K-pop band BTS will make their Saturday Night Live debut this evening. The South Korean seven-piece are set to perform on the long-running NBC variety show to promote their latest album Map of the Soul: Persona, which was released yesterday and features collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Halsey.
Who are BTS?
BTS are arguably the world’s most successful K-pop group, having accumulated millions of followers across social media since forming in 2012.
Last year they became the first South Korean artists to top the Billboard 200 albums chart with Love Yourself: Tear, with the album also earning a Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package.
Their biggest hits include “Idol”, “Fake Love” and “DNA”, with the music video for the latter attracting nearly 700 million views on YouTube.
Later this year BTS will play two dates at London’s Wembley Stadium as part of their sell-out Love Yourself world tour. The group is comprised of members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook.
When are BTS appearing on SNL?
Saturday Night Live will be broadcast on NBC at 11:30pm ET, or 4:30am BST for UK-based fans.
The episode will be hosted by Oscar-winning actor Emma Stone, best known for her roles in La La Land, Birdman and Easy A.
Stone, a self-confessed K-pop fan, said she “involuntary screamed” while watching BTS’ rehearsal yesterday. “It just saw their soundcheck today... they’re incredible,” she said.
How can I watch the performance?
SNL can be legally streamed on the NBC website for viewers inside the US. For those outside the States, BTS’ performance will be uploaded to the SNL YouTube channel, alongside other key moments from the episode.
