BTS Discuss Global Fame at Press Conference

Boy band BTS pose at a press conference at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Wednesday.

BTS on Wednesday held their first press conference after releasing their globally successful new album "Map of the Soul: Persona".

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In less than a week since the album's worldwide release last Friday, it has already topped both the American and British major music charts, a new achievement for a K-pop act, and is sweeping other global music charts. The music video for its lead track, "Boy With Luv", garnered 100 million views on YouTube at a faster pace than any other video, and they appeared on U.S. network NBC's "Saturday Night Live" to showcase the song.

This phenomenal popularity for the seven boys drew reporters from around the world to the press event at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul.  

The album was inspired by Murray Stein's book "Jung's Map of Soul: An Introduction". RM, the leader of the band, said, "Honestly, I haven't read the whole thing, but I wanted to find out what exists within myself".

It features some of the finest musicians from around the world. The main track "Boy With Luv" features American pop star Halsey, and English singer Ed Sheeran helped write "Make It Right".

On their worldwide popularity, RM said, "There were times we were afraid of the spotlight and the audience, and wanted to run away. But such pressure and burdens were outweighed by the precious energy we get from the fans".

Tickets for their concerts at London's Wembley Stadium in June are already sold out amid explosive hype. "So many of our Army will come, so we will work hard to be at our best on stage", said member V, referring to the band's die-hard fans.

More than 250,000 viewers watched part of the press conference broadcast live on YouTube via Bangtan TV.