BTS ARMY: The Intellectuals
Tagged by MTV as the World’s Most Powerful Fandom, the BTS ARMY is considered to be one of the most intelligent fandoms there is today.
In an era where information is free-flowing and can be sourced through multiple platforms, it may seem easy to be in-the-know and updated about everything that’s going on. But in reality, there’s a greater struggle in obtaining real knowledge nowadays due to the emergence of fake news, social media and inadequacy of information verification. Despite these challenges, the BTS ARMY has remained true to its roots in being keen and careful when doing research about music, artistic references, fashion, brands, partnerships, chart-related data and many others. There have been many doubts from the start, but it all eventually fell into place. All for the Grammy-nominated septet from South Korea, BTS.
A question asked by many, “How did the BTS ARMY gain so much power in the industry?”. There are a lot of answers to this, but the first idea that always comes to mind is their wisdom and intellectual capacity. These seven brilliant men are supported by smart and strategic individuals from varying backgrounds, thus creating a solid, heartstrong, online community.
On music and creativity, BTS and Big Hit Entertainment have always been into using unconventional methods to express messages they want to share to the world. Indeed a breath of fresh air, away from the common ways of releasing and promoting tracks and albums. They knew how to turn the general public into avid listeners, the depth to their musicality has always been the shining glory. The rise in popularity of “bops” or “bangers” have been the trend, this has also been mentioned by Kim Namjoon—the leader of BTS, in one of his livestreams. However, for a fandom to still digest the truest meaning of words written as lyrics to their songs in this day and age, it’s one thing that any artist would want the most. The BTS ARMY willingly dissects each of their releases, accompanied with researches on psychology, philosophy, history, sociopolitical issues, and many more. It all comes to play when the elements from a music video, lyrics and references from philosophers, writers, artists or cultural events align like they we’re all meant to be puzzle pieces that completed each other. Moreover, the famous BU or Bangtan Universe is another world yet to be fully explored and completed. Only a fandom as smart as the ARMY can comprehend these storylines portrayed by each member.
On fan culture and social influence, this fandom is known to be one of the most proactive groups there is today. Not only are they supporters of kind, generous, talented and humble men, they are also one of the most strategic ones out there. The BTS ARMY functions like a small country, having different departments to cater to the needs of the fandom. From translators, streamers, funding bases, voting bases, charity organizations, lawyers, healthcare workers, researchers, librarians, students, tutors, designers, editors, writers, artists, musicians and many others. These small groups help in maintaining the unity and the ease of information dissemination in the fandom. It creates a healthy, family-like environment that can be every ARMY’s escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Everything just makes sense.
What’s truly remarkable is that these individuals come from different regions across the globe, speaking different languages and having different professions, but have all found a home in BTS. It is important to keep in mind that the fans do not get paid to do this, everything is rooted from the inspiration and hope given by these seven men.
Beyond the sales and the chart positions that the ARMY is known for, what makes it different is the unity and depth of knowledge behind every account. There is so much information shared on the timeline everyday, backed with studies, news articles and researches that have been carefully verified and curated.
Like any other community, the ARMY is and will never be perfect and there are no specific standards on who or what he, she or they should be. What truly matters is the character, generosity and kindness to everyone. It is okay to make mistakes, as everyday is a learning experience. As we look forward to what 2021 has to offer, let us continue to support BTS, focus on the things that matter and let’s take good care of each other.
Written By: jeonsarkive
