As we move into 2011, BTS’s story becomes shrouded in mystery, with scarce and conflicting information about members, dates and events. During this period, the plans for the group’s original debut were apparently canceled, pushing their official debut back by almost two years. The only mention of what happened came from Namjoon (RM) in a brief conversation with rapper B-free, with no further details ever revealed in interviews.
Here is the year in moments: in each one, the main highlights and, under “Read all”, every detail, clue and video.
BTS Timeline · Pre-debut
2011
The turning point: from hip hop crew to idol group
In this article
2011 timeline, moment by moment
February 2011 – The first features
- Namjoon raps on Lee Hyun’s “Bad Girl”, with GLAM
- Bangtan features on Kan Mi Youn’s “Because I’m a Foolish Woman”
- The restructuring begins: from hip hop crew to idol group
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Musical Features in 2011
In February 2011, Bangtan featured on two songs:
- “Bad Girl” – by Lee Hyun, in collaboration with GLAM (a girl group co-managed by Big Hit).
Only the leaders of the two groups took part in the song: Jiyeon (GLAM) and Namjoon (RM).
- “Because I’m a Foolish Woman” – by Kan Mi Youn, still available on Spotify. The track featured Namjoon, Iron and Supreme Boi.
Despite these collaborations, something significant seems to have happened behind the scenes. Bangtan was originally planned to debut in 2011, but those plans were canceled indefinitely.
As a result, Big Hit organized the second Hit It! auditions and began a reorganization of the group’s lineup, which would eventually lead to the final lineup and the official debut in 2013.
Suwoong, a member of the group Boys Republic, revealed in interviews that he was part of BTS during an early stage of its formation. He mentions recording songs and even taking part in photo shoots for an album before the lineup he was in was dissolved. His account points to a transitional version of BTS, which had probably already started taking shape as an idol group or a hip hop/idol hybrid.
The fact that recordings and album photo shoots happened before that lineup was broken up is remarkable. This kind of work usually happens shortly before an official release, suggesting that BTS’s debut may have been very close at that point.
However, the reasons behind that group being dismantled and Suwoong being left out remain unclear. Although there is no concrete confirmation of what happened behind the scenes, the possibility of an alternative debut album by BTS sitting in Big Hit’s archives is intriguing. If those recordings really exist, they would be a rare glimpse of a version of the group that was never presented to the public.
This stage of BTS’s history reflects the countless restructurings the group went through before its official debut, showing the ongoing effort to find the right mix of members and concept that would lead the group to success. Suwoong’s involvement adds a layer of mystery and curiosity about what might have been if that lineup had been kept.
BTS’s pre-debut story is full of changes and restructurings that cause confusion and speculation among fans. One intriguing example involves Suwoong, who was not listed as a former member in Hoseok’s thank-yous on the album “2 Cool 4 Skool”, but was mentioned alongside Jihoon and other trainees. This may indicate that BTS went through at least two earlier lineups before the final one:
- The all hip-hop lineup: This early version included Namjoon (RM), Yoongi (Suga), Hoseok (J-Hope), Ikje, Supreme Boi and Iron. This is probably the lineup Hoseok acknowledged as “former members” in his thank-yous.
- The in-between lineup: This phase included trainees like Suwoong and went beyond pure hip-hop, pointing to a transition into an idol or hybrid group. Suwoong said he recorded songs and took part in album photo shoots, which suggests this lineup came close to debuting.
- The final lineup: The group we know today, with RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jin, Jimin, V and Jungkook, which officially debuted in 2013 with a mix of hip-hop and idol elements.
There is also the possibility that Suwoong overestimated or misread his involvement with BTS. According to Pdogg, trainees were often required to record songs every week as part of their training, which may have given Suwoong the impression that he was directly involved in a debut project.
These theories, while fascinating, show the many layers of restructuring Big Hit went through to shape BTS. Each of these lineups contributed in some way to the group’s development and unique identity, even if only some of them were formally acknowledged in BTS’s records.
