Falling into the BTS rabbit hole is an inside joke that is well known by ARMYs, referring to how once we discover BTS, there will be no way out, and you better be prepared to enjoy the ride. Because of this tendency, many fans believe they will continue to support the septet for a long time, even after BTS retires from the entertainment industry and goes on to live their own lives off the stage.
But what exactly is the secret to ARMYs ongoing loyalty? Let’s find out together.
The Courage to Talk About Topics Most People Choose to Avoid
BTS does not shy away from speaking their mind about sensitive topics: bullying, mental health, the injustice of society, exploitative education systems, calling out the YOLO culture, and even addressing political issues.
BTS also has the courage to speak up about the importance of loving ourselves. According to Kim Soo-hyun, the author of I Decided to Live As Me, an act of loving ourselves could be seen as something selfish in Korean culture, as we should put others’ consideration and happiness first, before ourselves.
Spreading Comfort Without Toxic Positivity
What exactly is Toxic Positivity? “Toxic Positivity is an excessive and ineffective overgeneralization of a happy and optimistic state in any situation—in the denial, minimization, and invalidation of genuine human experience.” Examples of Toxic Positivity are:
You’ll get over it!
Just be positive!
It could be worse.
Someone had it worse than you.
Always look at the bright side, etc.
BTS is well known for their way of comforting others, especially ARMYs, without invalidating their feelings.
Recently, ARMYs have been talking about BTS’ YouTube Live when the group held a project meeting for their upcoming self-made album. During the live, SUGA and RM mentioned how they want the album to be brighter to offer some consolation to everyone during this pandemic. Upon agreeing, Jimin also mentioned how they should be careful to deliver the message, because “even something intended to be consoling, can make someone feel even worse.”
(Image from BangtanTV YouTube Live 2004** BTS (+ENG))
ARMYs have mentioned how touched they were because of how thoughtful BTS are. Though, they were not that surprised at all because that is how BTS has always been.
Never Stop Showing Their Love and Support for ARMYs
BTS has never stopped showing their love to ARMYs and dedicated many songs to their beloved fans. Songs that comfort fans through hard times like “Magic Shop”, “2! 3!”, and “Mikrokosmos”, songs to show how thankful they are to ARMYs like “Answer: Love Myself”, “Moon”, and “I Know”, to a “diss” song called Pied Piper that tells fans to get their work and job done instead of “wasting” time analyzing their videos, songs and even watching their content. Of course, the song used affectionate words, like what mothers use with their kids.
BTS’ way of showing their love to ARMYs isn’t only limited to their songs but is also expressed through their interviews and concert ments, actions, and an overflowing amount of content.
Inspire ARMYs to do Something Meaningful for Others
The biggest achievement an artist could have is not how many albums they have sold out, songs they have made, charts they have topped, stadiums they have packed or years they have spent as an artist, but how their creations have inspired people, especially their fans, to do something positive for society.
(Image from AA, OIAA, and AHC Twitter Account)
There are several ARMY fanbases that have helped others, even people outside the fandom. Some of them are One In An ARMY, ARMY Academy, and ARMY Help Center. One In An ARMY is a well-known organization that has held many charities under the name of ARMY community and BTS as a group and individuals. ARMY Academy is a fanbase that excels in giving private tutoring and special classes to help student ARMYs with their academics. ARMY Help Center is a safe haven for ARMY in need of emotional support during the hard times. Of course, those are only a few of many amazing projects led by ARMYs out there, but it’s enough to show how BTS has inspired ARMYs to pass on their positive messages and spirit to others.
This small blog does not do justice to the life-changing experience of “falling” into the BTS rabbit hole. BTS have accomplished so much since their debut so this is just a glimpse into the world of BTS x ARMY. Just as V mentioned in their Bangtan Attic video when they celebrated FESTA 2019 :
What do you think? Can relate much?
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: RAM
Edit By: Aury
Checked by: Enna
This is beautiful. I enjoyed reading it so much. And I did not know about those Army Organizations.