BTS's K-pop fandom explained as new documentary lands in cinemas

Earlier this month,BTS fans were thrilled to hear that the K-Pop sensations will be returning next spring with their first studio album since 2020.

For those eagerly awaiting new content from the group, a brand-new documentary has just been released.

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, now showing in cinemas, pays tribute to the dedicated fans who have propelled these 21st century pop legends to global fame.

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According to the film's synopsis, it "dives into the passionate fandom that catapulted 21st century pop icons BTS into a global household name.

"We meet fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas, a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography, and fans who've been organising since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts."

The synopsis continues: "Defying stereotypes of pop fans as screaming teen girls, ARMY is an intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active movement that is as diverse as the world itself.

"The film captures the powerful spirit of activism and collectivism that make ARMY a symbol of hope and unity in our ever-fractured world," reports the Manchester Evening News.

Most pop enthusiasts are well acquainted with BTS, but how did their ARMY propel the band to worldwide recognition?

How did BTS rise to stardom?

Making their debut in 2013, BTS was formed under the K-pop label, Big Hit Entertainment. The seven-member band, made up of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, was initially conceived as a hip-hop group but later found success in pop music.

Much of their fame can be attributed to their devoted fanbase ARMY, which stands for 'Adorable Representative M. C. for Youth.'

During the group's formative years, the fandom was determined to transform them into a global sensation - and they delivered spectacular results.

As revealed in the documentary, ARMY supporters would dedicate countless hours posting about the band across social media platforms.

Additionally, devoted followers would ring radio stations persistently to promote BTS's tracks to broader audiences.

However, their appeals weren't always welcomed warmly.

"They'd (radio stations) tell us sometimes to request real music because they're not singing in English," remembers a fan featured in the film.

Their unwavering commitment ultimately bore fruit as the band now holds five Grammy Award nominations.

What else has ARMY accomplished?

Besides their loyalty to BTS, ARMY has gained recognition for supporting charitable initiatives.

In 2020, the fandom matched a $1 million (£755,680) donation made by the group to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Previously, in 2017, BTS collaborated with UNICEF for the Love Myself campaign, focused on eliminating violence against children and teenagers. The ARMY rallied behind this mission and united to generate funding.

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young is in cinemas now