How BTS Connects Strangers and Forges Friendships

I have been ARMY since 2013, and never have I seen a fandom like ARMY. ARMY embodies the character of BTS. Throughout the years, I’ve seen strangers become friends in a matter of seconds, all because of our shared love for BTS. There’s something magical about the way BTS connects people. It’s not just their music—it’s the message of love, friendship, and resilience that draws us in and unites us in ways that can be hard to describe. Over the past few months, I’ve experienced this firsthand, as BTS’s music and message have helped me build unexpected friendships with people who were once complete strangers.

It all started earlier this year when I attended the BTS Monochrome exhibit in Los Angeles. While I was looking around, I noticed a fellow ARMY member taking photos by herself. Wanting to be helpful, I offered to take pictures for her. That simple gesture sparked a conversation about BTS, which eventually led to a friendship. As we explored the exhibit together, I got to know her more, and we made plans to meet again at Jimin’s album release party in downtown Los Angeles. Her bias is Suga, and as I would later find out, she wasn’t the only Suga-biased ARMY I would connect with on this journey. That brief moment of kindness turned into something far deeper than I could have imagined, showing me that sometimes the smallest acts of reaching out can spark the most meaningful connections.

I usually attend these events with my co-worker, whose bias is Jimin, and that night at the album release party, we all met up together. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation. While waiting in line to get into the club, we started talking to other ARMY members, and just like that, our circle grew.

Once we made it inside, we headed to the bar, and it was there that we met even more ARMY members. One ARMY from Singapore overheard us speaking a language she was familiar with, and her excitement led her to ask us about it. That question was all it took for us to connect, and she became a part of our group for the night. She had also met another ARMY member at an ice cream shop earlier that night—both of them were attending the release party solo, so they decided to go together. It was beautiful to see how effortlessly BTS brings people together. The connections were immediate, as if we were meant to find one another in a sea of ARMYs.

As the night unfolded, we exchanged stories about how BTS had impacted our lives. One of the ARMY members we met that night had gone through chemotherapy, and BTS’s music had become her lifeline during that difficult time. V is her bias, and his words, “I am here to love you. To support you. To become your strength,” resonated deeply with her. Now in remission, she looks forward to seeing BTS in 2025, grateful for the hope and strength their music gave her when she needed it most.

My co-worker, who had been through a tough divorce, also found solace in BTS’s music. At first, she hadn’t been a fan, but during the most difficult moments of her life, BTS became her “Magic Shop”—a place of refuge where she could find comfort. Jimin’s words, “In the end, we will find each other again,” reminded her that she wasn’t alone, even during her darkest times. That night, we didn’t just share music—we shared pieces of ourselves, and through those pieces, we built a bond.

A few weeks later, I reconnected with the ARMY member who had gone through chemotherapy. This time, it was at V’s art exhibit in Santa Monica. The exhibit itself was stunning, but what made the experience even more special was the sense of community that surrounded it. On the last day of the exhibition, another fan base hosted a party at the space, complete with gift giveaways of BTS-related merchandise, many of which were tied to V.

As I stood there, I couldn’t help but notice how welcoming and accepting everyone was. People from all walks of life—moms with their kids, young adults, older fans—were there, brought together by their love for BTS. There was an undeniable sense of warmth and connection in the room. It reminded me that BTS’s music transcends language, culture, and background. “Your presence can give happiness. I hope you remember that,” Jin’s words echoed in my mind as I saw ARMY members embracing each other and sharing stories of how BTS had touched their lives. In that moment, it became clear to me that BTS had created a bridge—a bridge that connects us beyond our differences and brings out the love, kindness, and resilience in us all.

After the exhibit, we made plans to meet up again for Korean barbecue, and last night, we all came together again. This time, I met yet another ARMY member—an entertainment lawyer whose bias is also Suga and who had met BTS back in 2014. She opened up about how BTS had helped her overcome an abusive relationship, which had taken years to heal from. Their music became her anchor during her darkest moments, helping her to find the strength to move forward. “Let all that you do be done in love,” 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, and it was clear to me that BTS had embodied this message, both in their music and in the way they’ve touched so many lives.

Each time I attend these events, I’m reminded of the incredible power of connection. These moments—whether in line at a party, at an art exhibit, or around a table for Korean barbecue—show me how BTS has become more than just a musical act. They have created a space for us to come together in the truest sense of the word. It’s like Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Through BTS, we find not only love and friendship but also resilience and support as we navigate our own personal struggles.

What continues to amaze me is how ARMY embodies the character of BTS. They are generous, welcoming, and deeply accepting of one another. The community reflects BTS’s message of love and unity, and through these connections, we are reminded of the importance of being there for each other. As Jimin once said, “In the end, we will find each other again.” Whether we are dancing together, sharing stories, or simply offering a shoulder to lean on, it is love that binds us together. Just as John 15:12 says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

As for me, I can’t choose just one bias—BTS as a whole is my bias, and I’m proud to be OT7. BTS has not only connected us to their music but also to each other, forging friendships that continue to grow, even after the final song has played. This journey we share with them is filled with love, support, and the belief that no matter how difficult life gets, we are never truly alone.

Soul Insights

1. True friendship often grows in unexpected places—sometimes while waiting in line or dancing the night away. These small moments of connection remind us that friendship can be found anywhere, as long as we’re open to it. We never know when a simple conversation could turn into a lifelong bond. Through BTS, I’ve seen strangers become friends, all because of their shared love for something greater than themselves.

2. Music has the power to heal, uplift, and forge connections that can last a lifetime. BTS’s music is a vessel for more than just entertainment—it’s a lifeline for many who need hope and encouragement. Whether healing from physical illness, emotional wounds, or life’s hardships, music can be a source of comfort and a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.

3. The stories we share with others not only reveal our vulnerabilities but also remind us of our resilience and strength. Opening up to someone about your journey can feel daunting, but it also creates space for deeper understanding and connection. Each time we share our struggles and triumphs, we build bridges between our souls and create a foundation for trust and friendship.

4. Through moments of connection, we find healing, hope, and the courage to continue. The simple act of coming together, whether through music or shared experiences, can be incredibly healing. These connections offer us hope and remind us of the strength we have within ourselves and the strength we can lend to others. BTS has created a community where these connections thrive, and through them, we find the courage to keep moving forward.

5. Just as BTS’s music has brought us together, so too can love and friendship carry us through even the toughest battles. The bonds formed within the ARMY community are a testament to the power of love and support. Even in the hardest times, we have each other to lean on, reminding us that we are stronger together. These friendships, built on a foundation of shared love and understanding, are a source of strength that carries us through life’s challenges.

Soul Path Insights