Why Is K-Pop Group BTS So Popular? We Asked Their Fans | NBC News NOW

I have NEVER felt this connected to an artist. These armies were spot on

The fact that when Coronavirus caused BigHit to cancel the Seoul BTS concert, ARMYs started DONATING THEIR REFUNDED TICKET MONEY $$ TO PREVENTION AND HELP FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE EPIDEMIC. This fandom is on a whole other level 💜💜💜

I love that "They feel human to us." To be honest, you won't always encounter artist that were reachable. Yes! They are famous and all but they make us feel like we should not worry for they were always at our side.

I’m an EXO-L but there are some things that I like about BTS and ARMYs. I like that they don’t seem to be less accepting of fans who aren’t Korean and have dark skin. I like that there are fans from all walks of life, ages, ethnicities, both genders, and skin colors. I like that ARMYs are very supportive of BTS and y’all don’t act like you’re entitled to them or try to control them. I wish I could say the same thing about my fandom but can’t.
BTS are approachable, down to earth, humble, friendly, very much relate to their fans about real life things that people go through and genuinely care about them. This isn’t to say that EXO isn’t or that they don’t care about EXO-Ls. They are and do. It’s just that there are some things I dislike about my fandom and a few things EXO has said done that I don’t like. But, I won’t go into detail about them now.
Anyhow, BTS is phenomenal and their stage performances are always dynamic and full of energy. So, I gotta admit that it’s fun to watch them. They’ve worked VERY hard and deserve everyone’s respect, no doubt. They’ve done well and I hope they continue going strong and succeeding in all that they do. I mean that.

I liked it how Armies answered so maturely rather only saying they r handsome or cute or something. Yes they r cute n handsome but we love BTS because we connect with them mentally and emotionally. I love this family....😭😭😭💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏🙏

The reason why I joined their fandom Army is because the bond between BTS and Army is so strong. Way before becoming a fan I noticed it, and I wanted to be part of that.

They do not boast of money or honor. They quietly concentrate on their work. They are humble, correct and kind. They never forget to thank their fans. They are also good at managing their personal life. They know the weight of their fame. Also, for many different reasons we have no choice but to love them.

BTS is not just a “Kpop” group anymore. They surpassed that and now they are just BTS “the best band of our generation”.

we like them because of their personalities and that they are hardworking. outsiders do not understand because they haven't spent the time to understand them. on the shallowest level, they just think ''why are people going crazy over some asian boys dancing? is it just because they are handsome?' please sit down and at least watch one episode of their shows before we start talking. LOL.

i have never connected to music or artists like this before. music was something on the background when i work, study, or workout. i never really sought it out to feel something. not until BTS-- their music is just so relatable on a deeper level. i had a presentation last week in a work conference and i was pretty nervous-- i found it funny that i thought of RM giving a speech in UN as a motivation. if he could do it, my presentation should be a breeze. and it was. BTS is just amazing

I'm 68 and the first time I saw BTS was at the Billboard Awards on May 20, 2018 and had never seen them so I asked myself who are they so I researched information about them and I said to myself wow they are totally amazing, talent, humble, caring, loving, their positive message in their songs for all ages blow me away, and when I heard their song "FIRE" I immediately became Army. I love music and I have a total respect for all artists, but for many years I have not heard such extraordinary, fantastic, and amazing music. I have learned so much about them and all the bad things they went thru that they totally deserve where they are at now. Agape Love Always and Forever BTS.

The simplest answer is *BTS JUST LOVE THEIR ARMY'S SO MUCH TO THE POINT JK put a tattoo on his hand the word ARMY. They always comfort us, that's why we are still here walking with them💜💜*

this is dedication... no other fans is doing the same thing as ARMY...

This video and explanation of why BTS is special is EVERYTHING. Thank you, Army, for your eloquent explanations and thank you NBC for sharing them.

BTS has worked for the past seven years none stop. They are an amazing inspiration to everyone who do not hold prejudice in themselves. They are a globally recognized group yet their music is not played on the radio for illegitimate reasons. BTS have carved their own path in life which makes me happy to see them succeed.

