BTS has expanded its footprint in the publishing industry through a multi-year partnership with Hachette Book Group’s Running Press and CAKE, a subsidiary of HYBE. The collaboration, which aims to produce a series of books through 2027, focuses on providing fans with deeper insights into the group’s songwriting, cultural background, and culinary preferences.
What is the scope of the BTS publishing partnership?
The partnership between BigHit Music, CAKE, and Running Press is a long-term initiative designed to release officially licensed content for the group’s global fanbase, known as ARMY. According to a statement from Running Press, the project aims to deliver "inside perspectives" on the members’ experiences and artistic process. The deal is scheduled to span several years, with new titles currently slated for release through 2027. This move follows the success of previous official publications, including the 2023 bestseller Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS.
How are the new books exploring BTS’s discography?
The first major title under this partnership, BTS Lyrics Inside, offers a technical look at the songwriting of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. The book breaks down lyrics from tracks featured on albums like Proof and The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series.
Key features of the release include:
- Linguistic Analysis: The book provides original Korean lyrics paired with English translations to assist international fans in analyzing the intended themes.
- Song Selection: The collection covers tracks including “Spring Day,” “Life Goes On,” “Boy With Luv,” and “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal.”
- Behind-the-Music Context: The text examines the underlying messages and creative choices behind the group’s most significant hits.
What is included in the BTS recipe collection?
Complementing the music-focused releases, the group is launching the BTS Recipe Book, which ties traditional Korean cuisine to the band’s various career eras. The book features recipes for dishes frequently seen in the group’s variety content, such as Run BTS! and In the Soop.
According to the official announcement, the book includes:
- Menu Items: Recipes for Korean fried chicken, scorched rice crackers, ginseng chicken soup, and braised beef ribs.
- Digital Integration: Each copy includes digital codes providing access to exclusive video content. These videos offer commentary from the members and practical tips for preparing the dishes, bridging the gap between physical print and digital media.
Why is this partnership significant for HYBE EDU?
The collaboration leverages the educational framework established by HYBE EDU, the division of HYBE dedicated to language and cultural learning. Seok Kyo Jeong, a vice president at CAKE, noted that the mission is to help fans connect with the artists by "breaking down language and cultural boundaries." By combining this educational content with the established distribution channels of Running Press, the project aims to provide an immersive experience that goes beyond standard celebrity merchandise, positioning the books as long-term reference materials for the band’s history and cultural impact.