Both fandoms have a lot of respect (or, if not respect, at least a lot of dedication and a strong online presence). But only one group of fans is getting a book written by their idol(s), and it’s not the Swifties. Fans of Taylor Swift thought that an untitled mystery memoir from Flatiron Books must be by her based on a mix of numerology, fandom lore, and general Easter egg paranoia. This was revealed earlier this week. Instead, it turns out that the book is from BTS, which is also a very popular singing group.
Tweet related to this update:
.@BTS_twt Will Release a Book Telling Their Own Story on July 9, US publisher Flatiron Books said
“Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” was written by journalist Myeongseok Kang & BTS members
It’ll have 544 pages, exclusive photos, & a first printing of one million copies. pic.twitter.com/ic40nFIYXq
— BTS Charts & Translations (@charts_k) May 11, 2023
The New York Times says that the title of the book that used to be called “4C Untitled Flatiron Nonfiction Summer 2023” is now Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record Of BTS. The group wrote the book with the help of writer Myeongseok Kang. It will not only tell the story of the K-Pop band, but it will also have “exclusive photographs,” according to the NYT.
Recent K-pop latest news below:
- K-Pop Star J-Hope of BTS Starts Military Service
- Bts Jimin Sets New Standards for K-pop and Makes History Along the Way
- BTS Agency HYBE Takeover Battle Ends, For K-pop Pioneer SM Entertainment
Before, the fear of Swifties sent the unnamed book straight to the top of the bestseller lists, but pre-orders probably won’t drop since the group’s fans are also very generous. Actually, the two fandoms have a lot in common, which is why it was hard to figure out who was behind the secret text. Both Taylor Swift and BTS have a special connection to the number 13, but the June 13 reveal date was meant to mark the 10th anniversary of the South Korean band’s formation.
Swifties were thrown for a loop by the July 9 release date, because that date is mentioned in the song “Last Kiss” from Speak Now, and it would be just a few days after the release of Speak Now [Taylor’s Version]. But July 9 is also the date of when the group’s fans, called BTS ARMY (which stands for “Adorable Representative MC for Youth”), first got together.
So, as you can see, it was all just a big mix-up about pop music. Instead of feeding Swifties, Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record Of BTS will give ARMY a taste of their heroes while the band is on hiatus. The band has split up until at least 2025 so that its members can work on solo projects and do their required military service. The band’s break left a hole that the new material should help fill.
