DO YOU KNOW BTS?
Type these four words into your favorite search engine and within a fraction of a second, your browser will be transformed into a HOT MESS of BTS quizzes, videos, photos and memes, blogs, vlogs, and live streams - all vying for your ARMY attention. Add "Jin" to your search and suddenly you’re transported to the streets of Malta in BON VOYAGE 3. Add "Suga" and you’ll learn the ‘best pick up line ever’, shared by Suga during a Billboard interview.
So how do ARMYs fall into the proverbial rabbit hole of BTS? More importantly, though, why do we choose to stay?
MESSAGE TO ARMY
(Image: LY Tour via @bts_bighit Quote: RM ending ment, WINGS Tour Final, 2017 YouTube video by Sora mie )
BTS once asked themselves, “How did we get here?”
To answer that, we need to start at the beginning.
BTS’ official YouTube channel, Bangtan TV has been uploading content since December 2012. Described as a ‘Family Channel’, it has become a treasure trove of BTS memories. With vlogs, MCountdown videos, BTS Episodes, Bangtan Bombs, Dance Practice videos, Albums, and Music Videos, it is clear to see that this is where the infamous rabbit hole started. Be aware though that most of this content does not come with translations, so I-Lovelies may need to read the comments or find a version with English subs to fully understand what is being said.
Although BTS members do not have their own Twitter accounts, both of these official BTS accounts have content dating back to pre-debut times. As a treat, all the members will often tweet their own photos with their own hashtags, such as #JIMIN. Additionally, ARMYs will constantly tweet/retweet BTS content in the form of photos, memes, and videos. With so much to choose from, the BTS ‘well’ will never run dry.
LIVE-STREAMING
BTS’ VLive channel is also home to a smorgasbord of video content dating back to 2015.
Usually, there is no warning as to when BTS members will live-stream until the notification pops up, but 12 am KST is known to be the ‘golden-hour’ for ARMYs worldwide.
(BTS After-Billboard from VLive)
The original live-streams are in Korean only; however, you can always go back and re-watch with English subs within 24-48 hrs. Still, you would be amazed at how many ARMYs enjoy the live-streams, without understanding exactly what’s being said. Also, stay tuned for the next ‘BTS COMEBACK’. RM is known to live-stream a day or so later. He’ll talk us through each of the songs on the album – what the song means, who and what inspired it and provide his own thoughts on the composition/recording process.
BTS birthdays are just as exciting.
On these days we may also be blessed with a live-stream from the members. In December we have two birthdays to look forward to.
Jin will celebrate his birthday on 4th December and V will celebrate his on 30th December.
(Jin’s 2019 birthday. Image from The Korea Herald)
RUN BTS!
Another gift for ARMYs is the variety web-series ‘Run BTS!’ also featured on VLive. This series began in 2015, is free to viewers, comes with translations and will usually have ‘behind-the-scenes’ footage available a day or so later. If this is your first time watching then expect FUN and plenty of LAUGHS!
BTS penalty image from Koreaboo News
Also, if you’ve ever wondered WHY a member shows up to an airport wearing something UNEXPECTED - it’s probably because they lost a game/mission and this was their penalty.
BTS WEVERSE
On July 1st, 2019, BTS Weverse became the official global fan community for ARMYs worldwide. To set up your own account, all you need to do is:
download the Weverse app
Sign-up if you don’t already have a Kakao or BigHit a/c
Choose your location
Click on BTS image
Select ‘join’
Create your nickname
Again, ARMYs will find a lot of content here, including music videos and Golden Closet Films or G.C.Fs by Jungkook. Also in Weverse is content that can only be viewed, once purchased, making this the new ‘one-stop shop’. Here you’ll find ‘Bring the Soul’ movie, movie commentary, and docu-series; plus the Love Yourself New York & Europe Tours. You do not have to be a paid member to join Weverse, but if you are, there is also a section with exclusive content for members only. “Hot Off the Weverse Press” is BTS’ newest BON VOYAGE Season 4 in New Zealand. Already it looks like ARMYs ‘broke the internet’ when episode 1 was broadcast on 19 November, 9 pm (KST). This promises to be their best BON VOYAGE yet!
One of the BEST things about Weverse though is the opportunity that BTS members might respond to your post. During BTS’ official holiday break, Jin could be found posting on Weverse nearly every day, at 2 pm (KST). In fact, the term ‘wilding on weverse’ has become a popular expression to highlight when a BTS member is busily (and happily) responding to ARMYs’ posts.
SPECIAL MENTION
Our BTS rabbit hole wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the BTS SoundCloud.
Image from BTS SoundCloud
“SoundCloud is the world’s largest open audio platform, powered by a connected community of creators, listeners and curators on the pulse of what's new, now and next in culture.” BTS’ solo works can be found here as well as other songs not related to their albums. With more than 100 tracks dating back to 2012, you could easily lose track of time listening to these gems. Currently tracking at #1 is Winter Bear by V which recently celebrated its 100 days anniversary, with over 87 million plays!!!
💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜
So, whether you’re a K-Diamond or an I-Lovely, an OG (original) ARMY since 2013 or a baby ARMY recently arrived, the BTS rabbit hole has something for everyone!
The only decision you have to make now is - where to start?
DISCLAIMER: I 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: Mama Shelley
Edit By: Aury