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Reporter Kim Seon-woong = An outdoor advertisement celebrating the 10th anniversary of the debut of the group BTS is being screened near Samseong Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 12th. 2023.06.12. mangusta@newsis.com
Reporter Lee Jae-hoon = One of the big reasons why the global super group ‘BTS’ (BTS), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, was able to bring about a revolution in K-pop is the power of the world’s most powerful fandom ‘Army’. The support is also great.
ARMY is famous for their ‘concrete fandom’. It has a large and loyal fan base. The name of the fan club, ‘ARMY’, was created to mean that BTS and fans will always be together, just as bulletproof vests are always with the military. The relationship is closer than any other fandom. It is a relationship network that is possible because it is not a relationship between an idol (idol) and a fan, but a horizontal relationship.
BTS members consistently appealed to the same generation living in the same era, such as ‘school violence’, ‘entrance exam’ and ‘backbone breaker’ in the early stage of their debut. They wrote and sang songs based on what they experienced and worried about. More and more fans sympathized with their voices and messages. This is the reason why the strong fandom ‘Army’, which was built from the ground up, was able to emerge. It is also significant that BTS and fans may not have intended it, but the pronunciation is the same as the French word ‘Amie’, which means friend.
Bang Shi-hyeok, chairman of Hive, a producer of BTS, also said, “BTS’ basic concept is to grow as a team. That’s why, instead of me planning it, the seven of us worked together and grew surprisingly. It’s not right to plan the concept first and then let the members enter. When I talk with the members, I pay attention to their growth, worries, and happiness.”
Another factor that made ARMY stronger is that the team did not receive much attention in the early days. Rookie groups from large agencies such as SM, JYP, and YG Entertainment are immediately attracting attention. On the other hand, BTS, which debuted in 2013, have not been widely known for about two years despite their excellent ability to write and compose lyrics and powerful messages. It was a long time when the team was undervalued, and a sense of solidarity was built up during that time.
Another characteristic of ARMY is a kind of ‘experience fandom’. While sharing the narrative of growth, fan activity also becomes a dynamic experience and play. In particular, while achieving results overseas, such as on the US Billboard, their activities became more rich in narrative as they used the global stage. BTS plans to publish a memoir commemorating its 10th anniversary, ‘Beyond The Story: BTS’ 10-Year Record,’ on July 9, the birthday of ARMY, in Korea and the United States. seems to be
Popularity gained momentum and the number of those who became ARMYs belatedly increased and are still increasing. It is because there is diversity that can immerse you in the story of a solidly built team. This is why it is rare to find a fandom with as many age groups as ARMY. So, first of all, 6 ARMYs of each generation from Korean teens to 60s were interviewed in writing with common questions. It is difficult to represent each age group, but there is room to gauge the army culture of that generation. Some ARMYs are anonymous.
Teenage ARMY Park Si-hyeon (12) Yang
1. Since when did you like BTS and what motivated you to do so?
“I became interested in Bangtan after listening to Poetry for Small Things, and I started listening to Bangtan’s songs and started looking for entertainment shows featuring Bangtan, and I thought I was a fan of Bangtan, so I came to like Bangtan.”
2. When did you feel most proud of being an ARMY (and coming to like BTS)?
“Bangtan won first place with dynamite on September 1, 2020. Being in first place with dynamite for two weeks, falling to second place for a while, and then winning first place again, I was proud and surprised as an ARMY, so this part was the most I guess I was proud of it.”
3. Which BTS member do you like the most and why?
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BTS. 2023.06.10. (Photo = Provided by Big Hit Music) photo@newsis.com *Resale and DB prohibited
“I think my favorite is Jin. Originally, my favorite was Jungkook, but as soon as I saw Jin on Running Man, I think he became my favorite. I really liked Jin’s self-composed song ‘This Night’. Also, the solo songs Awake and Epiphany ( Epiphany) is also so good, I think that’s one of the reasons why it became my favorite.”
4. What is your favorite BTS song and why do you like it?
“Inner Child. I think it’s a song that somehow comforts me. I think I listen to Inner Child when I’m sad or want to be comforted. I think I listen to Inner Child when I try not to think of anything.”
5. What is your favorite song or phrase from BTS?
“In Inner Child, ‘It must have been painful, it must have been too hard, I ran after the endless light.’ I think this is the lyric that I received the most comfort from among Inner Child.
6. What do you think BTS means to Korea beyond the K-pop world?
“I think it’s the tradition of the K-pop world that our descendants can know about? The basics? The big frame? I think BTS is a global group that the whole world knows about. It’s a proud thing of our country that our descendants can also know about.” I think.”