BTS’s Move into the Idol World: Humor and Controversy
BTS’s move from a hip hop crew to an idol group was a turning point in how the group was seen, especially in underground hip hop circles. The change drew mixed reactions, from controversy to funny moments that became iconic among the members. A famous example is the video “Yo, Hitman Bang introduces”, an introduction to the group by Bang Si-hyuk (Hitman Bang).
The video, which was supposed to introduce Bangtan to the public with impact, ended up being seen as out of touch because of the light, even over-the-top way it presented a group originally planned as a serious hip hop crew. That gap between the serious tone of underground hip hop and the more polished, accessible idol approach turned the video into an inside joke for the members, who still laugh about it today.
For anyone who had followed Namjoon (RM) and the other members from the underground scene, this change seemed unexpected. The contrast between hip hop’s raw authenticity and the glamorous shine of the idol world led to some initial resistance, but it was also crucial in shaping BTS’s unique identity. This mix of styles gave the group depth, allowing them to explore different genres and carve out their own space in the industry.
Despite the difficulties, the transition turned out to be one of BTS’s greatest strengths. By combining hip hop elements with the idol format, the group reached diverse audiences while keeping its artistic essence and exploring new possibilities. That duality became a defining trait of BTS, establishing them as pioneers of a style that goes beyond labels and defies expectations.
May 2011 – Iron leaves
- A humorous post on Big Hit’s fancafe talks about the Bangtan project
- Iron’s departure and the speculation about the group
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In May 2011, a humorous post on Big Hit’s fancafe brought up a significant moment in BTS’s development. The edition, titled “Big Hit Magazine”, included satirical headlines such as:
- “Bang Shi-Hyuk’s Hip Hop Project ‘Bangtan’: No news after Hit It – fans annoyed”
- “Former member Jung Huncheol (Iron) leaves the group: what is the truth behind the rumor?”
The post reflected the departure of Jung Huncheol, better known as Iron, a prominent trainee linked to the early Bangtan project. Despite the light, humorous tone, Iron’s departure marked a significant change for the group, which was still far from its final lineup.
The lack of concrete information after the first Hit It! audition led to a lot of speculation among fans. At that point, BTS was still widely seen as a hip hop crew, and the departure of such a relevant member raised questions about where the project was heading.
Iron’s departure and the restructuring that followed show the complexity and uncertainty of BTS’s pre-debut period. This kind of change is common in groups being formed, but in Bangtan’s case, every change seemed to attract attention and curiosity. Although trainees leaving is a natural part of the training process, Iron’s visibility and his impact on how the group was first seen make this phase an intriguing chapter in BTS’s history.
Over time, these reshuffles helped shape the group as we know it today, bringing in new members and consolidating Big Hit’s vision for BTS: a balance between hip hop and the idol format, which would become the group’s trademark.
Mid-2011 – Jungkook and Jin arrive
- Jungkook and Jin join the project
- The vocal line starts to take shape
Read all
Mid-2011 was a crucial period in BTS’s restructuring, marking the start of the vocal line with the arrival of Jungkook and Jin, two members who would become pillars of the group. During this phase, Big Hit Entertainment held private auditions as well as open ones, looking for talent from many sources to strengthen a project moving from hip hop crew to idol group.
Jungkook auditioned for MNet’s “Superstar K”. Although he was not selected for the show, he got so much attention that he received business cards from seven different agencies, including big names like JYP Entertainment and Big Hit Entertainment.
In BTS’s comeback special for Love Yourself: Her in 2017, the members shared this story and showed the business cards from the agencies interested in Jungkook.
Despite the options, Jungkook chose Big Hit after seeing RM (Namjoon) rap. He was impressed by Namjoon’s talent and charisma, which motivated him to join the company. That decision was a defining moment not only for Jungkook but also for BTS as we know it.
Shortly after, Jin was recruited unexpectedly. He was studying acting at Konkuk University when a Big Hit representative approached him on the street. Despite his acting background, he was invited to join as a trainee, showing the company’s plan to add a vocal line to the group.
Although Jin signed with Big Hit around the same time as Jungkook, he only moved into the dorm in 2012, when his place in the group was confirmed. This detail is a running joke among the members. In a 2016 V Live, Jin and Jungkook argued about who really joined first. Jungkook insisted he signed his contract first, while Jin said he met Namjoon before him.