I've become pretty resentful of western celebrities of late always trying to dictate how people should think and act while they live in their mansions and drive their fancy cars....but BTS are different. They are so real and humble, spreading hope and never virtue signalling.

They're so lucky being able to see BTS more than once. Still waiting for them to visit my country. South African Armys are waiting.💜🇿🇦

We love BTS because it feels like home whenever we listen to their songs or watch their videos. They can also shift my mood automatically that's why I always watch their videos or listen to their songs whenever I'm feeling down. They are more than just the looks. I know one factor that made us to become fans is their talents but it's more of their genuine heart. We saw people that we can call family in BTS and ARMY.

For me the reason why they are popular and why I love them is because they are real and it's just good music. Also apart from their lyrical masterpieces and lit choreography and visuals you get to see a bit of yourself in at least one of the members, the one you relate to, and that one member helps you to grow as a person and makes you love yourself more. And as a team they teach us that teamwork never goes in vain and how we should support one another inorder to improve and make the relationship strong.
. I Love them and I really hope more people see what they are trying to say and not judge them without knowing them.

This was sweet, it didn’t judge army to stereotype armies. I love this

I remembered when I really into BTS, it was a time when I feel bad day and down, and just random clicking BTS song 'Magic Shop' lyrics translation. And I burst in tears, BTS song comfort me emotionally. BTS has those song make you feel better

I love that they interviewed a diverse amount of ARMYs. Millions of us come from various backgrounds, and it's great to see. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Whoever did that 7 sign with BTS faces
You deserve an Oscar

1) They love their fan (ARMY) so much. They always mention us if they winning awards and music show. Also in interviews.
2) They work really hard. Their life always filling with practising, making songs and recording their own show. But they even have times to communicate with ARMY by Weverse
3) They bringing up music to another level. If you listen to their album, there are many colour of songs, which make it unique. Even their lyrics are so masterpiece.
4) Their personality. They all very well mannered, kind, humble, caring each others. Even funny, their jokes will always got remember by ARMYs and being memes. They are also cute as RM said.
5) and more.....

American media after 7 more years: "Why are BTS so popular? Who is BTS?" LOL

BTS is beyond kpop. They represent music,arts & literature.

They transcend languages, they make us feel so many special feelings that we’ve never felt before. And if you can’t understand that and you have the nerve to bash on a group who is just trying to express through their songs It really doesn’t make sense... I mean I get opinions, but to go to the next level and try to put them down, it’s not okay. Love yourself first.

I think Army are Crazy..i'm in love with Army

Answer: BTS brings joy to everyone

At this point I feel they're my brothers by blood. This is how connected I feel to them 💜

It just feels so warm when BTS tell you to love yourself 💜

They really help people out of that black hole. THANK YOU BTS

Become generous to myself because of BTS

Thank you, NBC! This is awesome!

I’m not crying, you are 😭😭😭 Thank you for this interview.

there is so many reasons why they are so popular, they are talented , handsome, kind with a nice msgs, but there is more, their personalities, their hard work, they are humble (not like many other artists who loose themselves) , their love for their fans, they do various genres for any taste, they dont filter themselves as much as they can (ofc they dont bare all of themselves for ppl but they connect with fans as much as they can) , most of us found them when we really needed them , non fans come say why u care when they dont know u, its not about them knowing us, thats not what we want , we were there for them through this path we were pushing them up and we feel the success they get too , its what we were part of, and it worth it, the connection between us is strong.

Great answers US Army. So grateful for the eloquent, heartfelt and mature thoughts on what they mean to all of us.
I used to be a snob when it comes to music. I almost exclusively only listened to Grunge, Alternative and Metal music before I came across BTS. BTS' music had showed to me that good music CAN come from just anywhere. If we agree that humanity is bigger than the political borders that separates it, then we need to also agree that music as an art is bigger than the genres that classify it too.

The reason I like them, is for being themselves, and making me more proud to be a korean in this day and age. Thank you bts.