7. What kind of existence do you think ARMY is to you?
“I think that ARMY is a collaboration. I think Bangtan exists today because of ARMY. I don’t think any group can beat the collaborative power of ARMY that moves with just one Bangtan song.”
This is a question that follows on from 8.7, but in a slightly different context. What does BTS mean to your generation?
“I think they’re the only boy group that my generation (11-year-olds) know to have topped the Billboard charts. Also, I think they’re a boy group with a lot of good songs.”
9. Is there anything you wish for BTS’ activities in the future?
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Reporter Choi Jin-seok = Fans, including BTS’s fan club Army, received tickets for BTS’ Seoul final concert ‘Love Yourself: Speak Yourself’ at Jamsil Sports Complex in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 27th. Waiting in line for pickup. 2019.10.27. myjs@newsis.com
“Do a lot of national tours in collaboration with other boy groups or girl groups. And do a lot of fan meetings. Do a lot of concerts (one of those who failed to get tickets) and do a lot of events.”
10. Is there anything you want to say to BTS?
“Don’t get sick, don’t get hurt and promote. ARMYs can wait for 1 year or 10 years. Fighting for this promotion too!”
Mr. Jung, an office worker in his 20s
1. “Are you in the 2nd year of middle school? I think I started to like it when I saw the ‘Attack on Bangtan’ stage around the age of 15. It was around 2013-4, and among the lyrics at that time, there was a line that said, ‘Don’t step on the backs of seniors’, but ‘Wow, my spirit is crazy’. I thought about it, found the stage, watched it a lot, and became an ARMY.”
2. “When I toured the stadium, I was very proud to have a concert at that venue, maybe because a Queen movie was coming out at the time.”
3. “It’s hard to pick one member because my favorite member changes every time I’m active. But if I had to pick one, it would be Jungkook. He’s good at everything… he’s cute and he’s simple.”
4. I like ‘Outro: Wings’ the most. There is a lyric, ‘I will have unconditional faith’, but it gives me strength when I listen to it when I am not sure about myself.”
5. “I liked it and saved it in the gallery. I like RM’s Thank You song from BTS’ ‘Be’ album. I remember reading this article in line with the corona situation at the time, feeling better and sympathizing with it.
The following is the ‘Full text of RM’. In many ways, the word ‘atrophied’ fits very well. It is a year when our bodies, which have spent countless hours inside, and above all our minds and wills shrank. I, too, was just busy with anger, frustration, and sadness. however. I am RM, and we are called Bangtan. Reminds me of the countless stars looking at us, and stands up once again. This album is a record of that rise. Because I couldn’t stay down forever, and I never wanted to. A time when everyone was a bit depressed. Thank you to everyone at Big Hit who completed this record together, overcoming various boredom and stiffness that surged in like waves every morning. Now you are like my friends. I am grateful to my family, friends, and colleagues who always inspire, comfort, and inspire me. Also, to the bulletproof friends who believe in each other and run in any situation. And like the sun and flowers during the day, and like the moon and lakeshore at night, they protect me. I would like to give the greatest love and gratitude to you who are reading this right now. Please, these sounds transcend boundaries and disconnections, transcend people. May it reach you beyond ‘Bangtan’ and ‘Army’. I wish I could be your pebble. i love you.”
6. “Personally, I don’t want Bangtan to mean anything to our country. I wish it would just remain as a team, but I don’t think that’s possible. I don’t know exactly what it means. Looking at various things such as the visit to the White House, I think I could tell that something was becoming something. Bangtan once quoted Mr. Kim Gu’s words, ‘The only thing I want to have indefinitely is the power of a high culture.’ This word comes to mind sometimes. I think it’s because bulletproof is becoming more or less meaningful to that power.”
7. “Before, a comrade in arms? It felt like that, but now it feels like a sergeant’s classmate who has a little time… It’s probably because he’s an army.”
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(Busan = Newsis) Reporter Ha Kyung-min = On the 15th, a BTS fan meeting event is held at Asiad Auxiliary Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan, with more than 20,000 BTS fan club ‘Ami’ participating. 2019.06.15. yulnetphoto@newsis.com
8. “The generation you belong to… I don’t know. Some people are enthusiastic about it, some hate it and are jealous of it, some are curious about it, and even people who don’t know it well seem to be in the same generation.”
9. “I hope you continue to do activities that tell your story.”
10. “I rather like BTS Chapter 2, let’s go.”
Kim Seon-jin (34, female, office worker), ARMY in her 30s
1. “Through the song ‘RUN’ on the mini album, I often listened to BTS songs and became a fan of the group while watching the video of the sharp group dance.”