These moments show not only the unique paths that led each member to BTS, but also the fun, close dynamic they built over the years. This early phase was marked by big decisions and chance encounters that shaped the group.
The arrival of Jungkook and Jin was an important step forward in BTS’s development. Their voices and presence strengthened the group, allowing the move to an idol format to succeed and paving the way for the official debut in 2013.
Summer 2011 – Jihoon’s stories
- Jihoon, a trainee who lived in the dorm for about a year
- The stories he told about the pre-debut days
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In the summer of 2011, Jihoon, a ’94 line trainee, joined Big Hit as part of the Bangtan project. His dance academy recommended him for auditions, and he lived in the group’s dorm for about a year before being cut from the lineup. Although his time as a trainee was short, Jihoon offers a unique, fascinating look at BTS’s pre-debut period, sharing his experiences on his YouTube channel.
Some Interesting Stories He Told
- The Secret of Bangtan’s Success
Jihoon explains how Namjoon brought the trainees together and encouraged collaboration and mutual support, creating a positive environment that he believes was crucial to BTS’s success.
(Recommended as a starting point for his stories.) - Yoongi Taking Jihoon to the Hospital
Jihoon remembers when he got very sick and Yoongi took care of him and took him to the hospital. He also mentions that, later on, he returned the favor by taking Jimin to the hospital when he got sick. - Pre-Debut Photos at Namjoon’s Graduation
Jihoon talks about photos he took with other members at Namjoon’s high school graduation. - Jungkook and the Microwave
A funny story about Jungkook overheating a piece of cheese at a convenience store and making a huge mess. - Being Cut from the Group and Namjoon’s Comfort
When Jihoon was cut from the group, Namjoon was the first to find out and offered support, meeting him in the practice room to make sure he was okay. - First Impressions of the Members
Jihoon shares his first impressions of each member, offering insight into their personalities. - Fun Moments in the Dorm
Jihoon tells funny moments he lived with Hoseok in the dorm. - The Haunted Practice Room
Jihoon talks about rumors that the old practice room was haunted, adding a touch of mystery. - Getting Ready for Yoongi’s Suneung Exam
A sweet story about how the members prepared a special lunch for Yoongi before his college entrance exam. They also wrote him letters, showing their support and friendship. - Tour of the Dorms and the Big Hit Building
Jihoon takes a walk around the old dorms and the neighborhood, showing where they lived and trained. Some of the places where they used to eat are gone, but others are still there.
Despite the money problems and the exhausting routine, Jihoon speaks fondly of his time as a trainee. He describes how the members lived on limited resources, eating mostly chicken breast and dealing with the lack of privacy in shared bathrooms. Even so, he has fun sharing stories from that time.
Jihoon has fewer stories about Jimin and Jin because of specific circumstances:
- Jimin joined Big Hit around the time Jihoon left, which limited their time together.
- Jin did not live in the dorm during his trainee days, so Jihoon only saw him at practice.
July and August 2011 – The 2nd Hit It! audition
- Big Hit announces the 2nd Hit It! audition
- Taehyung arrives
- 08/21 Final of the 2nd Hit It! audition
- The “Satoori Rap” and the name change from BPB to BTS
Read all
The second half of 2011 brought crucial events in BTS’s history, starting with Big Hit Entertainment launching the Second Hit It! Auditions. This period brought big changes in how the group in the making was seen, signaling its move from a hip hop crew to a more versatile idol group.
Announced at the end of July, the auditions widened the selection criteria to include rap, dance and singing talent. That expansion reflected the evolution of the Bangtan concept, which stopped being only a hip hop crew and became something closer to the idol group format. Hoseok (J-Hope) was revealed publicly for the first time as part of the promotional campaign for the auditions, marking his official entry into the process.
Despite the buzz around the auditions, they caused controversy in the hip hop community. Many questioned the idea of Bang Si-hyuk (Bang PD), known for writing ballads and pop hits like Rain’s, being the one to put together a hip hop group. The move to include singing and dancing was seen by some as a step away from hip hop authenticity.
