CBS SUNDAY MORNING will take viewers behind the scenes with the hugely popular Korean pop group BTS as the members prepare to launch a world tour. In their first American television network interview before the tour, group members let CBS SUNDAY MORNING inside as they rehearsed, relaxed and then sat down with Seth Doane for an interview to be broadcast Sunday, April 21 (9:00 AM) on the CBS Television Network.
Since their first album in 2013, the group has become a worldwide phenomenon, playing to sold-out stadiums with legions of screaming fans who follow their every move on and off stage.
The seven band members range in ages from 21 to 26, and go by their nicknames, Jung Kook, Jin, Jimin, Suga, V, J-Hope and RM. Their music mixes hip-hop, R&B and more and is punctuated on stage by elaborate choreography.
"I'm amazed by it, to receive all this love," J-Hope tells Doane.
"Whenever we begin a performance, I take out my earpieces and listen to the shouting and screaming," says Jung Kook. "It fills me with energy."
Doane visited with the group as they rehearsed in Seoul, South Korea, in preparation for a tour that will make stops in Chicago, Rutherford, N.J., Pasadena, Calif, and other worldwide venues. What makes their success in America all the more remarkable is that most of BTS' lyrics are sung in Korean. The group was the first Korean act to present at the GRAMMY Awards ever and just became the first K-Pop group to perform on "Saturday Night Live."
RM, who was signed to the group first, often serves as the spokesman because of his fluent English, something he learned by listening to American music and watching "Friends."
"I love pop music and I love the 'Friends,'" RM says. "Yeah, the TV show. My mom bought me the full series - I watched it - like several times. I just want to speak and listen and to understand musicians in America. I just want to say, thank you, mom."
How long the current seven members of BTS will be allowed to enjoy the run is up in the air. Military service is mandatory in South Korea, and so far each has delayed entry.
"As a Korean, it's natural. And some day when duty calls - we'll be ready to respond and do our best," Jin says.
For now, they all understand they have something good going.
"We just enjoy the ride, live in the moment, and that's all we can do," RM says.
CBS SUNDAY MORNING is broadcast Sundays (9:00-10:30 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network. Rand Morrison is the executive producer.
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