We’ve been called robots, accused of being victims of a herd mentality. We are enormous, passionate, and far-reaching. MTV News has called us “The World’s Most Powerful Fandom”. People have noted how dedicated and extraordinarily organized we are. The Vulture called us vigilant, powerful, and protective. Some have called the Adorable Representative MC for Youths a movement, rather than a fandom, supporting BTS in their mission of finding and promoting self-love. Even BTS calls us their army. Whenever BTS is mentioned so too is ARMY—for better or for worse. The simple fact that ARMY gets this much attention tells us one thing: we stray from the norm.
So, what are we? A group of fanatics? A chaotic, churning mass of hormones? Mindless followers of pretty faces? A faceless ocean of screams?
A cult?
Traditionally a cult is, per Google, “a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object” or “a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing.” However, today the term itself has come to mean a subculture surrounding any shared love or common interest, including religion, but also favorite movies, philosophies, other worldviews, and canceled television shows.
You can’t be on “ARMY Twitter” for very long without running into jokes about Jin Cult, memes featuring prayer circles, or the members all wearing Death Eater-esque hoods. It’s a fact of the fandom which most ARMYs have readily, even joyfully embraced. Many of our actions can be attributed to this mindset: actions such as many ARMYs spending time making projects and gifts for both BTS and the less fortunate; actions of love and kindness to other ARMYs; gifts of money to support clean water in Africa, a koala in Australia, the rebuilding of a coral reef, the replanting of a forest—all in BTS’ name.
ARMY has built for itself a unique community; there’s a culture of mutual respect and encouragement. We wear merchandise like badges of honor. Meeting a new ARMY on the street is like discovering a new family member. We have our own holidays. So, it's understandable to see how some make the association. From the outside, it may very well seem "cultish."
Establishing the idea that a “cult” is a religious system, the fact that ARMY shares many traits with such an organization type isn’t necessarily a bad thing, nor something to be criticized. As said by Sri Aurobindo, author of Essays in Philosophy and Yoga, “Each religion has helped mankind”. Historically, the organization of religions has been a benefit to humanity, despite the detriment fanatics of each religion brought with it.
This is not to say that ARMY is, in fact, its own religion or cult, despite what Jincultists may joke. Rather, this is to explore how being compared to either one is neither an insult nor something of which to be ashamed.
Psychology Today, in an article about religion, claimed that some of the many boons include helping to “make sense of a confusing world, provide motivation, encourage altruism, and bind communities together”. Some evidence, though not conclusive, does suggest those who participate in religious beliefs and activities tend to be healthier both mentally and physically.
It is true that, in the past and present, religion has been used as an excuse to sweep aside wrong-doings and toxic, harmful mindsets. However, it is also true that within every religion there is at least some grain of teaching which urges the believers to participate in spreading goodwill to their fellow man. Just one example is Christianity. For all of the bad press, deserved or not - the crux of the matter is that humanity and imperfections go hand in hand - at its core the message is love. As is written in Mark 12:31, Jesus Christ himself said, “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these”.
Which brings us back to BTS, their ARMY, and the Love Yourself Movement. The boys have spoken out about issues close to their hearts since their debut back in 2013. Issues all ultimately circling the ideal of taking care of yourself—whether it be not letting the haters get to you, refusing to let society push you around, or escaping the fake love of a controlling relationship. Moreover, this mindset has spread like a ripple through the fandom, causing ARMYs to band together in smaller units of support systems.
Accounts such as @yourmagicshopp exist to encourage fellow ARMYs to love themselves. Numerous fanbases regularly put together labors of love, whether it be charity, BTS promotion, or gifts to ARMY.ARMY has taken, not only the love BTS showers on them, but also the love they find they can generate within themselves and spread onwards. True, there are bad eggs in every group, be it religion, workplace or fandom. There are solo stans and toxic “fans,'' not to mention sasaengs and “manager ARMY." Yet, while these people may be loud, they are not the majority, nor even acceptable to said majority.
Overall, ARMY is a force for good, a generator of positive energy. Certainly, we are intense, extra, and loud. We pour focus and energy into detective work for BU, monitoring statistics on music sites, voting like a legion of spam accounts, and streaming as though our lives depend on it. Sometimes we cross lines, are a bit too much, and a little too protective. Doubtlessly, our own actions leave us wondering whether we’re a hivemind, or if we simply share a single brain cell. Nevertheless, we are here for BTS, loving them and empowered by the love we found in return. Lives have been made better. Hope and joy has been sowed where there was previously only depression, self-hatred, or loneliness.
Are we a cult? Honestly, that depends on how you look at it. As for me, I’m just proud to be a part of it.
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: Aury
Edited By Anna and Mheer
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