Annyeong! What is this craze taking the world by storm? Is it Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour? Meta’s new app Threads? No… It’s BTS!
For those who have not been bitten by the BTS bug, BTS (Bangtan Sonyeonda, a Korean term for ‘Bulletproof Boy Scouts’, also called ‘Beyond the Scene’, is a group of seven Korean boys which is now considered to be the world’s most popular boy band.
The Hallyu or Korean wave is the term that refers to the growth and prominence of South Korean culture. At the heart of Hallyu is K-Pop, and the K-Pop phenomenon today is BTS!
It was in 2013 when BTS made their debut and embarked on a journey of making history and breaking records — from being the first K-pop act to get a Grammy nomination to being the first K-pop group to debut at the top of U.S. music charts.
As the South Korean septet, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook continue their world domination, they are marking a decade of music and fandom this year. Who could ever forget that FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony reverberated with chants for BTS’ superstar Jungkook’s superb performance of his song, ‘Dreamers’?
Riding the wave of Hallyu’s global popularity, K-Pop, with BTS at the helm, continues to build a loyal fan base in the Philippines, and Qatar. To date, BTS has established a millions-strong fandom, aptly called ‘ARMY’, an acronym for ‘Adorable Representative M.C. For Youth’, and literally means army. One of them is Apobangpo Philippines-Doha, a Filipino BTS Army that actively supports the boy band.
Members of the Apobangpo PH-Doha recently gathered in the Ramen Restaurant to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of BTS’ debut. Qatar Tribune interviewed its members as they marked the band’s decade-long success.
Being a BTS Army member has been life-changing for Ceejay Dulalia Rombano, one of the admins of Apobangpo PH-Doha. She is also the current President of Balitang Q, a non-profit Filipino News organisation. Here’s what she shared about her being a BTS fanatic.
How and when did you enter the BTS fandom?
My sister has been in the BTS Armysince 2019. I always scold her and tease her about her spending most of her time and effort for BTS until Jungkook came to Qatar for the shoot of his music video, Dreamers, last year. I found him so kind, humble, talented and good looking. All the testimonies of my sister, I proved them all correct.
What made you a fan despite the language barrier in understanding their songs that are mostly in Korean?
They are talented. Each of their songs has a story to tell and is worth knowing for. Simply, they give me daily happiness and positivity.
Who caught your attention at first and why?
Korean Name SeokJin a.k.a Jin — He was all over the media and news due to his upcoming single, “Astronaut” and his enlistment to the military.
Of all the BTS songs, which struck a chord to you?
First, it is their ‘Yet to Come Song’. It is all about change that is constant in life. Everything will come to an end and the best is always yet to come. Second, I like the ‘Spring Day’’ song that was released after the pandemic. It means that there are brighter days ahead even amidst the pandemic.
Are there any words from the members you would like to share?
BTS was invited to the United Nation and the White House gathering several times as a global ambassador of the youth. They delivered a message that was about speaking for yourself and loving yourself. They also campaign for anti-racism.
If you can spend a day with BTS in Qatar, where will you go and what will you do?
I will take them to Souq Waqif where the beauty and heritage of Qatar are showcased.
Take us back to the first time you joined the group.
It started when I met some members of the BTS Army watching the shoot of Jungkook’s music video in Souq Waqif. Then, we met several times in coffee shops and group expanded as we brought along other BTS fans.
Which activities has your group organised for BTS?
We’ve been supporting BTS Army members’ merchandise in Qatar and other BTS Group events. Recently, we celebrated BTS’ 10th anniversary. This September, we will hold RM and Jungkook’s birthday celebration.
The ‘BTS universe’ also appealed to fans like Ann Cordoba-Ibañez. Here’s what she said about her BTS fangirling.
Since when did you get interested in BTS?
When Jungkook sang his opening song, Dreamers, during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
What made you a fan despite most of their songs are in Korean language?
They brought additional joy to my life. Just by listening to their songs and watching their videos made my heart flutter.
Who caught your attention at first and why?
Jungkook, because of the way he sings and dances.
Which line from BTS songs is your most favorite?
“Here’s to the ones that keep the passion. Respect, oh yeah. Here’s to the ones that can imagine.”
Are there any words from the members you would like to share?
Namjoon once said, “No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin colour, gender identity: Speak for yourself.” Another one is, “Love yourself”.
What is your best souvenir with BTS until now?
Except for the laughter and joy that they brought to me, the best one is the photo card I received at our recent group gathering.
If you can spend a day with BTS in Qatar, where will you go and what will you do?
A day won’t be enough. But, given a chance, I want to spend the day with them at the Inland sea, where we can play in sand dunes, quad and camel rides. It will be interesting indeed.
Which BTS Army in Qatar do you belong to?
Apobangpo PH-Doha and Doha Army
How many members are there in the group?
Apobangpo PH-Doha currently has 18 members and Doha Army has 158.
Your message to our readers, especially the Filipino community…
I hope we may continue to show love and support for them until we’re old. May the next generation in our family also find them inspirational. Also, may we radiate to others the enthusiasm that we felt just by looking at them. Lastly, may we be a channel of blessing to others as BTS is a blessing to us. Saranghe!
