There is nothing quite like the feeling of being surrounded by fellow ARMYs who’ve come together to experience and celebrate a BTS event. The community we have across the globe manifesting into in-person interactions is a big part of what makes going to these events so special. There is a sense of familiarity and friendship among us — even when most of us have never met each other before. The air at a BTS concert or event is electric with the hum of ARMYs. Compliments on outfits, recognizing long-distance friends, and — of course — talking about our favorite BTS songs/content fills the air with a buzz that is exciting and refreshing. This buzz often swells into the roar of the crowd when we are gathered to watch the boys perform, make a TV appearance, or receive an award.
When I traveled to Los Angeles in late 2021 for the first round of Permission to Dance concerts, one of the most memorable parts of the trip was encountering so many ARMYs in one space. Landing at LAX, I immediately spotted countless other ARMYs by their BTS and BT21 clothes, accessories, keychains, you name it. And realized that my best friend and I, decked out in our own merch, were being spotted as well. Waves and hellos were passed around like we had all known each other for years. Conversations easily started with a simple “I like your BTS shirt!” or “which shows are you going to?”
I felt that unique kind of excitement and familiarity again when I went to see j-hope perform at Lollapalooza — the feelings were almost even more intense because of the nature of the crowd and the event. Being in a sea of stars created by ARMY for j-hope felt exhilarating. It was as if there was a sense in the air that we all knew we were both witnessing and becoming a part of history for not only j-hope and BTS but also for the festival and American music scene. Of course, the friendly and eager meet-ups between new and old ARMY friends were happening all around as well. It is surreal in the best way to be in a space filled with so many other BTS fans, in part because I hardly ever get to experience that in my own everyday life.
As is the case with many — but not all — BTS fans around the world, I am from a relatively smaller city that doesn’t have K-pop themed stores or host hardly any K-pop themed events. I rarely see other ARMYs out and about, so the excitement of making ARMY acquaintances during public excursions is high. Seeing another BTS fan around my town — usually identifying each other by a piece of merch or a shared interest in the BTS album section at our local department stores — is often the same shyly excited exchange of compliments and discussions about our favorite things about BTS. So to be in a space full of people that I know share this interest in something so dear to my heart is a little mind-blowing every time I’ve gotten to experience it. BTS brings us so much comfort and joy in our everyday lives, and being able to relate to others around you because you know you share those sentiments with them is something really special. These encounters also give us the chance to share our BTS-related creative ventures and projects.
At these events, you’ll find many ARMYs decked out in merchandise from their favorite artists and fan-made shops, selling their own creations at merchandise booths and cupsleeve events, or giving out freebies that they spent hours of their own time creating. Coming home from a BTS concert or cupsleeve — which, for those who don’t know, is a fan-curated event held at cafes where fan-made merchandise is sold and fans gather to celebrate a specific milestone or event — often means having new stickers, prints, apparel, and photo cards to add to our personal collections. BTS inspires countless people to follow their inner creative spirit, and that inspiration is evident when you find yourself in a gathering of ARMYs. Even — no, especially — the outfits you see at BTS events show off ARMY’s ingenuity and wit, with jaw-dropping ensembles that fans create using references to the iconic music, videos, and style of BTS. These events are a time where we can let not only our love for BTS but also our creativity shine fully.
Image Credit: Twitter ID @out_namjooning
Each BTS concert, fan event, award show, etc. is a chance for ARMY to turn our often digital purple string of connection into a tangible experience with one another. Memories and friendships are made; personalities get to shine their most brightly. And all to share in our love and appreciation for a very special group of seven boys from Korea. These times become our own “most beautiful moments in life.” And the next time we get to gather in one place and celebrate together? Well, that’s “yet to come.”
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Written By: Sav
Edited By: Shelley
