June 13 is a special day as BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan, celebrates their 13th anniversary.
The number 13 has a special meaning to the group, especially this year, as the group celebrates their 13th birthday with their debut date being June 13, 2013. The group and its fandom, ARMY, have waited for a really long time for this day. The members began enlisting in the military back in 2022, and after their service and solo activities, all seven have finally reunited.
This year’s celebration feels even more special as it marks BTS’s first proper group FESTA since 2022. BTS flew all the way back to South Korea to celebrate this occasion in their home country. They will hold back-to-back concerts in Busan on June 12 and 13.
In their rich career till now, BTS has released many songs, albums, and helped shape countless stories. Their music transcends boundaries and even resonates with people who do not speak their language. Let’s look back at their musical journey and see just what makes their discography so special.
“NO MORE DREAM” (2 COOL 4 SKOOL) – 2013
Their debut song is irreplaceable. It is what started it all, dreams and hope. If we are talking about 2013, we have to pick the song that started their journey. Looking back now, it’s incredible to see how far those seven boys have come.
“JUST ONE DAY” (SKOOL LUV AFFAIR) – 2014
I know we could have gone in the direction of the title tracks, but this song has such a soft melody that it sort of deserves to be here. A slow R&B track with all their voices blending perfectly together to make a song that can instantly put you in a good mood.
“RUN” (THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT IN LIFE PT. 2) – 2015
The kind of song that can remind you of your youth every time you hear it. It’s all about friendship, youth, mistakes you make while growing up, and sometimes just wanting to be yourself. The lyrics truly encapsulate the HYYH era really well.
“YOUNG FOREVER” (THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT IN LIFE: YOUNG FOREVER) – 2016
At its heart, the song captures a fear that every artist carries: what happens when the applause eventually fades? BTS sings about wanting to stay young, hold onto their dreams, and continue performing for as long as possible. The lyrics are filled with uncertainty, but also quiet determination.
“DNA” (LOVE YOURSELF: HER) – 2017
This was the year BTS began reaching even greater global heights. “DNA” introduced a brighter and more colorful side of the group while exploring themes of fate and connection. It became a gateway song for many international fans and marked the beginning of a new era.
“FAKE LOVE” (LOVE YOURSELF: TEAR) – 2018
With darker themes and emotional lyrics, this track showed a different side of BTS. The song explores the pain of losing yourself while trying to be someone else for another person. It’s rather haunting message and a powerful performance helped make it one of BTS’s most iconic releases.
“MIKROKOSMOS” (MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA) – 2019
BTS fan songs always hit different. Imagine a stadium full of ARMYs singing along to this song with the members. That feeling is hard to replace. “Mikrokosmos” feels like a warm hug to all the fans out there. The song reminds us that everyone shines in their own way, no matter how small they may feel. “Shine, dream, smile….”
“DYNAMITE” (BE) – 2020
Released during a difficult time for the world, “Dynamite” brought joy, positivity, and much-needed comfort. It’s a fun and groovy track. This song brought in millions of new fans and became a global hit, breaking many major records.
“FILM OUT” (BTS, THE BEST) – 2021
Released during a period when BTS and ARMY were still separated by the pandemic, the song carried an extra emotional weight. The members’ soft vocals and heartfelt delivery make every line feel personal. There is sadness in the lyrics, but also a quiet sense of comfort.
“FOR YOUTH” (PROOF) – 2022
The song opens with sounds of fans singing along to “Young Forever” before the music blends to the fresh tune. It feels like a conversation between BTS and ARMY, so full of gratitude and affection. Singing “I’ll be with you for the rest of my life….” feels like a sincere thank-you from the group to the fans who stood by them, while they promise that the journey isn’t over yet.
“TAKE TWO” (SINGLE) – 2023
Released for BTS’s 10th anniversary, “Take Two” was a gift from the members to ARMY. The song expresses longing, appreciation, and a promise to meet again. During a period when the members were focused on solo activities and military service, it became a source of happiness for fans around the world.
“2.0” (ARIRANG) – 2026
BTS 2.0 is here! The lyrics are raw, where the members do not hold back. They confidently announce their return while stating that the group has given enough time for others to do their thing. But now they are back stronger, with a brand new chapter ready to rule the world with their music. “Came back for what’s mine…”
Happy 13th anniversary to BTS. A hit album and now on their sold-out tour… that is something. It’s never easy choosing just one song from each year, but I tried. What one song will you choose from each year to define BTS’ journey? Do share in the comments!
