R(eco)M(mendations): for book lovers

BTS’ Diverse Cultural Influence

BTS has influenced ARMY in many ways throughout their career, and their impact as artists has resulted in a massive and diverse cultural globalization. While their music alone has caused a huge change, their lives outside of being artists has also influenced people for the better.

There is no denying that BTS has not only managed to make their own culture globally recognized, but at the same time has made people more accepting of the differences that exist among cultures ― simply by staying true to their roots even after achieving worldwide fame. They have shown their respect for their culture and upbringing many times — simple games to celebrate special days in Korea on shows like “Run BTS,” delivering an acceptance speech in Korean at the AMAs, and even raving about the food they find ‘back home.’

This has not only made more people aware of Korean culture but has made their fans more open about their own upbringing and more accepting of others at a global level.

ARMYs As Change

ARMYs have always paid attention to the cultural and artistic aspect of both BTS’ music and their lives— from outlining theories about the “Blood Sweat and Tears” music video to following their recommendation when purchasing anything; ARMYs have done it all. As ARMYs have always claimed, they have learnt a lot from BTS about healing, comfort, and even about the process of learning itself. However, unlike what many would think, it has not been a passive journey; throughout their learning processes, ARMYs have also implemented this learning in various ways to heal others in turn.

Credit: www.oneinanarmy.org

ARMYs have engaged in many projects to create change in the world. They have raised money countless times in BTS' name. A recent project for SUGA included fundraising for a US organization that assists disadvantaged children so that they can grow up safe, healthy, and educated. On a more light-hearted note, the fandom also takes time to enjoy the simple things in life with their #SkyforNamjoon project where ARMYs can immerse themselves into their immediate worlds a little more.

A specific member inspired ARMYs with his own ways of namjooning ― “the act of living as Kim Namjoon. This includes taking walks through parks, admiring nature, hanging out with crabs, and having fun with friends,” as described by the Urban Dictionary. This man is none other than RM, the leader of BTS himself.

While one side of the fandom admires his composing abilities, the other immerses themselves into his knowledge of art and books.

#RMBOOKCHALLENGE

As the new year rolled in, fawzul ― an ARMY and a well-known account on Twitter (known for creating #skyfornamjoon) ― released a Google form asking fellow book-lover ARMYs if they were interested in a reading challenge based on Namjoon’s recommendations over the years for the year 2022. Upon receiving an overwhelmingly positive response, they decided to compile a list of books, with one book a month along with a bonus book for avid readers. They also set up a page dedicated to the challenge- rmbookchallenge

Namjoon has been known in the book community for a long time, from famous BookTubers like Jack Edwards reading his recommendations to several other book lovers acknowledging his diverse taste in literature. And knowing this, ARMYs were more than excited to be a part of this challenge. The page quickly garnered huge attention with positive responses flooding it: and not only on Twitter but also on the apps fable ― a book club hosting site and storygraph ― a fairly new reading tracker.

The list compiled is as diverse as one would expect Namjoon’s reading taste to be. From lesser-known but eye-opening books like Human Acts by Han Kang to classics like Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the list has it all. The month of January marked the beginning of this challenge with the two books Human Acts and KIM JIYOUNG, BORN 1982 both described by Namjoon as ‘extremely thought-provoking.’

HUMAN ACTS is a novel that switches points of view as it sheds light on the inner suffering of those in the Gwangju Uprising in 1980. Complex yet beautifully crafted, it follows the interconnected lives of several common people who were caught in the brutalities of the time.

Credit: RM Book Challenge '22 @rmbookchallenge

KIM JIYOUNG, BORN 1982 is a story following the life of a girl in South Korea and commenting on the condition of women not only in society but in the working field as well. The story is written in a simple language and uses wit and irony to add to the discourse.

Both books comment on the injustices of life, providing lessons that will remain with the reader for a long time

In conclusion, if you are someone who loves books and admires RM just as much, this challenge is a must for you to check out and be a part of.

Link to the details and January reading tracker: RM Book Challenge '22

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Written by: Rose

Edited by: Clare

Checked by: Aury