Korean pop (also known as K-Pop) group BTS released their second full length album, “You Never Walk Alone,” this past month, and I believe it is on its way to being a global pop classic. BTS’s fan base is reaches well beyond their home country of South Korea. Most recently, BTS sold out the Allstate Arena in Illinois, in a matter of a few minutes.

The increase of popularity of groups such as BTS mirrors the growing globalization caused by our digital connections. BTS, as well as other K-Pop groups are now able to reach millions of people at any location, meaning the high production pop from Korea is gaining more and more diehard fans across the globe.

Though their success is unquestionable, some might wonder if their success is a gimmick, or a fad. This idea may be based on the eccentric music videos that often pair with the music being released. I believe that much like rock n’ roll, K-Pop is here to stay, and BTS’s “You Never Walk Alone” is an example of why.

BTS’s newest effort has a diverse set of styles of pop music. The tone of the song “Blood Sweat & Tears” has an ethereal pop tone. It features a mix of Korean rapping, as well as high pitch harmonizing which seems to reference classic choral music. It is a beautiful mix of styles that somehow are completely compatible with each other. Though this song is as enjoyable without the accompanied music video, the video specifically ties all the verbal themes together by accompanying it with striking visuals of the group surrounded by renaissance style art and sculpture, paired with more modern dancing and visual effects.

Though the influences on their newest album are diverse, the quality across each song remains consistent. The production value for both the audio and visual aspects are high and enhances the talent of the group.

BTS, as well as the K-Pop genre will continue to grow because they are producing something new and unique in pop music with a great production value. It is not easy to accomplish both of these things at the same time; those who are producing something new and exciting often do not have funding, and those who have funding often aren’t producing something new. BTS hits the perfect spot between the two.