Why do i have goosebumps, they really make ur day, even if ur crying and are sad

Thank you my fellow soulmates there, for articulating our thoughts and feeling that well even though you were freezing there. I am giving you a warming hug with my imaginary 2 million meters long arms

Because of bts I have more confident in myself than I was before and they really encourages me to work harder ...cause they were nothing before but now they are the global stars known by everyone ...whenever they achieve something I also gets that strength to work harder towards my goals ...my fellow Asians dominating the world is a proud thing

I THINK IT'S BETTER TO JUST PUT "BTS" only ON THE TITLE...no need to emphasize that they are K-POP. Or you can say they are Korean Artists. Like you are not going to add UK-POP, German-POP, A-POP... on other artists from the UK, Germany, America and so on. BTS is worldwide now, I hope you guys can treat them like other big artists. They are not only famous in K-POP, they are worldwide famous. You don't need to add K-POP to let others recognize them cuz they are already big artists...

thank you for looking at BTS thru the ARMYs. It speaks volume. We are so diverse.. BTS brought different races, cultures, nationalities and all walks of life into one family "The ARMY. BTS inspired millions of people worldwide thru their music.. they are so amazing & super talented. But what I like most about them is their humble personalities just by that is enough for me to stan them. I can't imagine I could love and support a group/artists like this in my life. BTS came during the darkest time of my life. They saved me, their music helped me a lot and I'm grateful for BTS forever. Thank you BTS for your existence and for being an inspiration to many people around the world.

BTS member’s different personalities are what makes the group special. It’s like the fact that they make really great music is a bonus feature that helps confirm that these men are top notch. I spend more time watching their various shows and Yt videos than listening, but I also love love love listening to their music. It’s a beautiful balance and they draw you in.

3:45 I know that girl! She went to my high school. I remember she was a 5SOS fan. Glad to see her supporting BTS too.

They are the first boy band I have ever supported, I am 36 yrs old mum with a 11 yrs old daughter we both are an Army.
They've reached our hearts, they are down to earth, humble and kind. You can see that through their live videos on different platforms.
They show us their flaws, their mistakes, what they are working on individually and as a group. I feel I am part of their life, their journey they on and that motivates me by their hard work and dedication and watching them grow into an adult, it feels like we are a family and a distance friends.
It's not like a one way street of love, they gives us back abundantly of their loving affection not only through their videos but also through their private live videos to their fans and their backstage practice. Unlike other celebrities they get fame and rich through their music and after they disappear and come back again when they ready to make money off their fans without connecting to their fans, that's the difference why BTS fandom keeps on growing. I feel they put us on their schedule too..😄 If they go on holiday they say how long they are going and when they coming back to start on a new projects and where they will be and asks for Army's opinion on their platform. Overall they stay connected with their fans and we support them all the way. 💜

BTS and ARMY forever

I love it how the Armys were expressing so well how BTS touch their heart their souls😭💜 the glow on their faces just know they really in happiest moment to meet the boys🥰

I agree with what she said. I never felt this connected to any other bands before. I grew up in the 80’s but never fangirl with any group like this where I listen only to their music from waking til sleeping time. I work as a nurse and if I have a bad and difficult day at work specially with the pandemic going on BTS music keeps me company until I calm down and gives me that strength to keep going. It’s not just their music but also their videos and books that they share with us. They keep my persona young. FOREVER YOUNG!!!! 💜💜💜😘😘😘🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💜💜💜

Once in a generation act. They have something for everyone

The girl with the supreme handband!! I love you!!

I love their music so much variety. They have a song for every mood and I love their personality.

I purple you guys love from 🇵🇭

I never felt anything deep affection toward any singers. But I jump around when someone mention about BTS. I cried when I saw them at the concert. I don’t know why they have this much influence into my life. Everyday I have to watch them. It’s how I create my own happiness. Thank you BTS to make my life happy and joyful everyday. I feel the energize and enthusiastic from them. All the songs and show I’ve been watching. It’s like we are together all the time. Love and always support them.

