apobangpo: army forever, bangtan forever.
It has been a year since I became an ARMY! Around this time last year, I fell in the purple rabbit hole that is BTS. I would read and watch so much of their content in my free time, learn about each member, listen to their songs every day, started drawing them, got a few of their merch, and I even went back to dancing again (I’m looking at you mic-drop), you can say I was in my fan-girl era.
Even though it’s only been a year, I believe I am quite well-versed with BTS. If there was a test on them, I am confident that I will pass. From not knowing who any of them were, I can now tell them apart just by looking at the back of their heads.
The small inside jokes and references within the fandom is something I am aware of and can laugh about. But the thing is, I would have never thought I would be a part of any of this.
If you asked me a few years ago if I listened to the South Korean boy band BTS which stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan and translates into Bulletproof Boy Scouts, I would have said something like: “I don’t listen to music like that.”
Simply because, I never had an interest in listening to k-pop and Korean songs at the time. Especially with BTS, I didn’t have any interest in getting to know them or their music. I thought that they were just like every other k-pop boy band, and I couldn’t see myself listening to them. Fast forward to today, where I literally have a “life goes on” photocard of them on my desk.
The first time I heard of BTS was from my best friend when I was in college back in 2017. My friend is a long-time ARMY and has been a fan since their beginning days, while I on the other hand started to like them as soon as they already started their hiatus until 2025.
It was at this time though, that I got to learn so much about them and was able to catch on each member’s solo work in what BTS calls their Chapter 2.
So how did I all of a sudden become a fan for life 6 years later? How did these 7 normal boys from South Korea bring me so much joy, comfort, and inspiration? Today, I wanted to share my BTS journey on how I became a fan and what BTS means to not only me, but I believe what they mean to every ARMY out there.
the relation between bts and army
BTS consist of 7 members: RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. They all are stunning performers who have passion and talent that shine on stage.
BTS have been a group since June 13, 2013, and I believe that fate really did bring them all together. Throughout their time, they have reached great heights in their career and broke all kinds of records. The most amazing thing that BTS has done, is spreading sincere dedication of love all around the world with their music.
When I first got into them, for a moment I felt a little sad that I wasn’t with BTS from the start. How could I have NOT been a fan before?
I honestly felt like I missed out on so many of their monumental moments and chances to attend their concerts. As I mentioned before, I have to wait for the safe return of BTS to come together as a group again, as all members are currently serving in the military. When I felt that way of not being with them from the start, I found out something that SUGA said:
“Don’t feel regretful that you weren’t there since our debut. The day when you first met us, is the day we debuted for you.”
Min Yoongi (SUGA)
It’s in the words of what Yoongi says that makes BTS special. They appreciate all those who join their universe. BTS truly love ARMY and ARMY loves BTS. This bond between the fandom and artist is both loyal and passionate, where the love and appreciation BTS constantly express to us never comes across as in-genuine.
I think one of the main reasons why we all love BTS so much, is that we can feel how real their connection is with us through their music, words, personalities, and journey.
the magic of bangtan
Around the end of December in 2022, I randomly decided to watch an interview Ellen did with BTS, as it came up on my Youtube. I actually remember watching it before, but I didn’t think much of it. However, when I saw it again it magically left an impression on me. I thought, these guys are quite charming and funny. It so happened that one interview led me to watch another, and another, and soon enough I wanted to know everything about them.
As you can tell, it wasn’t their music that made me a fan first, it was how they are as people that made me like them so much. I saw many of their interviews done here in the U.S. and they all came across as such positive, funny, respectful, and down to earth artists.
What sealed the deal for me as a fan was when another video showed up of the hardships they faced. I was a bit taken aback honestly, within a few moments of watching, I had no idea that BTS faced so many struggles to get to where they are right now. It opened up a whole new perspective of them from me.
I then heard IDOL and really liked the song and the constant “you can’t stop me loving myself” as I watched a clip of the members walking up to accept an award in Hong Kong for “Artist of the Year.” Hobi broke down in tears as he accepted the award and I found myself crying along with him, I became a fan.
Slowly that “fan” changed to me enlisting as an ARMY. I started to appreciate and love them more each day for a variety of reasons. I especially love the beautiful bond between the members, where they love, respect, and encourage each other all the time.
As a naturally curious person, I read up random articles about them and I was listening to some of their slower songs like Coffee, Love Maze, until I found my all-time favorite song Just One Day. (Thank you Yoongi)! I would listen to it every day, it magically gave me a warm sense of comfort during those cold days.
thankful for them
I say that BTS were the best thing that happened to me that year.
In the beginning of 2023, I personally was going through a rough time. I was feeling uncertain about my career, future, and of myself. I felt quite lonely and it was around this time that I found BTS.
It is said within the fandom that, “BTS finds you when you need them the most” and I can wholeheartedly agree with this. For me, BTS is comfort and happiness, they always inspire me to keep going. 2023 was a year where I was mentally not feeling the best and I truly believe that if it weren’t for BTS, my year would have been really gloomy.
When I came across clips of the members being silly or watched their variety show RUN BTS it always made me laugh. Their wise words gave me hope and strength, but what helped me the most was how they motivated me to keep trying and go after what I want.
This happened from seeing how they never gave up on their dreams.
dreams, hopes, forward
BTS faced many obstacles throughout their journey to success. In their earlier years, the members all shared and slept in one room, training hours on end every day with little sleep and food.
Even after debuting, BTS were not always met with appreciation from other people in the industry. This was because BTS came from a small company called BigHit Entertainment (now changed to Hybe). BigHit was financially struggling at the time and was not well known compared to the other big companies. Therefore, they had to constantly work hard in making themselves relevant within a highly competitive industry.
