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India Today
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
BTS reunion: What it means for the fandom and Indian ARMY
BTS is back and how! (Photo credit: Instagram/Ayushi Srivastava) Six of seven BTS members complete military service by June 2025 BTS and ARMY share a unique emotional bond beyond typical fandom BTS' return expected to boost HYBE stock and global music scene BTS is back, and so is ARMY [their fandom]'s comfort place. In our Weekly K-Fix, let's discuss why BTS' reunion is exactly the massive reset that the world needs right now. As June progresses, fans of BTS finally rejoice the moment they've been waiting for since 2022. Six of the seven members of the band have now completed their military service, with SUGA set to reunite with the group on June 21. With the official discharge of Kim Taehyung (V), Kim Namjoon (RM), Park Jimin, and Jeon Jungkook, the return of the world's biggest boy band isn't just a pop culture event, it's a global reset. But for their fandom, it's something far deeper. WHY BTS AND ARMY's BOND IS UNIQUE It's the comeback that was always promised, and one ARMY held onto with unwavering loyalty. The connection between BTS and ARMY has always defied conventional fandom dynamics. Their relationship - summed up by the acronym APOBANGPO ('ARMY Forever, Bangtan Forever'), coined by the leader Namjoon, is rooted in emotional reciprocity, built through lyrics, lives, and years of transparency. For three years, BTS kept their presence alive through carefully orchestrated solo projects, pre-recorded content, and social media messages. Jungkook's Golden, RM's introspective Indigo, Taehyung's Layover and Jimin's Face topped the charts, while Jin's The Astronaut, Echo, Yoongi's D-Day and J-Hope's Jack In The Box gave fans glimpses of their evolving artistry. Each member used their solo chapter not just to explore identity but to maintain a connection with the ARMY. BTS AND ARMY: EACH OTHER's COMFORT PLACE Now that they're back, the unspoken promise has been fulfilled. Exactly how RM once penned, 'You got me; I dream while looking at you. I got you; inside those pitch-black nights.' Over the years, fans have found healing, hope, and purpose in BTS' music. The group's early motto - Music and Artist for Healing - continues to echo through songs like Mikrokosmos, Spring Day, Magic Shop, Zero O'Clock, and Answer: Love Myself. Across social media, thousands of fans have shared personal stories of how BTS' music helped them navigate dark, difficult moments. Whether battling depression, struggling with self-worth, or learning the language of self-love, songs like Epiphany, The Truth Untold, Answer: Love Myself, and Zero O'Clock became more than lyrics - they were affirmations of healing. The group's open conversations about mental health, personal growth, and vulnerability built a space where millions felt seen, heard, and supported. For many, BTS wasn't just a soundtrack; it was a support system. Their return, then, is not merely musical, it's personal. And now, BTS is ready to return to where they belong - the stage, the studio, and the hearts of millions. THE GLOBAL SUPERPOWER And yet, the comeback has a macro impact too. HYBE's stock surged over 15 per cent in the week of the discharges, a clear sign of investor confidence in the BTS effect. Pre-enlistment, BTS reportedly contributed over 30 per cent of HYBE's total revenue. Even in their absence, the appetite for a group reunion never wavered - and now, the stage is set. From 2018 to 2021, BTS consistently broke global records by selling out Wembley Stadium, topping the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times, and becoming the first Korean act to receive a Grammy nomination. Their absence left a noticeable void. Award shows like the AMAs, BBMAs, and even the Grammys saw a dip in global engagement and streaming stats during the group's hiatus. With a global tour on the cards and a new album in the works - as confirmed by the members themselves - the second half of 2025 could see a reordering of the pop world once again, with BTS back at the helm. WHY BTS WOULD NOT SKIP INDIA For the Indian ARMY, the reunion holds even deeper meaning. Back in 2020, India was slated to be part of BTS' Map of the Soul world tour. The pandemic derailed those plans, but not the dreams of the Indian ARMY. Since then, India has emerged as a powerhouse fanbase, consistently ranking among BTS' top global streaming markets on Spotify, YouTube, and Twitter. COLDPLAY PROVED IT. BTS COULD BREAK IT And now, there's a precedent with Coldplay in terms of scale. In 2025, Coldplay's Ahmedabad concerts generated an estimated Rs 641 crore in total economic impact. Of that, a whopping Rs 392 crore directly boosted Ahmedabad's local economy - from hotels and transport to retail and dining. The concerts also brought in Rs 72 crore in GST revenue and drew over 2.22 lakh fans, setting the record for the largest stadium concert in Indian history. Other than that, the Mumbai concert generated over Rs 100 crore in revenue in three days. That's Coldplay. Now imagine BTS - arguably a bigger draw globally - announcing even one date for a concert in India. With ARMY chapters spread across Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata, it's not far-fetched to suggest that BTS could eclipse Coldplay's numbers, both in attendance and in economic influence. A BTS concert in India wouldn't just be a show. It would be a festival of fandom, a multi-day economy booster involving air travel, pop-up stores, flash mobs, media coverage, and