim of the research is to inquire how exposure to BTS music affects the mental well-being of youngsters. The sample was collected by Purposive sampling through the population of the students of Bahuddin Zakariya University and Private Schools of Multan. Qualitative Interviews were conducted with 10 students. The Results indicated that BTS music has lyrics that discuss issues like social isolation, low self-esteem, and unjustified stereotypes. The findings reflect that BTS music has a positive influence on the cognitive process of the youth. It encouraged them to live a life with an optimistic approach. It gives them relief from depression, isolation, and anxiety. It makes them realize their self-worth and how to love their own being.

Key Words:

BTS, Youngsters, Psychological Health, BTS Lyrics, Cognitive Process, BTS ARMY

Introduction

The study focuses on the analysis of the impact of BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), a boy music band in Korea, on the psychological health of the youth. BTS has been recognized as one of the Global pop music bands that have won multiple awards for its powerful lyrics, insightful images, soulful stories, and motivational messages (BTS, 2022). After their first debut in 2013, the BTS boys explained their mission.

The Bulletproof Boy Scouts identified themselves as a voice and shield for youth (BTS, 2013). Psychological Health is characterized by Self-satisfaction, problem-solving behavior, and environmental freedom (Jahoda, 1953). Psychological disorders arise when one lacks self-confidence (Marie, 2007). He considers himself incapable of solving situations in his life and ultimately this leads him toward mental disturbance (Marie, 2007). Music is considered one of the tools to help resolve these mental disturbances.

Greece was given the philosophy of music in 1800. Plato, Aristotle, and many theorists work on this philosophical approach. "Life appears to go on without effort when I am filled with music" (George, 1919). Music is a high or low-pitched instrumental sound having vocals presenting ideas or thoughts when one listens to music, the circulation of blood increases generates emotions, and levels up excitement. This results in lower blood pressure, controlling heart rate, and decreasing stress hormones  (May, 2020).

Music Therapy is a systematic process; Systematic means it is organized, step-by-step, and regulated (Bruscia, 1998). BTS music is also popular for having psychological approaches to motivate youngsters by helping them understand their inner voices. BTS work is influenced by Jungian psychology which discusses Cognitive behavior (Lebow, 2012).

Background of the Study

The global popularity of BTS put an emphasis on its research. BTS is one of the most popular K-POP music bands in the world. BTS' first debut was in 2013. Since 2013 several albums have been released. But after COVID-19, the name and work of BTS has been discussed globally. Marshal McLuhan's statement World is a Global Village was once again proved when Korean culture was recognized globally. Korea is one of the countries on the list of those who are facing mental issues. Their music is based on how to deal with psychological issues.

 During Corona, young people were victimized by social isolation and disconnectedness (Esenam, 2022). This isolation leads youngsters towards music therapies and as a result, the number of listeners has multiplied. This productive music journey of Bulletproof Boys brought them to the UN assembly in 2018. UNESCO appreciates their work and seeks their help in numerous campaigns related to mental health (UNESCO, 2019).

Times announced BTS as the entertainment of the year for its impactful message of kindness and Hope (Kim, 2020).

BTS for their marvelous work achieved 50 wins at MAMA Awards in 2023 securing “Icon of the Year” for the sixth consecutive time. This consistent demand for BTS music has given birth to research on its music.

Objectives

The research paper aims to explore;

? BTS music cures psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress.

? Youngsters deeply understand its messages.

? BTS lyrics motivate us to hear the inner voice of youngsters.

? BTS music has a powerful message through images, lyrics, and storytelling.

Literature Review

This paper discusses youth as the “Millennial Generation”, the generation who have grown up in Digital Global Village (Tolbize 2008). There exists a gap between the existing generation and their parents which is considered a generational gap. This gap is responsible for the psychological health issues in the youth (Tolbize, 2008).

Psychological Health is considered as an individual’s mental well-being, life satisfaction, active abilities, and cognitive approach towards problems and contributions in a social circle (WHO, 2014).

It disturbs when an individual is unable to cope with the social pressures and it becomes difficult for him to trust his abilities and strengths. Several pieces of research explored mental disorders in youth. Masten (2001), studies psychological flexibility that risks the youth population. Primack (2009), investigates issues that generate mental disorders such as cyberbullying. Suldo (2009) discussed academic stress in youth. Girgus (2017) explored Depression and Anxiety. Van Dongen (2003) highlighted Sleep deprivation's effects on cognitive performance.

Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual doesn’t get enough hours of sleep that are needed (Joseph, 2023). Music is a therapy that has been used for relaxing minds since ancient Greek times. When one listens to music, Blood circulation increases which generates emotions and excitement (Quin, 2016). Music therapy is an organized and purposeful process (Dillard, 2006).

Woelfer and Lee found that youngsters reduce tensions and a sense of isolation after listening to music. 

“A poet must reconstruct the edges split between the mind and body the talent's needle. And the only voice is the tread."

Joseph Brodsky

Several studies have been conducted to analyze how music helps adolescents in the building of identity. Youth use music to generate identity and connections with peer groups (Hargreaves and North, 2008).

The studies found that music not only helps in social connections but also in academics and psychological health. Music enhances cognitive activities that prove fruitful in academics (Trainor, 2012).

Evidence proved music reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression (Gold, 2014). BTS the name signifies breaking stereotypes, criticism, and expectations that hit the youngsters as bullets. Bullet Boy Scout has seven members Jin, Suga, V, Jimin, J-hope, RM, and Jung Kook. For their fans, they used ARMY Adorable Representatives M.C. for you. Bullet Boys' first debut was in 2013 the name “2 Cool 4 School”. Then several albums were released such as Wings, Love Yourself, Face Yourself, Youth, You Never Walk Alone, and Map of the Soul. Their names reflect the message they are communicating to their listeners. BTS has different eras that focus on specific timelines such as School Trilogy Era; it motivates school-going young ones who lost their hope and faced rigid

thoughts.

Youth Trilogy Era; beautifully defines adulthood.

Wings Era; youth experiences temptation.

Love yourself; be yours completely.

Map of the soul; discusses Personas.

The Executive director of UNICEF expresses his words as South Korea has two big achievements one being democratic and the second the discovery of BTS (Hybe, 2021).

The band uses the theory of the parallel universe to communicate with youth. Hugh Everett’s Theory of a parallel universe states that there are multi-universes that coexist. They have used multiple stories in their music videos that revolve around their members facing different life problems to give a sense of catharsis to their listeners (Clark, 2023).

Cognitive studies explore that the Mind sees the world in the form of concepts; images, objects, and emotions (Levin, 1988). BTS share stories through video messages and the image of the world in a realistic manner (Herlin et.al.  2021). The fandom of the Korean band BTS feels solace and comfort by a sense of catharsis (Lee, 2021). BTS uses lyrics having issues related to social isolation, inequalities, and unjustified stereotypes which helps its listeners to relate it (Lee, 2021).

A study conducted in Indonesia concluded that 90% of respondents agreed that BTS music gives them a soothing and healing effect through their enriching stories and words (Linberg, 2019).

BTS gives hope and encourages individuals towards a way to serve society (Youth and COVID, 2020). BTS's Album “Map of the Soul” album is truly based on Carl Jung's psychology (Dr. Stein, 2022).

“There are several personas one can have; But the real star that always shines is the eternal soul that makes you unique.”

Dr. Stein

Research questions

? What kinds of effects BTS has on youth?

? How does BTS help in resolving psychological issues?

? Why do youth prefer BTS music?

Methodology:

Research Design

Research design provides the researcher with a procedure to collect essential information for the study (Wimmer and Dominick, 2000). It is a complete guideline for the work to be done (Creswell, 2013). It provides exploratory details of sample, population, data analysis, and data interpretation (Maxwell, 2005). This research study used a Qualitative Approach to collect in-depth and detailed data from the listeners of BTS music.

Qualitative Approach

According to Wimmer and Dominick, the Qualitative approach is used to conduct a study in an exploratory and explicit manner. This study required in-depth details from the participants to conclude.

Interviews

Two types of interviews are used in the qualitative approach; Structured and Unstructured (Mulyana, 2000). They allow the participants to elaborate on the answers to asked questions in order to collect the bulk of data. Kumar (2005) considers an interview as one of the best methods for studying multiplex areas as the interviewer has the opportunity to train the participant before asking sensitive questions. Intensive interviews with the utilization of qualitative ability aim to gather a more in-depth understanding of the participants (Kendall, 2008). It is because the information shaped is obtained through personal interactions which deliver more detailed negotiations-based results (Fontana and Frey, 2000). 