2. “As a fan, I’m most proud to see the sincere image of a professional performing perfectly on stage.”
3. “Jimin is my favorite♡ The reason is that he is cute, has a lot of aegyo and has a boyish charm.”
4.”Serendipity. Jimin’s sad and warm voice is perfect, and the stage is so artistic! It has a contrasting charm from BTS’ intense stage.”
5. “I like the part of the lyrics of the song ‘Microcosm’, ‘It must be because of us, not those stars or lights, that the expression on this night is so beautiful.’ It’s a special song because Bangtan describes ARMY as a small universe.”
6. “It changed the status of Korea, and I have more respect for BTS’ success knowing how much effort and passion they put into it.”
7. “ARMY is an identity to me. There is a prejudice that idols have extreme fans, but ARMY is doing good through global charity.”
8. “The message contained in BTS’ songs gives sympathy and hope to our generation.”
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(Seoul=Newsis) Probationary reporter Park Mi-so = Fans of BTS gather at the Armypedia offline event ‘Run Army in Action’ held at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 10th. This ARMYPEDIA event is a fan invitation event for the 5th generation of BTS’s fan club ARMY. 2019.03.10. misocamera@newsis.com
9. “I support your solo activities too! Please do a lot of activities!”
10.”Let’s go to the army in good health, without worrying about military service! BTS FOREVER :)”
Ami in her 40s living in Jeju
1. “After Dynamite topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020, I became interested in a team called BTS. I had previously worked in pop culture-related work, and I was still interested in that field, so a Korean singer ranked No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. I seem to have more strongly accepted the fact that doing ” is a very difficult and big achievement. I wondered what kind of team and what kind of charm they had that could cause this level of syndrome. Of course, even before that, BTS and BTS’ global popularity I knew it, and I thought it was interesting that there were so many enthusiastic ARMYs among my acquaintances around my age, but it was just that, and with the Hot 100 No. 1, I wanted to learn more about the reality of this global syndrome. I asked an ARMY friend to recommend music and representative contents, and within one night, I immediately knew the truth and reason for its popularity. Eventually, I fell into the world of BTS and couldn’t sleep for nearly two years. Now, I’m asleep. catch some.”
2. “BTS, whether as a group or as individuals, is always humble and does a lot of activities that have a positive impact on society, so there are many times when I am proud of it. Sometimes I like a celebrity myself, but I want my life to go in a better direction. I am startled when I feel that I am being led by power. If I have to come up with one specific answer, I will take the UN SDG speech. The moment when I gave a speech and sang in Korean at an important gathering gathering was a moment I was really proud of as an ARMY.”
3. “I love all the members. All seven members have grown up together by filling in each other’s weaknesses, so I feel that without one of them, we cannot be BTS.”
4. “I like ‘Spring Day’ the most. The message of positivity and solidarity in that song makes my heart thump whenever I hear it. The compassion towards people and the kindness towards each other that I feel while listening to ‘Spring Day’ is a difficult and difficult time. It gives me strength to live through the day.”
5. “The chorus below in the lyrics of ‘Spring Day’ reminds me of the countless faces we couldn’t protect.
Cherry blossoms seem to be blooming, this winter is also over stay”
And there is the word ‘Uhamsaba’, which is a message from the lyrics of ‘Sea’, a hidden track of BTS’ ‘Love Yourself Win Her’, and is like a password used to express love to ARMYs. It means ‘if we are together, the desert becomes the sea’. It is a phrase I really like because it conveys a message of solidarity and love that BTS and ARMY can overcome any difficulties if they are together.”
6. “K-pop played a decisive role in settling down as music enjoyed by people all over the world, beyond the limits of being recognized as third world music that some enthusiasts liked not only in the Western mainstream pop world, but also in South America and Europe. The achievements of “Bangtan Boys” have led to the phenomenon that countless Koreans are accepted in local societies abroad and are of great help in planting a positive impression on them. I think it has brought about a tremendous butterfly effect that implants a person image. And even after breaking away from this unique Korean perspective, ARMYs around the world are influenced by the message of BTS and work to unite beyond barriers that are difficult to overcome such as race, religion, and culture. If BTS, as K-pop idols, had good music and good looks, this would have been a phenomenon that could not have been achieved. Recognizing the influence they have, they tried to live a life worthy of their reputation with constant effort and perseverance. Because they acted with a conscious and responsible attitude, the messages they sang could gain sincerity and reach people all over the world.”
7. “He is a companion who protects the BTS universe together, and is like a stone of calculation. Most of the ARMYs who always try to spread the good influence that BTS delivers are touched by them, and they make me try to become a better person. When I see some ARMYs (?) who act excessively, I am determined not to do that.”
