#PINNED: BTS songs shine their light on ARMY during the darkest days

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Are you already a fan of the South Korean K-Pop band Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS)? Then it is undeniable that you were hooked on their charming looks, all-out performances, and the fact that they love their fans, Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth (ARMY), so much.

If you started out by asking your friend, “this is BTS right?,” or “who is the guy with the purple mic?,” been there, done that! Despite waiting in the longest queue for your bias, you have fallen into the greatest rabbit hole of never-ending merchandise, comforting songs, and content that will keep you company during late nights.

Everyone has a different story on how they became a fan. After all, they say that you find BTS when you need them most; and it is true, we know we did!

More than just the songs

Millions of fans have stood by BTS since they debuted in 2013, and the ARMY continues to grow—knowing no age and gender.

It is not just because of their music, but their performances get you hooked, and their content like Run BTS, Bon Voyage, and V Lives pull you deeper into the rabbit hole, Nine, a 44-year-old ARMY said. What they do and who they are—the music, the artistry, the message, and what they stand for began her journey, she added.

Even during a pandemic, the band gained a number of fans like 23-year-old Niccole. She was introduced to BTS at the peak of the pandemic; as she battled the loneliness of the times.

Niccole explained that their songs reflect their authenticity as artists. Being real reflects their genuine and humble personalities, views, and outlook on life. Their passion shines through their performances while being blessed with numerous awards along the line and not forgetting ARMY for their success.

Their individual talents, strengths, weaknesses, and work ethic are shared by the entire group, Pamy, a 38-year-old ARMY said. BTS is a team and they take that seriously. They do not replicate the common mistakes of other boy bands with selfish motivations and greediness among its members, she added.

Living up to One True 7 (OT7)

It is no secret that all seven members, RM, Jungkook, Jin, V, Jimin, Suga, and J-Hope, love each other equally. It is a breath of fresh air not just among K-Pop, but also among musicians and celebrities to see that kind of relationship, Pamy said.

Despite having designated roles, they keep it real with one another. Bangtan Bombs or documentaries only humanize them, showing that they are like us—true and insanely funny, but still struggle as they work their way to the top.

BTS songs are personal notes to ARMY, being the light during the darkest days. We have gathered our top conversion picks from our fellow ARMYs that you can even create a playlist out of!

Nine’s top picks

BTS songs are like companions in a life journey, Nine said. No matter what you are going through, whether you are in high spirits or down, there is always a BTS song for it.

• Blue & Grey: “When Taehyung (V) said that he wrote the song at a low point in his life, you know it is a song to help get through yours as well. This got me through most of the pandemic, but UGH!, Mikrokosmos, and WABTE helped a lot, too.”
• Inner Child, Sweet Night, Scenery, 4 O’Clock, Winter Bear and Snow Flower: “These songs have been a huge source of comfort and healing for me.”

Nine elaborated that it also matters that the boys themselves are involved in the songwriting process. The songs mean something to them personally, so when they put a song out there, whether it is paid or free content, sometimes it feels like a letter to a friend. There is meaning, purpose and intent.

Niccole’s top picks

Niccole said that BTS’ songs radiate so much happiness. Their discography adds an edge, because it is so wide and there will always be a song for every mood.

• Dynamite: “I got hooked because it was upbeat and cheerful, which really lifted my spirits during the peak of COVID-19.”
• Lights: “It is a heartfelt song about BTS and ARMY being each other’s light. I listen to it every time I feel down, because it feels like you are getting a giant hug from BTS.”
• Born Singer: “Adapted from J.Cole’s “Born Sinner,” it talks about how hard the group worked prior to their debut. The song is so raw and personal, you can see how passionate they are as artists.”

Pamy’s top picks

Not many songs today have those deep, personal lyrics that make you feel good, Pamy said. The serendipitous part of it is, you chance upon their songs, research the meaning and without overthinking, you know right there and then that the song spoke to you.

• Fire and DOPE: “They were the first songs and music videos I saw back in 2018. I was amazed by their impeccable dance moves. Plus, the upbeat melodies were not hard to forget.”
• Mikrokosmos: “This sealed the deal for me. I quickly searched for the lyrics and when I read it, I knew it spoke to me at that very moment—the right moment for me to become an ARMY.”
• Magic Shop: “I was going through such a tough time at work, but I listened to it over and over again because the vibe and message made me feel better.”
• Answer: Love Myself: “This song lifted me after going through an emotional breakdown where I needed to put myself first to find my happiness. In fact, their message gave me the confidence to leave work and resign.”

The work of BTS is a testament that music is truly a universal language that does not need to be in English. We hope that these songs will give you comfort on the toughest days. We would like to hear what chart-topping or underrated BTS songs converted you into an ARMY?

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Aimee Lontok is a writer who got her bachelor of arts degree in journalism. She is passionate about discovering the secret gems of fashion, travel, food, art and culture—with the hope that sharing these stories will provide any reader an escape from reality.