Exactly,bts share there live to the army,me also it's my first time to hook to the K pop,but when I watch video of BTS,i already like them.. Such inspiration to young generation,and they are one of my inspiration, loving my self the word I learn to them! Borahae 💜

Sometimes i think i am the only one who loves bts most but it's not i'm not the only one ...our whole army family love BTS so much ❤❤❤

I love them more then my life😊

This is awesome! Thank you for making this!

I am a 60-year old wife and mother of two and I LOVE BTS! BTS is their own genre of music and no one compares. I don’t listen to any other Korean artist-they don’t appeal to me in any way, shape or form. I would not pay for their, what they call music. It’s bubble gum pop.
Here is BTS’s appeal from my point of view: they are genuine. They share their struggles, triumphs, frustrations, EMOTIONS with ARMY. These are my boys. Because of their openness, I feel connected to them in a way that I’ve not felt with any other artist ever in my life. I joined a fan club last year (and renewed this year) for the first time EVER. I spent a month’s salary on two tickets for my daughter and I to go to their concert. I would definitely not do that for anyone else. BTS actually helped me to love myself and embrace my quirkiness. Thank you, my boys! BORAHAE! #ARMYMom 😊

---->>> There are a lot of handsome and cute artist that we could have followed... thank you fellows out there for voicing why we love them apart from their outstanding visuals: they do not hesitate to share their lives with us,
they do not overlook us,
they are humble,
they are well-mannered,
they are funny witty,
they are smart,
they are emotionally capable,
they do not have any reminiscence of toxic masculinity even though they are manly,
they are reflective on themselves,
they do care for the people that adore them,
they do care for the issues of youth (I am 33 and I still have comfort through their songs) and regular humanbeings,
they do not flex about their fame and money,
they work hard and pushes themselves for providing quality entertainment,
they are still being themselves in every interview in every show,
they do not afraid of voicing their concerns,
they are very honest towards us and do not change by time with fame (just watch their after grammy party),
they are great performers they have unbelievable stage presence,
they do not afraid to try different genres,
they know how to make fun of themselves,
they do not care to show their adoration to other artists,
they try to communicate through different channels even though in a tight schedule,
they know when to be considerate, when to be hot, when to be cute, when to be funny
... The list goes on... They are the fountain of youth, happiness and self-reflection in my life, they are much more effective than anti aging products, they are keeping my inner teenage girl active and that is why I will never get old inside and I hope outside. I hope them a happy, long, healthy life (hopefully with us, as long as they want/and peacefully without us if they get tired of us). Peace!

No one has made me this happy and made me smile so much I love them and of course my wonderful family army!

These are the true ARMY. We are the strongest fandom. BTSXARMY 💜💜💜 FOREVER

To these ARMY that were interviewed and gave the most honest and sincere answers explaining why we stan BTS, thank you so much! It breaks the stereotypes of so many who think we only like them because they’re kpop or cute or the trendy thing to do. These answers should tell you that we’re in this Bangtan Sonyeondan sh*t for life.

Why didn’t you air this on TV?

Music is universal language no matter who are you💜

Legandary universe legands megastar BTS proud of the universe because they love Army's so much come on Army's....

Love you RM

They are genuine+ talented+ hard working

Thank you NBC for capturing the essence of BTS fandom. They are deep and not just a bunch of cute guys. Its an intellectual bond.

wow Armies for real! !! God bless BTS!!!

Because it feels they are more human to us..that lady who said that is amazing!!
Now every artist should learn..We want to humans not robots and two-faced artist...Fighting!

BTS are going down in history as the world's biggest band spreading positivity with the most passionate and wholesome fan base

Awwwww this is so wholesome

Why am I just seeing this? It's so beautiful, Yes, they feel human to us

this is low key the best interview I have seen

Thank you NBC for making something that allowed BTS fans to speak for themselves. For years we have been thought of in a single light and its really nice to see that mainstream media is allowing for us to be painted as the multi-faceted fandom to go with such a multi-faceted group

The way bts interacts with ARMY feels like as if we had been best friends for years like they truly understand what we feel and can't always tell others so when i listen to their music it feels like they're saying "hey it's okay to feel like this now, but know that we're here for you" and it's crazy how connected we are

Thank you for showing that their fanbase is not entirely based on screaming preteen girls but that we come in all ages, genders, nationalities because their music makes us a family. Thank you to the ARMY who were interviewed for giving such insightful thoughts into what makes the boys beloved all over the world. It's their talent, hardwork, humbleness and outright chaotic personalities that makes me fall in love with them day by day.