BTS faced unnecessary hate, false accusations of plagiarism, chart manipulation, disrespect, and even racism when they started being popular here in the U.S. While BTS were becoming a global sensation, it was ARMY that would support BTS and stand by their side through the difficult times for the group. A significant reason why BTS and ARMY have a deep connection.
While I was in my own state of being in a rough place, when I saw how BTS faced and overcame their challenges all because they were left with no choice but to keep their dream alive and work hard, it totally inspired me. I thought to myself, that if they were able to get back up and keep going, I can overcome my challenges too. You can do anything you set your mind to when you believe in yourself.
Within those months, I felt love and a sense of support from BTS through their wise words and music. I was determined to create a goal and go after it. It was unusual in the sense that anytime I thought of how hard BTS worked, it gave me energy to keep going.
Every person has their own story when it comes to being a fan of BTS, but there are countless others like me who have found BTS when they were going through a dark time. I find it so amazing, that many of us have our own stories but share that same feeling of comfort when we think of BTS being there for us. I still can’t fathom how it is possible that a musical group can make us feel like that.
music that speaks more
As a long time lover of music, I have never felt connected to any artist or musical group before BTS. It’s more than loving them as people, when it comes to the music they create, it is honest and speaks to you. BTS makes you feel understood with their songs.
I wouldn’t say that BTS is just k-pop. They have songs that fit any kind of genre which is what makes them very unique.
The genre that I like and listen to the most is R&B, and I remember when I was first getting into BTS I didn’t listen to much of their music because I felt like it wouldn’t fit into my musical taste.
I eventually listened to some of their slower jams and realized, that they truly have a versatile and beautiful collection of songs that can suit anyone who appreciates good music.
Wake Up, Just One Day, Tomorrow, Autumn Leaves, Paradise, 134340, Singularity, these songs fit the R&B style of music BTS does. They also have songs that are EDM, hip-hop, rap, dance pop, ballads, and of course pop.
They write about a variety of different topics. From troubles the youth faces, societal expectations, growing up, self love, mental health, and social issues. They also talk about their own thoughts and journey through fame.
While there are other artists that may talk about a few of these topics in their music, what makes BTS special is that they write and produce their own songs which comes across as more personal and sincere. BTS want to connect with us and open up about all that they have gone through. Telling us that it’s okay to feel nervous, to feel lost, at the end of the day, they are also human beings like us who have worries, fears, and insecurities.
lyrics from the heart
I have a lot of favorite songs by BTS. Some get me blushing (Pied Piper) Some get me motivated (Outro: Wings) and then there are some that make me cry and give comfort. One track that gets me every time is 00:00 (Zero O’Clock).
When I first heard the song and looked up the translation of the lyrics, I was astonished. My first fleeting thought was, how could they understand exactly what I am feeling?
Here is a part of the song that touched my heart – translation provided by bangtansubs:
You know those days Days that are just sad for no reason When my body feels heavy Days where everyone except me seems busy and intense My feet don’t move forward Even though it seems like I'm already late The whole world is mean Yeah there are speed bumps all around that shake me up My heart feels wounded and I’m often lost for words Why, oh why, even though I ran so hard Oh, why me?
I get emotional whenever I hear 00:00 because with the way I interpreted the lyrics, I felt this way in the beginning of 2023 with what I was going through at that time.
The lyricism in their songs is so beautiful and interesting. It shows how intelligent, wise, and emotionally mature they all are. They have been through so much together as a group and individually, that you can hear it in their music and lyrics. They also have a lot of love for their fans and would make some songs dedicated to ARMY.
I believe that music transcends languages. Often times I’m asked why I like BTS songs even though it’s in a different language from me. Well first, I would look up the lyrics after I listen to a song I like so I do know what they are saying, and second the beats and melodies in their songs, especially when the chorus comes on is so refreshing and catchy how could I not like it? I listen to so much of BTS that I find myself singing along at times in Korean.
BTS always share with us their emotions, thoughts, worries, and how they live and work through those feelings. The transparency and ability to be vulnerable with us even lyrically through their music makes them unique and a cut above the rest.
together we are bulletproof
Bts has a diverse-fanbase that is not only limited to young women, a stereotype often associated with boy bands. All kinds of people from all over the world love them.
It could be difficult for other people to understand just how inspiring and meaningful BTS is for ARMY. I feel like it’s because not too many people are open-minded to artists that sing and perform in another language.
If more people can listen to BTS without any prejudice towards how they look and speak, they will discover music that fits any style from artists with good hearts. They deserve all the love and success.
I feel like writing about BTS in this post might not be enough to explain just how cool they really are. In a world where there is so much sadness, anger, and pain, BTS brings everyone together through their optimism and music. Each member is so genuine, sweet, and hard working. Despite all of their success and achievements, they still remain humble and kind to each other and everyone around them.
I may not know the BTS members personally, but I know that they genuinely love what they do. When I see them talk about music or watch their performances, I can see how hard they work and how much they love their fans.
Although it has been a year, I can say that I am still fan-girling.
I still listen to their music or find myself remembering something funny they said. I still draw them and try to learn their dance routines, and I still get excited when I discover something new about them as I catch up on their content.
While I know that there will be moments in my life where I won’t be as up to date with BTS as I could be now, either because of my responsibilities or how in general it can be hard to keep up with them, one thing I know for sure is that I will always love and support BTS.
I want to cherish these moments.
Often, BTS question why we love them so much? My own answer to that is, I love them because of their existence. It’s in all that they do for us. I am so grateful that I have discovered them. They are an added positivity to my life, and I will always be their fan. I may not have been with them from the start, but I will always be with them forever. Until 2025, the best moment is yet to come.
*all posts/gifs are from Pinterest & Google.
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