In recent years, the Korean language has gained immense popularity amongst language enthusiasts and fans alike due to the global influence of K-pop, K-dramas, Korean food, fashion, and culture. This is especially true for the thousands (if not millions) of ARMYs who have embarked on this journey in the hopes of being able to communicate more personally with their beloved BTS members and sing along to every single lyric in BTS’ decade-long repertoire of songs. The desire to connect more deeply with BTS’ music, interviews, live streams, and numerous interactions becomes a natural inclination over time; so as an ARMY, learning the Korean language offers an incredible opportunity to engage with BTS’ artistry and musical magic on a whole new level.
In honor of this journey, here are three ARMY-inspired reasons to take the plunge (if you haven’t already).
REASON #1: Understanding Lyrics
BTS' music is an integral part of their identity, carrying powerful messages and emotions. Learning Korean means that fans are more able to fully grasp the depth and nuances of their lyrics, revealing the profound meaning behind each song. Understanding the lyrics enhances the connection to each of the members, enabling fans to appreciate the intricacies, wordplay, and poetic expressions that may be lost in translation. This is especially so when it comes to unpacking the many layers of meaning encapsulated within RM’s lyrics. Perhaps one great example of this is from “Trivia: Love” where RM says, “you are the one who will make a person (사람) into love (사랑)” by softening the edges of his straight lines. Doolset explains this in relation to the last consonants of both words - ㅁ & ㅇ. By softening the straight lines of ㅁ to ㅇ, 사람 becomes 사랑 and the word person becomes love.
REASON #2: BTSxARMY Communication
For most, if not all, being able to communicate directly with any one of the seven BTS members, whether in person or through social media, is a dream come true. Learning Korean offers the potential to interact with BTS in their native language, increasing the chances of meaningful communication. While this may be a one-in-a-million opportunity, being able to understand AND speak Korean, even if it’s just a sentence or two, means that fans can express their heartfelt messages and engage with the members on a more intimate level. In fact, the members have mentioned many times how honored they feel knowing that so many fans are trying to learn Korean.
REASON #3: Content, Content, Content
As Chapter 2 of BTS’ career has proven, BTS constantly shares a wealth of content with their fans – from live streams, interviews, and vlogs to music videos, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes footage. Learning Korean means that fans can fully enjoy and understand this content without being dependent on subtitles or translations. Having this direct access to BTS’ content provides a more engaging experience, capturing their personalities, humor, and insightful thoughts in real-time. In saying that though, the ARMY experience wouldn’t be the same without translators, many of whom are translating in real-time themselves. Remember the video clip of an ARMY translator sitting in a train station (or was it a train) after one of SUGA’s recent D-Day concerts - now that’s dedication!
These are just three reasons why ARMYs are learning Korean and of course, there are many more that could be shared here. How many fans now have traveled to Korea and shared their experiences of trying to talk to Koreans in their native tongue using the little bit of Korean that they’ve learned so far? Yet, they continue to do so willingly and must feel a great sense of achievement because of it. Surely this makes the travel experience so much more appealing and fulfilling at the same time.
Let’s not forget the number of fans who have lived in Korea while studying or those who have taught English as a second language in Korea. For both of these groups, learning Korean would be part of their everyday lives, out of the express need to be able to communicate and be understood.
No matter the reason though, anything that adds value to your life and enriches your experience as a fan of BTS, has to be good for you – right? We know, though, that it’s not as easy as it may sound, and it takes time. Finding the style of learning that resonates most with you may also be frustrating at times, but if you’re serious about your commitment to learn Korean, we’re sure that you’ll find your way eventually. So for anyone who is on this journey right now, we wish you all the best, and for anyone on the cusp of deciding — take the plunge. BTS has shown us that with “피 땀 눈물” (Blood, Sweat & Tears) the impossible IS possible.
DISCLAIMER: We do not own any audio & visual content in this video except for the editing. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS. No copyright infringement intended.
Written By: Shelley
Edited By: Aury
Checked By: Miranda
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