BTS AND ARMY: WHEN THE GLASS CEILING IS BROKEN

 So here I am again, writing about them.  I couldn't help it: today is a great day for Asian musical artists. The glass ceiling was broken. 

BTS won all the trophies they were cited for in the American Music Awards. This time around, they went beyond the Favorite Duo or Group category (which they won for three years in a row) but bagged not only the Favorite Pop Song ( for "Butter" ) and the grand prize, Artist of the Year.

What made the victory all the more delicious was the roster of talents they were listed vying for the biggest honors: Taylor Swift, Arianna Grande, the Weekend, Drake and the latest pop darling, Olivia Rodrigo. 

Yes, the win is measured by the number of fan votes and not by a select group of judges whose assessments are based not on how much influence a song has in terms of mass popularity --- but some criteria that floats up there in the air. The AMAs is about fandom and the impact the music of an artist leaves to his audience.

But one thing has been proven today: the fandom of these seven boys from South Korea is ... uh, humongous and historic.  The sheer number and power of their ARMY is unparalleled.

Here you have a group of "non-Westerners" who Chris Martin described as having a relationship founded on "brotherhood" claiming the throne of literally being the World's Biggest Band today. 

There is reason to celebrate --- not only their achievement as the first Asian musical act to warrant such popularity --- but the fact that they brought a new sense of universality to popular music. They brought the world of fans together ... regardless of geography, culture and language or "because we come from different sides."

You have people all over the world singing to their songs even though they do not speak or understand the Korean language.  

You have people in awe of their musicality and professionalism but more so their dedication to their work and how they practically kill themselves to deliver an inspired and inspiring performance. 

Call it part of the training of idols in their country --- but regardless of how you brand their showmanship, the trophies they brought home tonight prove the greatness of their journey. No one ever imagined any Asian to be on that stage giving an acceptance speech.  But it happened.  And the door has been opened --- and it can and will happen again.

These were the boys who were passing out flyers in the streets to get people to watch their concerts.  

These are now the forces in music whose contribution goes beyond hit songs, tireless web interactions with their fans or creating reality shows to create an virtual relationship with their fans. 

These are also the quiet philanthropists who do not make a big deal out of their acts of charity but would prefer to do it silently, with anonymity ... and irrefutable sincerity.

These are the Bangtans who have spent more than eight years living and training together and whose growth from gangly boys to giants in their field provide a narrative of beautiful and deserved success. You don't have to be part of their ARMY to realize how they shed a beam of hopeful light, color and happiness to a world that has been diminished to shades of gray.

I write this to end my day because I am happy.

I am happy because there is a beautiful story about seven boys who were put together, worked hard, went through hell, lived through so much undeserved hate then worked again --- very hard to be good at what they were doing. Not only by sheer talent but unwavering persistence, they brought together people of all ages and colors and faiths with their music. They bring us joy just by being who they are.

When Park Jimin posted his video  bowing to his fans thanking them for their success tonight, you know exactly why these boys are there.  

Because they are doing what they are meant to do --- and they are doing it to make millions of people (like me) very happy. Because they are loved.

I purple you.