Fandoms for Change: BTS ARMY PH to the rescue

In the past few years, K-pop has taken the world by storm – and created global fandoms with it. One of the biggest, most organized fan groups is BTS’ ARMY, the self-proclaimed “Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth”. What sets many Korean fandoms apart from your run-of-the-mill fan groups is their drive to spread good vibes. After first attending a concert in Sydney, BTS fan Jiye Kim said in a TIME Magazine interview, “That’s the first time a group has made me not only want to care more about them but care more about the world that I live in.”

These feelings of goodwill are characteristic of the BTS ARMY. In the Philippines, local ARMY has done fundraising projects for many causes. One of the most memorable ones is fundraising for the victims of Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni). In a true show of solidarity, BTS fans across the country joined together to raise funds for the affected families in North Luzon, the Bicol Region, and Mindanao.

And the spirit lives on. BTS ARMY Philippines is fundraising with World Vision this year to commemorate BTS’ 9th Anniversary. In an industry as dynamic as music and entertainment, it’s very seldom that groups stay together – and remain popular – for almost a decade. This applies to K-pop groups as well.

What inspires the fandom to keep giving is their idols’ message of encouragement, positivity, and hope. BTS is known to have addressed important social issues like mental health, racism, inequality, discrimination, and oppression. And they don’t just talk about it – they do something. Kim Nam-joon, Kim Seok-jin, Min Yoon-gi, Jung Ho-seok, Park Ji-min, Kim Tae-hyung, and Jeon Jung-gook all have personal causes that they support individually and as a group.

“What the BTS ARMY Philippines has done is show the world that fandoms can be a force for good,” says Jun Godornes, Resource Development Director at World Vision Philippines. “We’re really grateful that these passionate youth have directed their energies towards helping their countrymen, and they want to do it as representatives of their K-idol. I’m sure BTS would be very proud.”

More than making their BTS idols proud, ARMY folk genuinely want to make a difference and help the less fortunate. Tiring as it may be, fundraising gives ARMY members a sense of fulfillment like no other. They hope that their actions will inspire a new generation of changemakers that bring light into the world – the metaphorical equivalent of their favorite BTS merch, the ARMY bomb.

In the meantime, they’ll continue supporting their favorite K-pop group, dancing and singing along the way.