This month’s ARMY blog is a little different, but with the same intent ― to showcase the diversity and richness of the ARMY fandom. For this, we need to go back to 2019 to the pages of Kim Youngdae’s “BTS: The Review” where he takes a detailed look into BTS’ discography. In a transcribed interview with one of South Korea’s musical prodigies Lim Hyung-Joo, Lim shared his thoughts on BTS’ rise in global popularity, citing ARMYs love and support as a critical factor in their success.
According to Lim, the bond shared between BTS and ARMY resembled that of a “bond between family members” rather than one between fans and artists. As he reflected on the burdens and struggles that BTS have endured since their earliest days, he expressed this thought: “as they have always done, BTS will continue to overcome them just fine. Deep inside their hearts, they have an undying passion for music, and the ARMYs will stand by them firmly to love and protect them until the end of the world.”
Love and Protect
For many ARMYs, the words ‘love and protect’ are synonymous, as is the color purple with the words ‘borahae’ and ‘I purple you.’ As a testament to BTS’ love for their fans and supporters, entire songs have been dedicated to ARMYs such as “2!3!,” “Magic Shop,” and “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal.” In-kind, ARMYs have created art, composed songs or poetry, and spearheaded projects that had life-changing impacts on the recipients all in the name of BTS.
When the fandom believes that BTS has become the target of racism and xenophobia, ARMYs have risen in their masses to counter those unwarranted attacks. Such is the depth and intensity of their love and respect for the seven BTS members. Likewise, when BTS releases a new song or album, ARMYs push out hard to break records in streaming, buying, and shazam ― again as a demonstration of their affection for BTS. “Got ARMY right behind us when we say so” maybe upbeat lyrics from their fourth #1 Billboard Hot 100 song “Butter,” but as ARMYs know, these are ‘fighting’ words!
What makes us ARMY?
This might seem like a trick question to some, but the answer really lies within each individual person. Only you will know when you became ARMY, how you felt at that time, and of course, your reasons for becoming ARMY. That’s what makes this series of blogs even more special, as it really has been designed as a space for ARMYs to share their own personal journeys. Also, if you have been following this series, you’ll notice that everyone’s experiences have been similar, yet different.
Similar in as much as many felt that something was missing in their lives or were searching for something. Many also shared their beliefs that they found BTS when they most needed them. For some, this was a harrowing experience, for others a moment of relief. Some felt a little disappointed in themselves for taking so long to reach this point in their lives, while others dove head-first into the BTS rabbit-hole. Of course, the undeniable moment when ARMYs realized there was no turning back after heading down the path of ‘but I just wanted to learn their names’ is always a classic ‘tell.’
Being ARMY is not a ‘tick the box’ or ‘one size fits all’ approach and it would be a great injustice to try and define it as such, especially because it is a very organic and personal experience. There is no denying though that when ARMYs find each other simply because of their ‘ARMYness,’ the friendships gained can be life-changing.
Shout Out to ARMYs
So, this is a shout-out to those special ARMYs who have already allowed Borasaek Vision to share their stories. From our January blog, we have Kavya Sharma, Nidhi Singh, Anindita Boruah. February introduced us to Nivedita Bhatia, Khushboo Yadav, and Vaishali Handique. March gave us the personal narratives of Blacksoang, Giannah Erin, Ankita Chatterjee, and Tulica Bhattacharya. In each of their stories, we experience the richness and diversity of the ARMY fandom more and more.
In April, we traversed the oceans to meet Rin, ‘zed,’ and Linda, while May took us on a little exploration into the idea that as ARMYs, we can shine in our own light as well as the collective light of the ARMY fandom. In June, we were back on track with our “ARMYs Tell Us Who Are” series, meeting Wendy Lopez, Rishika, and Deme. July highlighted the stories of Manha and Simona, as well as two ARMYs who asked to remain anonymous (note, this is always an option for anyone sharing their ARMY stories). Swetha and an ARMY member from the Philippines featured in our August blog and in September, we took some time to reflect on how far we’ve come since starting this series at the beginning of this year. Our most recent blog in October gave us the beautiful stories of Avipsha Ghosh, Jae, and Avipsha Mitra.
Ending Ment
As we start this new month and end this blog, it’s an opportune moment to remind our readers that we always look forward to hearing about how you became ARMY. If, after reading this blog, you would like to share your own story, please click on the link below, fill out the form, and one of our bloggers will be in contact with you as we prepare for next month’s feature of ARMYs Tell Us Who Are.
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Written By: Shelley
Edit By: Aury
Checked By: Esma