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(Seoul=Newsis) Reporter Kwon Chang-hoe = On the morning of the 12th, foreign fans are taking pictures to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the debut of BTS at the Hive office building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. 2023.06.12. kch0523@newsis.com
8. “I said above that I fell in love with Bangtan right away on the first night I thought I wanted to know BTS properly. The reason is, of course, that the music is good and the performance is cool, and the ‘sincerity’ that matches the message they sing and the way they live life. It’s because I felt a very strong emotion that I can’t easily explain. It felt like I was hit on the head hard. There are so many ARMYs my age around me, and most of them say the same thing. BTS like this It seems to have the power to make the lives of ARMY move in a positive direction, regardless of the generation.”
9. “I hope that 2025 or later will continue as a complete group. When we return as a full group, we hope that they will be able to do the music they want to do more freely and with a longer breath, away from grades or achievements. So, BTS and ARMY I wish we could grow old together.”
10.”Thank you so much for your hard work over the past 10 years. Kim Nam-jun, Kim Seok-jin, Min Yoon-gi, Jeong Hoseok, Park Ji-min, Kim Tae-hyung, and Jeon Jung-guk, ARMYs know all of your hard work. Thank you for making me happy every day. All I want is for all the members to serve in the military. All we have to do is stay healthy during the period and come back safely to the ARMYs. Behold~ Apobangpo!!”
Ami Munmo (male, office worker) in his 50s
1. “I started cheering after watching Mnet’s real variety show ‘American Hustle Life’ in 2014. Although free-spirited, he has basic skills, and he has a good attitude to learn and communicate, so I came to like him because he seemed to have great potential for future growth.”
2. “When it hit #1 on Billboard, it was when I saw you give a speech at the United Nations.”
3.”Jimin. His voice and timbre are good and he has a lot of composure, so it’s fun to watch.”
4. Fake Love, Mic Drop, Daechwita. I like it because I can feel that the song and dance rap are sophisticated, and the charisma and emotion are maximized in the shouting part.
5. “In ‘Answer: Love Myself’, there is a phrase ‘I’m learning how to love myself’. The more I learn to love myself, the happier my life and the more I can love others. , I think I like it.”
6. “I think it is meaningful in that the excellence of Korean culture and Korean people is recognized by young people around the world while promoting the level of K-pop that continues to grow and evolve by combining hip-hop-based rhythm and dance to the world.”
7. “I think they are mercenaries of Korean culture who positively represent Korea’s image and have loyalty to BTS and K-pop.”
8. “You may think of him as a patriot who spreads Korean culture, especially the excellence of K-pop, to the world, but you probably don’t know much about BTS’ music.”
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Reporter Kwon Chang-hoe = On the morning of the 12th, one day before the 10th anniversary of BTS’ debut, foreign fans are taking pictures with Jimin dolls near the Hive office building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. 2023.06.12. kch0523@newsis.com
9. “I hope that the break ends quickly and even if all members cannot get together, they can prolong their prime by promoting solo activities, especially unit activities or collaboration activities with other artists.”
10. “I hope you will shake off the burden of presenting a higher quality and more complete work than before, and continue your happy activities while making free attempts like 10 years ago when you took on childish challenges.”
Kim Eun-hyeong (62, female, housewife), ARMY in her 60s
1. “I became interested in BTS’ music after seeing Seo Taiji and Boys’ classroom idea stage at the end of 2016 at the Gayo Festival.”
2. “The speech at the UN General Assembly was memorable. As an ARMY, I was happy because the message of my favorite singer was delivered to the world and I was able to show a good influence.”
3.”Jin has a straight mind, and his comfortable tone is attractive.”
4.”Spring day, I like the vague atmosphere of the song.”
5. “Lyrics of ‘Life Goes On’, ‘Let’s continue today and tomorrow again with the usual beginning and end saying ‘Goodbye’, but we stop hiding in the darkness, because the light will come again'”
6. “Seeing fans all over the world unite as one with Bangtan, I think ‘consolation from music’ is a universal language.”
7. “I’m proud to be an ARMY. ARMY and Bangtan are proud of each other. As a fan, I’m always proud of watching Bangtan grow, and I’m happy that it’s a source of strength for Bangtan.”
8. “Like a singer is a healthy hobby, but there are times when you don’t understand it. However, I feel a sense of sympathy and comfort from people who like Bangtan. I feel hope and happiness in everyday life through Bangtan. “
9. “It’s nice to see them together, but they can take a break, so I hope they choose the path they want.”
10. “I always cheer for you and look forward to your good activities.”