potential diplomatic headlines. With the country's live music appetite now stronger than ever, thanks to Coldplay and Lollapalooza, there is simply no reason BTS should skip India on their tour map. A BTS concert in India isn't just overdue - it's inevitable, and the country is more than ready! BTS is back, and so is ARMY [their fandom]'s comfort place. In our Weekly K-Fix, let's discuss why BTS' reunion is exactly the massive reset that the world needs right now. As June progresses, fans of BTS finally rejoice the moment they've been waiting for since 2022. Six of the seven members of the band have now completed their military service, with SUGA set to reunite with the group on June 21. With the official discharge of Kim Taehyung (V), Kim Namjoon (RM), Park Jimin, and Jeon Jungkook, the return of the world's biggest boy band isn't just a pop culture event, it's a global reset. But for their fandom, it's something far deeper. WHY BTS AND ARMY's BOND IS UNIQUE It's the comeback that was always promised, and one ARMY held onto with unwavering loyalty. The connection between BTS and ARMY has always defied conventional fandom dynamics. Their relationship - summed up by the acronym APOBANGPO ('ARMY Forever, Bangtan Forever'), coined by the leader Namjoon, is rooted in emotional reciprocity, built through lyrics, lives, and years of transparency. For three years, BTS kept their presence alive through carefully orchestrated solo projects, pre-recorded content, and social media messages. Jungkook's Golden, RM's introspective Indigo, Taehyung's Layover and Jimin's Face topped the charts, while Jin's The Astronaut, Echo, Yoongi's D-Day and J-Hope's Jack In The Box gave fans glimpses of their evolving artistry. Each member used their solo chapter not just to explore identity but to maintain a connection with the ARMY. BTS AND ARMY: EACH OTHER's COMFORT PLACE Now that they're back, the unspoken promise has been fulfilled. Exactly how RM once penned, 'You got me; I dream while looking at you. I got you; inside those pitch-black nights.' Over the years, fans have found healing, hope, and purpose in BTS' music. The group's early motto - Music and Artist for Healing - continues to echo through songs like Mikrokosmos, Spring Day, Magic Shop, Zero O'Clock, and Answer: Love Myself. Across social media, thousands of fans have shared personal stories of how BTS' music helped them navigate dark, difficult moments. Whether battling depression, struggling with self-worth, or learning the language of self-love, songs like Epiphany, The Truth Untold, Answer: Love Myself, and Zero O'Clock became more than lyrics - they were affirmations of healing. The group's open conversations about mental health, personal growth, and vulnerability built a space where millions felt seen, heard, and supported. For many, BTS wasn't just a soundtrack; it was a support system. Their return, then, is not merely musical, it's personal. And now, BTS is ready to return to where they belong - the stage, the studio, and the hearts of millions. THE GLOBAL SUPERPOWER And yet, the comeback has a macro impact too. HYBE's stock surged over 15 per cent in the week of the discharges, a clear sign of investor confidence in the BTS effect. Pre-enlistment, BTS reportedly contributed over 30 per cent of HYBE's total revenue. Even in their absence, the appetite for a group reunion never wavered - and now, the stage is set. From 2018 to 2021, BTS consistently broke global records by selling out Wembley Stadium, topping the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times, and becoming the first Korean act to receive a Grammy nomination. Their absence left a noticeable void. Award shows like the AMAs, BBMAs, and even the Grammys saw a dip in global engagement and streaming stats during the group's hiatus. With a global tour on the cards and a new album in the works - as confirmed by the members themselves - the second half of 2025 could see a reordering of the pop world once again, with BTS back at the helm. WHY BTS WOULD NOT SKIP INDIA For the Indian ARMY, the reunion holds even deeper meaning. Back in 2020, India was slated to be part of BTS' Map of the Soul world tour. The pandemic derailed those plans, but not the dreams of the Indian ARMY. Since then, India has emerged as a powerhouse fanbase, consistently ranking among BTS' top global streaming markets on Spotify, YouTube, and Twitter. COLDPLAY PROVED IT. BTS COULD BREAK IT And now, there's a precedent with Coldplay in terms of scale. In 2025, Coldplay's Ahmedabad concerts generated an estimated Rs 641 crore in total economic impact. Of that, a whopping Rs 392 crore directly boosted Ahmedabad's local economy - from hotels and transport to retail and dining. The concerts also brought in Rs 72 crore in GST revenue and drew over 2.22 lakh fans, setting the record for the largest stadium concert in Indian history. Other than that, the Mumbai concert generated over Rs 100 crore in revenue in three days. That's Coldplay. Now imagine BTS - arguably a bigger draw globally - announcing even one date for a concert in India. With ARMY chapters spread across Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata, it's not far-fetched to suggest that BTS could eclipse Coldplay's numbers, both in attendance and in economic influence. A BTS concert in India wouldn't just be a show. It would be a festival of fandom, a multi-day economy booster involving air travel, pop-up stores, flash mobs, media coverage, and potential diplomatic headlines. With the country's live music appetite now stronger than ever, thanks to Coldplay and Lollapalooza, there is simply no reason BTS should skip India on their tour map. A BTS concert in India isn't just overdue - it's inevitable, and the country is more than ready! Join our WhatsApp Channel