Bang PD’s “Cheesy Video” and the Diss Track
As part of the promotion, Bang PD released a video presenting the audition concept. However, the video was widely mocked for its not-so-serious approach and became a running joke. The most memorable episode was the reply from an amateur rapper, who released a full diss track with a music video, criticizing Bang PD and the group’s concept.
Although the original video was lost when the Daum platform shut down, the buzz around this episode shows how Bangtan faced resistance early on. Even so, Bang PD was not shaken by the criticism and even ironically invited the rapper to join the auditions.
The Release of “Satoori Rap” and BTS’s Evolution
On August 17, 2011, Bangtan released the song “Satoori Rap” as part of the promotional campaign for Big Hit Entertainment’s Hit It! auditions. Performed by Namjoon (RM), Yoongi (Suga) and Hoseok (J-Hope), the track gave the public its first preview of the group’s future rap line, a significant moment in BTS’s development.
The song celebrated Korea’s different regional accents (satoori), highlighting the members’ origins and adding a cultural touch to the group’s hip hop style. The release was strategic, helping draw attention to the auditions and positioning Bangtan as a group in transition between pure hip hop and the idol format.
In 2013, the song was redone and re-released on the album O!RUL8,2?, with notable differences:
- The vocal line was added: In the 2013 version, vocals by Jin, Jimin, Taehyung (V) and Jungkook were added to the chorus, making the track more polished.
- The conversation between Hoseok and Yoongi changed: In the original song, the talk was about the date and place of the auditions, while in the 2013 version the focus shifted to which region of Korea has the best-looking guys, adding a playful touch.
The original “Satoori Rap” video was also featured on TV, increasing the group’s visibility and sparking interest among fans.
The Name Change: BPB to BTS
Another important change in this period was replacing the name BPB (Bullet Proof Boys) with BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan). The change can be seen on the T-shirts the rap line wore during promotional interviews. Although the exact reason was never clearly explained, the name BTS sounds catchier and more modern, fitting Big Hit’s vision for the group better.
The name change also symbolized Bangtan’s evolution from an underground hip hop crew into an idol group with wider commercial appeal, without losing its essence.
The 2011 2nd Hit It! Audition Final: A Milestone in BTS’s Formation
Big Hit Entertainment’s 2nd Hit It! Audition, held on August 21, 2011, was a significant moment in BTS’s evolution. The event highlighted the group’s move from a hip hop crew to a versatile idol group, reflecting the company’s effort to find talent in several categories, like rap, dance and singing.
- Date: August 21, 2011
- Time: 3 PM
- Venue: NB2, Hongdae
- Special Judge: Locking Woon (SKWA)
- Special Guests: Contestants from the first season of “Survival Audition K-pop Star” and Big Hit trainees
This audition was a crucial platform for refining BTS’s lineup, bringing up talents like Taehyung and Kidoh.
Taehyung said he watched the “Satoori Rap” video and really liked it. When a friend invited him to come along to the Hit It! audition in Daegu, Taehyung said yes. Despite the fierce competition, he was the only applicant from Daegu to pass. Being accepted led him to move into Big Hit’s dorm in September 2011. Interestingly, he did not have to compete in the final in Hongdae, which suggests his first audition was impressive enough to secure his spot.
Kidoh (Jin Hyosang):
Kidoh, who later joined the group Topp Dogg, was another notable participant in the second Hit It!. He won the audition final in the rap category and already had connections on the underground scene, like being part of the crew DNH, which Namjoon was also part of.
DeepFlow as a Judge:
DeepFlow, a big name in Korean hip hop, was a guest judge. He also has a story connected to Namjoon, since he was part of the crew Big Deal Squad, which RM had auditioned for without success. DeepFlow also performed with DNH that same year, consolidating his presence on the underground scene.
The event was captured in some of the first fancams of Namjoon, Yoongi and Hoseok, a rare glimpse of the members during their early training. These clips became historical records of a group still in the making.
The second Hit It! symbolized Big Hit’s transformation in its quest to shape BTS. Including diverse talent and widening the selection criteria were key to consolidating the group’s final lineup. For Taehyung, this event marked the start of his journey as one of BTS’s most charismatic members, while for Big Hit, it cemented the vision of BTS as a group with many skills and global potential.