 In this research study, unstructured interviews are designed to collect data for this research study. They allowed the participants to elaborate and share their experiences.  Unstructured interviews allow participants to openly share their knowledge rather than structured interviews (MacCann, 2005). As the research study demands rich and in-depth data that’s why in-depth interviews are used to make participants comfortable.

Interview Guide

Briefly informed the participants about the study purpose and procedures.

Sampling

This research paper uses Purposive sampling in order to collect participants for the study. This form of sampling is critical. The selection criteria are the participants who are the listeners (either heavy or light) of BTS music.

Sampling Frame

The participants are the student of Bahuddin Zakariya University Multan and the Private School of Multan. 

Sample Size

The sample size used for the study consists of 10 participants. Five are male and five are female.

Table 1.

Number of participants	AGE	Gender	Capacity
A	18	F	Active listeners
B	20	M	Passive listeners
C	21	F	Active
D	21	M	Passive
E	22	M	Active
F	22	F	Passive
G	23	F	Active
H	23	M	Passive
I	24	F	Active
J	24	M	Passive

Variables

BTS: Bangtan Sonyeondan; Bulletproof Boy Scout; a Korean-based musical band.

Psychological health: Sum of how we think, endure, relate, and exist in our everyday lives.

Youth:  persons between ages 15 to 24.

Data Analysis Tool

Themes are generated through the data by the coding process.

Ethical Considerations

Participants were fully informed of the recordings of interviews. They were informed that their personal information would remain confidential. And they can withdraw their name at any time.

Defining the TERMS

Depression: Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think, act, and perceive the world (Paris,2014).

Stress: Stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation (WHO, 2013).

Passive listeners: Those who listen 3 to 5 hours a week without any feedback.

Active listeners: Those who listen 1 to 2 hours a day with active feedback.

Data Collection and Interpretations

Thematic Analysis

Transcripts are coded to analyze data and generate themes.

Themes Development

Codes are interpreted into broader themes having key aspects of participant's experiences.

Interpretation

Themes are then interpreted to study the commonalities and differences in participant words.

Validation

Participants were asked to recheck the themes generated from their experiences in order to ensure that they meant the same.

Findings and Results

After the careful analysis of data through coding sheets, the following themes have been generated:-

Emotional Support

According to the Encyclopedia of Public Health (2018), Emotional support is defined as Interaction leading an individual to believe that he or she is cared for and loved, esteemed, and a member of the network of mutual obligations.  Participants while sharing their thoughts reflected that one of the best reasons for choosing BTS music is to have emotional support from their words that motivates them to move on.

Participant A shared that he was facing the greyish days of his life and then suddenly he heard words from SUGA (one of the BTS members) that became a motivation.

Those words were

 “I hope you will never give up.

Remember there is a person in

Korea, in the city of Seoul,

Who understands you”

Participant F, confesses that her favorite is V (BTS member) as he is the most sensitive and soft-hearted member and His lyrics and music are so soulful that emotionally lets her calm and satisfied. She repeated his best words which were

 “Never mind,

I’ll find someone like you

I wish nothing but

The best for you, too

Don’t forget me”

Participant E, while sharing his best experience of resolving psychological health issues through music therapy. He admitted that how BTS gave him soothing emotional support and made him realize that someone understands me and I am not alone in this situation.

He repeated V’s words;

“You won’t see I am hurting and I never show it.”

Community belongings

The listeners of BTS music are happy to be part of the BTS army. ARMY is considered as the Adorable Representative M.C. BTS fans are called the BTS ARMY. Youngsters who are either active or passive listeners feel themselves to be part of a large family. This gives them psychological relief from being isolated.

Participant "I" while discussing his prolonged psychological medical journey due to his family problems, said I had a much stronger bond of affection with the BTS ARMY rather than my own family.

BTS band has thought a special ISA to his family and that is:

“Being an ARMY means supporting Each other and lifting one another up.”  

Participant B, shared that BTS is actually a family to him as he was in an orphanage and he never enjoyed being someone who cared for him like a family when he heard about BTS he took it as music but later he came to know that it's not just a piece of music. It a therapy, the way they adore their fans is amazing. The bond they have with their ARMY through their words and gestures is amazingly beautiful.

