When most people think about solar energy, they picture rows of gleaming panels soaking up the sun or perhaps a homeowner proudly showing off a reduced electricity bill. For Edward Chye, Founder of EDCA Energy, solar represents something much bigger.
12 JULY/AUGUST 2026
12 JULY/AUGUST 2026 TREND Long before sold-out stadiums and Billboard domination, BTS began as underdogs. Formed in 2010 under what was then a relatively small agency, Big Hit Entertainment, the group officially debuted in 2013 with 2 Cool 4 Skool. In an industry dominated by powerhouse labels, BTS had no choice but to do things differently. They built their empire the hard way—through relentless live performances, raw storytelling, and an unprecedented level of fan engagement via social media. Their authenticity struck a chord. Singing about mental health, youth struggles, and the pressures of growing up, BTS gave a voice to a generation navigating uncertainty. That honesty would become their superpower. What followed was nothing short of historic. From their early albums Dark & Wild and Wake Up to the breakthrough success of Wings, BTS steadily climbed the ranks. But it was between 2017 and 2020 that they truly exploded onto the global stage. They became the first Korean act to top the Billboard 200 with Love Yourself: Tear, and the fastest group since The Beatles to score four No. 1 albums in under two years. Hits like Dynamite, Butter, and Permission to Dance didn't just top charts—they reshaped the global music landscape. Yet, beyond the accolades, BTS stood for something deeper. They addressed the United Nations, championed self-love through their UNICEF Love Myself campaign, and became cultural ambassadors of Korea on a scale never seen before. In 2022, BTS announced a pause in group activities—a move that sent shockwaves through the industry. But rather than fading, the group evolved. As each member—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook— embarked on their mandatory military service, they simultaneously launched solo careers that proved their individual artistry was just as compelling as their collective identity. Photo by www.reddit.com From chart-topping releases to sold-out solo performances, each member carved out a unique creative path. And yet, the BTS DNA remained unmistakable—introspective, boundary-pushing, and deeply connected to their fans. By mid-2025, all seven members had completed their service. What followed was months of intense creative collaboration, culminating in Arirang—their first group album in nearly four years. Rooted deeply in Korean identity, Arirang marked a new chapter for BTS. It was more mature, more reflective, and more intentional—a celebration of heritage, resilience, and artistic evolution. The album's lead single, Swim, soared to become their seventh US No.
TROPICANA LIFESTYLE 13 Photo by latination.com They addressed the United Nations, championed selflove through their UNICEF “Love Myself” campaign, and became cultural ambassadors of Korea on a scale never seen before Photo by economictimes.indiatimes.com
