When I sat down the watch the American Music Awards in 2017 to check out BTS, who were advertised on the commercials as Korea’s biggest boy band, I didn’t know what to expect. I went in curious, with no preconceived notions or plans for the future, just a lifelong interest in boy bands and pop music that wasn’t going anywhere even as I neared my 30s. And here I sit, 3 years and 7 months later, wearing a “Speak Yourself” shirt, sitting in front of my concert banners, exhausted but happy after two days of 4 AM wake-ups for virtual concerts, celebrating another week of a Billboard #1, and all I feel is grateful.
BTS have been together now for 8 years. And even though I haven’t been here for all of that, it’s been such a joy to celebrate that time they’ve had together. From humble beginnings, through hardships and negativity, to accolades, awards, and shattered records, this group of 7 men have impacted millions, along with entire industries. They have so much to celebrate. And for the past few weeks, we’ve all gotten to do that together. The Festa content has been wonderful, and it’s been such a joy to see amazing fan art and beautiful messages shared by ARMY to honor this occasion. Because 8 years is incredible. We all know how hard it can be to keep a job for 8 years, to stick with a circle of friends for 8 years, but they’ve done it. And they keep going. Because they genuinely love what they do, and they love doing it together.
There’s so many things to be grateful for as I think about this group and the journey they’ve been on. Whether it’s the music, the endless hours of content, the ARMY friends I’ve made along the way, it all means so much. And in this past year especially, BTS has helped so many people feel so connected while experiencing isolation and for that, gratitude isn’t a strong enough word. Within their lifetime so far, they’ve taught us all so much about vulnerability, teamwork, compassion, dedication, and so much more. You truly cannot help but be inspired and motivated by this band. And anyone who chooses not to be, is really missing out. I know they don’t know me, I know they never will, but I know they want me to be happy, and that they understand that happiness is a journey, and I’m glad they are a part of mine.
I, like countless ARMY around the world, joined this fandom not to break streaming records or make headlines, but simply because I found a group that created music and performances that stuck with me. Because I quickly learned that they really cared about one another, as well as their fans, and that doesn’t come along often, which says so much about what we’re used to from the pop world. But in the end, we break those records and we build interest because we love this band and their music so much and we want them to succeed. And we have so much fun doing it.
The past few days of Muster have brought a level of fun and excitement back into my life that I’ve missed so much. Even as the city around me “reopens,” life feels far from normal. But that excitement leading up the concert? The joy of singing along to a live performance? The post-concert sadness but endless posts on the timeline? That is a part of my normal. And having that back was just awesome.
I know brighter days are ahead. I know their 9th year will bring new music, content, and beginnings. And I cannot wait to walk alongside them through it all. To keep feeling connected to these 7 artists, as well as a global, diverse, powerful fandom. I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow as individuals and as a group. To know what words or actions they share that go beyond a tweet or a livestream, but serve as a stepping stone for someone to do something that brings positive change to their life. Because they’re so much more than a boy band. And they’ve shown that time and time again over 8 phenomenal years.
So I guess I’ll wrap this up with messages of gratitude. Thank you, Namjoon, Jin, Yoongi, Hobi, Jimin, Tae, and Jungkook, for working together and giving us so much to connect on. Thank you, ARMY, no matter how long you’ve been here, for being part of this community that comes together for BTS, but engages with others like you and me. Thank you to everyone who has shown these artists the respect and adoration that they deserve. I’ve truly loved celebrating BTS over the past few weeks, but also for the past few years. I’m happy that I sit here in this merch, maybe just a little overtired, surrounded by reminders of truly unforgettable days. I’m proud, I’m thankful, and I’m just so glad I tuned in that night in 2017. Here’s to 8 years, 7 members, hundreds of songs, millions of ARMY, and so much more to come.
