A Hypable reader discusses BTS’ genuine personalities and how that drives their fans to emulate their idols!

BTS’ authenticity and determination attributed from personal values and experiences to remain faithful to themselves and their fans have gained them massive support around the world moving their fans, known as ARMY, to act in charitable ways and share stories about BTS’ impact on their lives.

Through dozens of music awards, South Korean cultural Merit awards, and millions of fans, the members of BTS continue to remain honest. From the beginning, they wanted to tell genuine stories in order to help people through music. Each member incorporates a part of themselves in the music process, but their self-expression doesn’t stop here.

During Vlives and interviews, the group candidly talks about their lives, hardships, and staying true to who they are. During his Vlive, Jimin once spoke about his struggles when writing his song “Promise.” He explained, “I felt stressed and burdened by my thoughts, so I was looking for a way to relieve [that stress].”

He continued, “But because my feelings and thoughts were so dark and gloomy at the time, I only had dark music in mind.” He went on to say that once he began hanging out with friends and opening up to the other members, things improved.

“There must be so many people who have never been able to speak honestly about their lives,” Jimin said. “Even if life makes things difficult, I won’t make things difficult for myself. I won’t insult myself.” Along with being honest comes being genuine, which is another standard BTS lives by.

In a recent interview, RM told us that gaining more attention and fame with their next album isn’t the goal and that they won’t sacrifice their identity for the sake of awards.

“We don’t want to change our identity or our genuineness to get the number one. Like, if we sing suddenly in full English, and change all these other things, then that’s not BTS. We’ll do everything, we’ll try. But if we couldn’t get number one or number five, that’s okay,” RM explained.

BTS is proud of their culture, so losing a part of themselves to gain momentum isn’t their style.

In addition to speaking their minds, they have also been a voice for the ARMY. BTS has consistently stated the fans’ importance to them and has even said at concerts to please use them as a way of helping yourself through difficult times.

“Our greatest influence,” said Suga in an interview, “and where we draw our strength and our comfort and our joy is the fans. So, we always have that in mind when we make our music, and I think our fans are also able to get that same strength or joy.”

The members of BTS understand the importance of embracing your true identity and using your voice, accepting that you are human, will make mistakes, but be able to love yourself.

During RM’s U.N. speech he expressed this by saying, “I have many faults, and I have many fears, but I am going to embrace myself as hard as I can, and I’m starting to love myself, little by little.”

BTS and ARMY is an incredible connection that thrives off of each other in an attempt to love, accept, and cherish living as the person you’re meant to be. Jimin talked about how he’s reminded of why he continues to perform when he sees the fans.

When he watched a video of ARMY singing “Young Forever” back to them, he expressed his emotion of thankfulness and realizing, once again, this is why he sings. The members always tell interviewers how they want to speak for their fans even when it comes to difficult topics, such as mental health, which is important to them.

“We feel that people who have the platform to talk about those things really should talk more because they say depression is something where you go to the hospital and you’re diagnosed, but you can’t really know until the doctor talks to you,” Suga explained.

Journalist Youngdae Kim wrote about J-Hope’s comments about the importance of expression and how we must constantly explain ourselves to be understood, but it’s difficult to do so, yet he wants fans to know how important it is to speak.

These personal conversations and lyrics by BTS have resulted in an undeniable impact around the world, creating a true ARMY of fans. Stories about how BTS has changed are prominent across social media.

ARMY translators are a big reason why BTS’ popularity continues to spread and creates a tighter bond between fans as well so language barriers are not an issue anymore and prove that art and emotions have no cultural boundary.

Twitter is an app where ARMY fans thrive the most, as they can easily give translations here as well as share videos, pictures, and even organize comeback goals.

In addition, the fans and BTS don’t just stay inside their own fanbase but reach outside of it, which really proves its impact. BTS partnered with UNICEF to help stop violence against children.

The “Love Myself” campaign has gained millions, but the giving continues as ARMY donates to various causes outside the campaign, too. 5.44 million won was donated to atomic bomb victims from ARMY.

The fans also donated to people affected by the Sewol tragedy in 2014. They’ve even created their own organizations, such as the One in an ARMY charity project that works with non-profit organizations to help people in need.

ARMY and BTS is a powerhouse full of people wanting to make a difference. Though not everyone may be a fan, there’s no ignoring the significance of the two forces and how they hope to help everyone love themselves.

As RM said, “Tell me your story. I want to hear your voice, and I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, gender identity: speak yourself.”