Participant D also shared his attachment with BTS and the improvement from his mental disorders like fear of being alone.

Stress Reduction

From the literature review, it is clear how music therapies help in the release of stress. BTS is one of the bands which was especially hired in Covid-19, to lower the stress of the people.  

Participant C, who is an active listener and a very supportive member of BTS music told us that she was a victim of the coronavirus, and it was the worst days of her life when she was restricted from public gatherings, stress was at its peak and she lost hope of better days. Then a piece of news broke out that members of BTS were having positive COVID tests which made her feel like I am not alone in this test. Then she heard words from her Favorite KIM Namjoon.

"But COVID was far beyond my imagination, Our world tours were completely canceled, Our plans were also canceled, and I felt lonely."

Participant G repeated the most relaxing words of SUGA

“You were born to be real not to be perfect.”

Participant H said that he had the worst stress issues when his belongings compared him with others in studies, success, and other things. Then Yoongi told him.

“Dear haters, I couldn’t help but notice that AwSome ends with me and Ugly starts with U”.

Self-Bonding

BTS always worked to make interpersonal relationships strong. This is one of the best reasons for youngsters to choose BTS music. During the interview, it was visibly concluded that BTS has made people psychologically so strong that they started believing in themselves. They recognize the real self and it makes them fearless of others' thinking and perceptions about themselves.

Participants were so happy while sharing their own personal beliefs and thoughts about themselves. They shared that BTS encouraged them to think about their own identity. It made them realize that.

Figure 4

The thing that matters is what you think about your own self,

And this is your biggest strength.”

Participants A, B, F, and I shared their school life experiences. When they faced bully and comparisons with other children in studies and active participation in curriculum activities. They started doubting their own abilities and were unable to think about what to do and how to be perfect to meet the expectations of others. Then the time came when they heard the school timeline album of the BTS band whose words were like having a treatment of their wounds.

“One day where I hate myself for being me, One day where I want to disappear forever, Let’s make a Door, It’s in YOUR HEART.”

Participant F had the special words with tearing eyes; she said

“BTS healed something in us, which they never broke.”




Positivity Narratives

This is the best approach in BTS music that attracts youth. BTS always worked for something new with the beautiful characters and narratives that they built through their stories.

They always generate motivational stories in their music videos. Participants agreed that the stories of struggles, motivations, self-love, Be the Real, and the spring had a lot of lessons that taught them to find something optimistic from the situations.

Participants rather than reflecting negatively on their problems practiced gratitude towards the things that taught them to live wholesomely.

“We shine in our own words.”

Participant B recalled the words of BTS, “Answer: Love Yourself” lyrics

“You’ve shown me the reasons Why should I love me.”

Participant G told us that she started loving nature by visualizing the smallest things around her which made her feel comfortable, relaxed, and a sense of freshness she carried the whole day. This brings positivity in her attitude, and mindfulness in her thoughts and she started to adore things as they are.

Conclusion

The study gave a broader understanding of how BTS lyrics healed youngster’s mental health. They found delight in their songs. It could be seen that BTS has a positive impact over negative elements and helps the youth with mental health problems as well.  Many participants referred to BTS's music and lyrics as "friends" or "companions". They described how songs listening brought them physical and emotional comfort. The participants felt true comfort from these imagined relationships, which helped them develop emotional resilience for self-coping. Participants learned and experienced therapeutic tactics including visualizing a place or person of comfort through linked imagery and externalizing suppressed thoughts by reacting to lyrics through these songs, similar to tapping into positive imagination for trauma recovery. The AR MY community is one strong community that is gradually growing globally and there is no doubt that it will continue to do so and make the lives of the people easy.

Studies also discussed that the impact on youth is so powerful but in a positive sense. It encourages them to stay strong but humble at the same time, be Self-determined but helpful to others, love nature, and always be positive.

The research also explores the strong bond of affection and support that a BTS ARMY holds. This proves a relief of psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, and isolation. They support each other, they stay with each other regardless of national boundaries, caste, creed, and color or gender discrimination. And for them, this family means a lot to them.

Suggestions

This research paper also suggests conducting this research through a different research methodology approach. The sample size can be increased so that the perspectives from a larger population can be dug out. During the research, it was found that the older age group people are also attracted to BTS music. So, research from their point of view can also be conducted.

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