October 2011 – “Song to Make You Smile”
- Namjoon and Hoseok feature on Lee Seung Gi’s “Song to Make You Smile”
Read all
In October 2011, Namjoon (RM) and Hoseok (J-Hope) featured on Song to Make You Smile by renowned South Korean singer and actor Lee Seung Gi. This pre-debut collaboration is a milestone in BTS’s history, not only for showing Namjoon’s and Hoseok’s talent before their official debut, but also for highlighting RM’s lyrical skills in a wider context.
- Main Artist: Lee Seung Gi
- Release: October 27, 2011
- Commercial Impact: The song sold 300,000 copies on the Gaon Chart, more than any BTS track until the release of “I Need U”.
- Lyric Credit: Although the KOMCA registration does not mention BTS, Namjoon confirmed on Twitter that he wrote the rap lyrics when a fan asked him during the pre-debut period.
“Song to Make You Smile” also marked Namjoon’s first known use of the ocean and waves metaphor, an image that would become recurring in his writing. The metaphor appears again in later songs like “Best of Me”, showing the evolution and continuity of his writing over the years.
Lee Seung Gi is one of the most respected figures in the South Korean entertainment industry, known both for his music and his roles in popular dramas. His collaboration with Namjoon and Hoseok at the start of their careers shows Big Hit’s confidence in promoting BTS’s talent even before their official debut.
This feature was significant for Namjoon and Hoseok for several reasons:
- First Professional Experience: It served as an introduction for the two of them to the Korean music scene.
- Namjoon’s Lyrical Spotlight: The confirmation of his role as a lyricist reinforces his skill as a writer, something that would become central to BTS’s identity.
- Commercial Recognition: The song’s success on the Gaon Chart proved the strength of the collaboration and Namjoon’s and Hoseok’s ability to contribute to wide-reaching projects.
“Song to Make You Smile” is not just a beautiful song, but also an important starting point for BTS. It shows Big Hit’s vision of promoting its trainees strategically and offers a window into Namjoon’s and Hoseok’s raw talent before they became global icons. This collaboration is still a gem for fans exploring the group’s roots.
Essential videos from 2011
Wrapping up 2011: The Year That Shaped BTS
2011 was a year of building, challenges and transitions for BTS, marking the start of their transformation from a hip hop crew into a versatile idol group. Big Hit Entertainment worked tirelessly to define the group’s concept, hold auditions and bring together the talent that would make up BTS as we know it today.
Although BTS had not debuted yet, 2011 was a crucial year that laid the foundation for future success. The members were just starting to get to know each other, build connections and create the chemistry that would define the group. Every audition, collaboration and recruitment decision helped shape BTS not only as artists but as a united team.
This year captures the essence of BTS’s beginnings: big dreams, resilience in hard times and a constant desire to exceed expectations. Despite the uncertainty and changes, Big Hit kept investing in talent and exploring new possibilities, paving the way for the official debut in 2013.
With 2011 wrapped up, we are ready to dive into 2012, a year full of new restructurings, challenges and moments that brought BTS even closer to their official debut.
If you haven’t read about 2010 yet, we did the full breakdown of BTS Pre-debut in 2010.
In the next article, we will look at how Big Hit kept shaping the group, adding the finishing touches to BTS’s lineup while the members faced the harsh reality of trainee life. Don’t miss it!
Frequently asked questions about BTS in 2011
What was the Hit It! audition?
They were Big Hit’s auditions to find talent for the Bangtan project. The final of the 2nd audition took place on August 21, 2011.
When did Jungkook, Jin and Taehyung join BTS?
All three arrived in 2011: Jungkook and Jin in the middle of the year, and Taehyung in the second half, around the time of the 2nd Hit It! audition.
What is “Song to Make You Smile”?
It is a song by singer Lee Seung Gi, released in October 2011, featuring Namjoon (RM) and Hoseok (j-hope) before their debut.
When did BTS debut?
On June 13, 2013. See everything in BTS 2013.
