Adrian Besley - Interview

By
Shinara Hussain

A former copyright editor for the BBC, Adrian Besley went from writing blurbs, to books. An author of mainly humorous books he took a leap into the world of K-POP superstars BTS and wrote an unauthorised biography. With the comeback a week away, join us as we find out more about the author, and why he chose to write about them.

You were a copyright editor for the BBC, what made you go into writing books?

I love writing and was given an opportunity to write about subjects that interest me, especially popular culture. As a frustrated musician, comedian, sportsman, it’s the next best thing.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing pieces for various publications for many years, but had my first book published around 15 years ago.

You usually write humorous books, what made you write about BTS?

I love writing humorous books, but I had been writing a lot about YouTube. I kept coming across BTS videos with massive numbers of views and was curious. Around the same time, my daughter became slightly obsessed with BTS and talked about nothing else at meal times!

How much research did you do and how in depth was it?

My research was pretty intensive without having access to Big Hit or BTS themselves. I did not want the book to be a superficial account or a spurious and gossipy work.

How long did it take? Was the information easy to find?

It took me around five months. I was astounded: there was so much information from around the world. The difficult part was deciding what to include.

Did you know of BTS or hear their music beforehand?

My daughter became interested in BTS in 2016 and I had been exposed to their music and even knew the names of some of BTS!

Have you researched their lyrics, what do you think of the messages within them?

I have read the translated lyrics of virtually all of the recordings. Although some seem straightforward pop songs, others play with really interesting themes and images. I was surprised and really pleased to discover the songs that directly address the problems of their own generation, economic, social and personal. ‘No More Dream’. ‘Whalien 52’ and ‘Go Go’ are among my favourite tracks. To me lyrics need to have a personal connection whether that is a romantic state, an expression of loneliness and alienation or a political dimension – BTS (especially RM and Suga) seem to have a great ability to touch such issues.

What was the most important thing for you when writing this; was it success, raising awareness of BTS, increased recognition maybe?

I want people to have a better understanding of the group: where they came from and the struggles they endured; what they are like as people and what they try to do through their music.

What was your impression of BTS before you started researching the book and how did that change when you had completed writing the book?

My impression completely changed. I previously understood BTS in the context of Western pop music and boy bands in particular. I soon discovered that they are not dumb pretty boys being manipulated by cynical music execs, but intelligent young men with individual talents and sensitivities. Also, I came to understand the context of K-pop and the stresses and constraints it presents to young artists and how BTS overcame these and took advantage of the opportunities it presented.

What was the purpose of writing the book?

I love books – there was no similar account available in printed form and I thought it would be a good way for new fans to catch-up with established ARMY. While much of the information I gleaned is available online, it is not always easy to source. The nature of the internet is that information is piecemeal, brief and often very subjective. I wanted to produce a linear story, telling how BTS went from trainees to superstars.

What impact did you hope the book would have?

I understand the book is not ground-breaking for ARMY already immersed in the minutae of BTS, but wanted them to welcome it as an entertaining and honest account of the group’s history with some new anecdotes and insights.

BTS ICONS OF K-POP: The Unofficial Biography by Adrian Besley

What do you think makes BTS different from other artists?

I think they have accidentally (or perhaps more credit should go to Big Hit?) assembled a group of individuals with contrasting and appealing characters who seem to bring out the best in each other. To me, the input of many of the group into the music and lyrics and their willingness to try new genres enables them to write more interesting songs. Finally, I just love their total belief in what they do and their devotion to their fans.

What were your thoughts behind why they are becoming popular before you wrote this book and has your opinion now changed?

As above really. They are not the group I thought they were, which is fabulous! My opinion changed in many ways, not least the way they are in many ways the first 21st Century supergroup. They are truly global and use the internet to communicate with their fans in so many ways – music, chat, texts, videos.

Having researched BTS’ past and present, do you think that their hardships are what has influenced them to become who they are now; and why do you think that is?

Yes, in that I think it is part of who they are. They worked so hard and suffered many disappointments – you can see in many of their songs that it left some scars and gave them an iron determination to succeed. It is part of their story, but as their story progresses it will become less important, their new experiences – seeing more of the world, relationships (professional and social), solo ambitions – will be a factor too. We need to remember they are still young. Just like they have learned the nuances of misogyny and racism along the way, they will take on new experiences. I think we can trust them to develop in an interesting and caring way.

In your opinion what do you see for the future of BTS globally and in the UK?

I think we will see them continue to grow in the US – especially with some key collaborations. I’m not sure about Asia, it seems to me that they have achieved as much if not more than any group. Can they get even bigger amongst such keen competition? I’m not sure. And then there is the spectre of National Service which has disrupted K-pop groups before. In the UK, I believe we are about to find out – the 02 concerts and their appearances in Europe in the Autumn could well launch them into household names. If not, they will continue to have a growing but incredibly dedicated following in the UK.

What did you think of ARMY before and after you had written the book?

Gobsmacked! From knowing just the name, I have discovered they are a force of nature. Their care, promotion and support of the boys is just incredible and their detailed analysis, reviews and recording of events is something I never expected. I also have come to admire the way ARMY support each other and help their own communities in a way that BTS would appreciate.

Will you be writing any more books regarding BTS or other Kpop artists?

I would like to! I would really like to get the story from those on the inside – the boys and Big Hit. I think much depends on the success of this book.

What can we look forward to from you in the future?

I’m currently looking at some other music book projects and, failing that, will go back to a play I’m trying to write about a young band and their hardships!


The BTS Radio UK team thank Adrian for joining us and sharing his thoughts about BTS and look forward to reading more from him. Possibly even a play about a young band and their hardships. And stay tuned to @BTSRadioUK on Twitter for a possible treat. 😉


‘‘BTS: Icons of K-pop by Adrian Besley is published in paperback, priced £9.99 (Michael O’Mara).’ and is available to buy from www.amazon.co.uk

We hope that you enjoyed reading this interview, meanwhile if you have anything you'd like to add, or have any ideas why not contact us. Leave a comment below or alternatively we can be found on:

Twitter: @BTSRadioUK

Facebook: BTS Radio UK

YouTube: BTS Radio UK

Or you can email us at btsradiouk@gmail.com

Please subscribe to keep up to date with new content.

References:
BTS No More Dream - BigHit