BTS PAVED THE WAY

Due to them, kpop acts are invited to several US shows.
Due to them, kpop albums are now available at local stores in US
Due to them, kpop is even played on radio
Due to them, SK became a major Music Market
Due to them, your favs are even nominated

Due to them, Market for Korean music exists in West
Due to them, Labels invested in Kpop groups
Due to them, entering BB200 became a goal for every kpop group
Due to them, Youtube 24-hour records became a thing
Due to them, kpop category even exist in VMAs

Due to them, kpop is even a topic of discussion on main western media
Due to them, kpop is even on the map for music
Due to them, collaborations have became a big thing in kpop as artist sees gain in them
Due to them, South Korea is building a stadium

Due to them, kpop artist have now started to release on Fridays
Due to them, Social 50, BB World Charts are filled with kpop
Due to them, kpop acts started making accounts on twitter
Due to them, kpop is even given a chance by people outside of stan twt

AND! BTS did all that without privilege, mediaplay, label, multimedia coverage, brand deals unlike every other kpop act.
The reason your favs could do it "2nd or 3rd" year, proves BTS paved the way.