ARMY Magazine - Monthly Issues ARMY Magazine ISSUE NO.4 - FEB 2019 | Page 23

heartbreak like boybands of past eras;
instead, the members’ viewpoint comes
from a place of sober realism. Their candid
interactions with fans through lyrics,
notes on Fancafe, or award speeches
give ARMYs a glimpse into their lives
and help strengthen the connection. In
moments of doubt, having a support
structure can make a world of difference
and BTS provides that safety net.
BTS has reached astronomical
levels of success, but that is not to say
that their lives are any easier than
before they became famous. As stated
at MAMA 2018 during BTS’ emotional
acceptance speech, there are still many
struggles and trials they must over-
come despite their immense success
and celebrity. As men in their 20’s,
they still experience loss, heartbreak,
and disappointment like everyone
else. They openly share some of their
toughest moments with ARMYs as
a way to connect, heal, and comfort
their fans, as well as themselves. Many
feel isolated after a breakup or major
loss in their lives, but BTS ensures no
one is ever left alone and stranded.
challenges they face because they
have had one another to lean on.
Many ARMYs share a similar senti-
ment in regards to their connection
with BTS. During his ending mention
at the 2018 Citifield show, RM told
fans that he has used ARMY to love
himself and urged us to “please use BTS
to love yourself.” They rely on the love of
ARMY as much as ARMY relies on them,
and it’s this mutual love and respect that
allows fans to connect more than the
way other fans have connected to idols in
previous generations.
“What a relief that
we are together.”
This line from SUGA’s Run poem
memorializes how the members have
persevered through the many
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