They can make me calm when I’m having a tough time 💜

media always wonder why theyre so popular but less at them realize is BTS is the few artist who keep do speak up and do organic work even on western music industries where so much artist at there have competition to get top place with bundling even do crazy bunding, payola and industries connection. people say theyre flop or somethng else just because their struggling on western chart but no one brave enough saying the artist get top place with honest and organic way.
if people saying army just care with numbers its not true, were want to givin the best for them , for their music which help many army till now.
im proud they do organic work even its more hardest path
im proud they have army who still walk with them, youre choose the right inspiration

It’s because they’re so positive and they have a good message.

who else is crying

The mother and daughter video made me cry 😢

Omg tell me I’m not the only one who cried when army’s were talking about bts 😭😭💜armys I love u all stay safe and god bless you all .

I became their fan because of their message. I learned how to love myself (and I’m still learning), they helped and are still helping with my depression, their message helps me feel empowered and made me realize that I was a passenger in my life and that I needed to take the wheel. I went back to school because of them, I’m about to graduate in one more semester. I changed the entire direction of my life. I am the happiest I’ve ever been and I know that i will keep getting better. That’s why I am a fan of BTS.

I got goosebump when I heard the mother and daughter being BTS fans I am soo jealous my mom just laugh at me saying that all you just watch is korean people she didn't even allowed me to touch her phone bc I always watch BTS so does my brother

They share so much with us and interactions never felt forced. ♥️

I've been a fan of many groups and artists but I have never connected with an artist in that way. Their music is great but their messages, lyrics and feelings that they express in every songs make it better. I personally love being in this fandom, many people can say that we are the worse but that's not true, of course there's more hate than others fandoms but that's because it's a huge fandom, there's all kind of people that don't even stan BTS or idk but I think ARMY is so strong, passionate and our love for Bangtan is so real, these 7 guys are special, like our family and friends, best friends that are always comforting you and makes you smile when you feel sad. The way BTS treat their fans is just amazing, we are kinda like their friends too and that's what I think make our connection unique. They spread love to the world and I'm glad they can show all this good things to the world and make million of people happy because they worked so hard and deserved the best💜
Sorry for my English :)

It isn't even about how handsome they are. Of course they are! But, people really think I buy their merch, I spend my hard earned money on concerts, constantly play their music, because I think they're pretty?

Such insightful messages from the ARMY. People keep ridiculing us and think we're so shallow for being so invested, but it's clearly more than just being in love with their looks because literally ALL K-POP and even a lot of pop artists are attractive. BTS stands out because of their message and their strong ability to connect with the people who admire them. They deserve the world, period.

Don’t only look at their hard work... u also as an army work hard too..not only streaming but also with ur study, job and everything..💜 borahae 💜 purple u

‘’Yeah bts Why would You do that’’ jeez let Them take a break, their choreography is hard already so just let them

All their answers were so deep...they truly represent ARMYs all over the world...

I never felt so connected to a band before. BTS are the first group i felt so connected to! They are not just a boyband but a family that helps people to heal💜

I like #7..

They have worked so hard like I just don't understand why people even hate them . They make everyone laugh . Bts and armys are so charitable . Like seriously bts and armys both are just down to this world . Bts deserve the whole entire world and none of the haters . Just listen to their music once if u haven't . If u are feeling down or upset just think of bts . Purple u and love u

Cant Belive they are still asking this!! -.-;;;

I love them so much. Thank you so much for the new album. It is so good like you said!!!

Rockyking, Twitter, vlive, wevers, bon voyage, run bts, BT21, summer package, winter package, season greetings, concerts, Instagram, Facebook, tictok, they connect alright! Ah. We are well fed.

I don’t know why I’m crying watching this. I feel like I have so much in common with the rest of the ARMYs