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'No originality?' ARMY slams SEVENTEEN for 'copying' BTS RM's 10th anniversary concept; HYBE faces backlash
When BTS began enlisting for their mandatory military service, many believed that HYBE was actively looking for their "next BTS." Despite each member — Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — releasing solo albums during the hiatus, BTS as a group remained musically inactive. Naturally, attention shifted to SEVENTEEN, a group that had already cemented their popularity in South Korea. Now, as SEVENTEEN prepares to release their 5th full-length album on May 26 to mark their 10th anniversary, controversy has erupted — and ARMY is furious. The sticker that sparked the backlash It all started with a sticker on the HYBE building that reads: "SEVENTEEN will challenge eternity." To casual observers, it might seem like a harmless tribute. But to BTS fans, the similarity hits too close to home. Back in 2023, for BTS' 10th anniversary, the HYBE building was wrapped with a slogan: "BTS Presents Everywhere." A collaborative effort between Big Hit Music and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the message emphasized BTS' global presence and enduring influence. A year later, the slogan conceptualized by RM for their 11th anniversary, the building displayed the fan-beloved phrase "APOBANGPO" — meaning "ARMY Forever, Bangtan Forever" — along with the "BTS & ARMY" logo. To ARMY, these tributes were meaningful, original, and rooted in BTS' legacy. Seeing another group replicate the format has struck a nerve — especially with BTS' long-awaited reunion just weeks away. HYBE under fire — again The criticism isn't limited to SEVENTEEN. Much of the backlash is aimed directly at HYBE. ARMYs accuse the company of repackaging BTS' ideas and applying them across its other groups in an attempt to replicate the BTS phenomenon. From In the SOOP to BTS' mobile game mechanics, and now the sticker branding — fans are calling out HYBE for what they view as lazy duplication rather than cultivating original identities for its other artists. 'Copying Namjoon's idea?': ARMY reacts Many ARMYs believe SEVENTEEN's anniversary display is not just inspired, but outright derivative of what BTS pioneered. The outrage stems from what fans see as HYBE's repeated pattern of giving other groups under its umbrella the same concepts originally created for BTS. Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and slammed the group and the agency. Many also point out the timing: June has always been associated with BTS' anniversary celebrations, and this year is even more significant as it marks their full-group return after military enlistment. One ARMY said, "This better be gone by June 1st. Like, that's purple month." this better be gone by june 1st like that's purple month Another commented, "Carats led an entire hate train on Namjoon only for SEVENTEEN to end up copying Namjoon's ideas." Carats lead a entire hate train on namjoon only for seventeen to end up copying namjoon ideas One wrote, "they want what BTS have so bad it's embarrassing at this point cus BTS built this whole fvckass company but what this group has done exactly other than sea pollution? the disrespect of stealing the company builder idea aka Namjoon… someone kick this group out we've had enough." they want what bts have so bad it's embarrassing at this point cus bts built this whole fvckass company but what this group has done exactly other than sea pollution? the disrespect of stealing the company builder idea aka namjoon… someone kick this group out we've had enough Another said, "Yes, it's a company, but I don't like it when they recycle things for other groups. The In the SOOP thing, now using Namjoon's idea…" Well, yes, it's a company, but I don't like it when they recycle things for other groups. The in soop thing, now using Namjoon's idea. One added, "You have one of the biggest artists in the world signed, and they're reuniting after three years of hiatus. This is how you fcking welcome them and their fans? By replacing their name with some nugus??? I don't care – this is pure disrespect to BTS and ARMYs. June is OUR damn month." You have one of the biggest artists in the world signed and they are reuniting after 3 years of hiatus. This is how you fvcking welcome them and their fans?!?!? By replacing their names with some nugus???? Idc but this is pure disrespect to BTS and armys. June is OUR damn month Another stated, "I've been telling you since forever that those leeches copy everything they do." I've been telling you since forever that those leeches copy everything they do What's next for SEVENTEEN and BTS? SEVENTEEN is set to release a 16-track album, which for the first time includes solo songs by all 13 members — a move that mirrors BTS' solo rollout during the group's hiatus. While the intention may be to highlight individual talent, the execution is now being seen through a critical lens. Meanwhile, BTS is preparing for one of the most emotional moments in recent K-pop history — their reunion. Jin and J-Hope have already completed their service. RM and V will be discharged on June 10, followed by Jimin and Jung Kook on June 11. Finally, SUGA is expected to complete his service on June 21, marking the official full-group comeback fans have been waiting for. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
