The numbers game – BTS Army

After talking privately with a fellow Army this morning, I feel the need to come clean. While I still adore BTS and always will, many of its fandom are driving me up the wall. There, I said it. So what’s up? I’ll tell you.

It’s the numbers game. The stats game. Plain and simple. I’m tired of being asked to be an automaton. I’m tired of being reminded that I must STREAM, I must SHARE, I must RETWEET, I must, I must, I must. “Oh we are falling behind again, make sure that you retweet and include the hashtags…”

After nine months of pressure, I’ve reached my fill. Why can’t I simply enjoy BTS? I just want to sit back and listen to their music. I just want to relax and enjoy the MV’s I love, without having to feel guilty that I haven’t done my job. And that’s what it’s beginning to feel like – a job. I support BTS just as much as the next person, but why is the focus always on competition? Why can’t I buy what I want, when I want? I think many in the fanbase are losing focus. I even saw a post the other day that literally said, “Please go out and buy the new Army Bomb because our guys can’t tour right now, and they need the money!” Oh, good grief.

After speaking with my friend, I discovered she feels the same way I do. That was refreshing. But, I know we’re not the only two. I’m sure there’s a lot more of us out there, but I think that they’re afraid to say something, for fear of repercussion. Would we be accused of not loving BTS? Would we be accused of not being loyal enough? There’s no doubt in my mind.

We come from all walks of life, and that is beautiful. Don’t be fooled, BTS fans are not all screaming tweens and teenagers. I’m speaking of adult Army, many with kids and grandkids. We love BTS for their music, their personalities and all they represent. But I personally have to shake myself loose from the numbers grind and its obsessiveness.

I know that BTS appreciates their fandom, and it’s one of the best, if not the best in the world, but I don’t think even they would condone this degree of madness.

PART TWO – July 26, 2020

During the past two weeks, I’ve seen an increasing number of  posts regarding ARMY wanting to leave social media behind, or at least take a hiatus from the madness. While the numbers game is a large part of it, the disgust is also fueled by bickering and pettiness among those who claim to be devoted BTS fans.

When did music turn into a contest, pitting groups against groups and fans against fans? Is it this really that important to always be number one? Will being number two bring the world to an end? I saw a post on TW yesterday with a “fan” yelling at others because they were failures for not doing their job. What a sad reflection!

So, this is the advice I gave to someone today, after telling her not to feel guilty.

Yes, you can still be into BTS without all the drama and bullshit and “make me feel guilty” voting. Turn off TW, turn on their music, relax, dance, sing, and do whatever your makes your heart content. You don’t have to participate in social media to love the 7, or anyone else for that matter.

This is not a high school popularity contest.