I was never the type to "fangirl" to boy bands, let alone to a KPOP boy band. As much as I love K-dramas, Kpop songs never appealed to me. Maybe it's because of their flashy costumes and makeups, over the top music themes, their upbeat music, or the fact that I have to turn up the subtitles and search for translations for me to understand it. 

So how did I transformed myself into a KPOP FAN GIRL????? It's because of the Seven-member boy band group from South Korea who took over the world by storm, Bangtan Sonyeodan, or more known as BTS. 
The first time I heard about BTS is through my cousin. I can still vividly remember how she would force me to watch their videos for "views," show me their latest pictures, share stories about them like she personally knows them, and listen to their newest album. I couldn't careless and never really understood why she goes "gaga" over boys who sing Korean songs that she can't even understand or pronounce. To be honest, I was once the type of person who made fun of people who like KPOP. (Yup, I know, I'm sorry.) I never really got the "hype" for the Kpop Culture. Everything seems so overrated. I was uncomfortable exploring this type of genre mainly because of the language barrier and the fact that Hiphop and RnB genres are always my comfort zone and my preferred type of music. 
I started giving KPOP and BTS a try back in April 2019. Things were quite rough that time. I was unemployed,  feeling a little lost, and unmotivated with life that I felt like I needed a distraction or get into a new hobby. Out of the blue, I started searching about "Get to know BTS members" videos in youtube. I swear, my only intention that time is to get to know their names and what the buzz is all about. One video turned into a couple ones, an hour of watching turned into countless hours, from searching their names to memorizing their traits one by one. That's when I realized I was starting to fall for them and get attached.
The first album I got to listen to was Map of the Soul: Persona. I remember putting it on the loop while I was stuck in traffic. Mikrokosmos is "that" song that made me stan them. The song is like a "pat in the back and a long hug after a tiring day" kind that it made cry after listening to it. There is something about their songs that comforts me, uplifts my soul, and eases my weary heart even though I can't understand their language. I was so shock and amazed when I started digging into their previous works and knowing the English translations of every song. The lyrics and the story behind the songs are well thought, and the most beautiful and inspiring ones I have ever heard.
My interest and love for BTS grew bigger each day. My daily routine now includes an ample of time dedicated to them. As i binged watched all of their contents, (Bon Voyage, BTS Run, V Lives, MVs & past concerts, etc.) I learned more about them on a more personal level. Each member has its own unique personality that compliments with each other and makes them the DREAM TEAM. I could last all day listing all their best trait or how they are the best boys in the world and I wouldn't get tired of it. Maybe its because they had to go through so much hardships like us or i guess that's the magic that they give off that makes them so relatable, funny and genuine with cameras or even behind the scenes. 
The first time it hit me that I'm already a certified ARMY ("Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth") was when I accidentally watched a video of how BTS went from being a Nobodies to Legends. I bawled my eyes out looking back at when the music industry mistreated them but also felt like a proud mom when they started winning their first Daesang award, attended their first international show, being one of the UNICEF Ambassadors, breaking records, breaking stereotypes and language barriers, and finally getting the all the recognition and love that they deserve. I was extremely moved and amazed at how they never let go of their dreams despite all the hardships, on how they never lose their passion and grit, and how they all remain humble and loving after all the success they made. They always make sure to thank ARMYS every achievement they get and they never fail to show their love for us. That moment right there cemented my love for BTS. I knew I had to protect and stay with them forever.
Truthfully, words are not enough for me to describe how I love them or how special they are to me. All I know is how they "made me feel things" that touched my heart deeply. Know I understand why a lot of people are madly in love with them. Never have I imagined that seven boys from Korea can turn my life upside down and inspire me to become a better person. I am very thankful to BTS for creating phenomenal and inspiring music. They really lived up to their mission "A music for healing." From feeling hopeless to slowly learning to love myself, and for giving me a lot of reason to love myself and continue my dreams. There are days that I wish I discovered them a little earlier but I read it somewhere that BTS finds you when you needed them the most and I think that's true. Knowing them might seem like an accident or out of boredom, but they found me when I was at my lowest and stayed with me until I recovered.
When I tell you that BTS is one of the BEST group in the music industry, believe me. I know they are not perfect but they are the people that you can really look up to as a role model. From writing the best songs, dope choreographies, honest to goodness personalities… What's not to like? I hope people would take the time to listen to their songs and appreciate their craft. Their music and performances prove from time to time that no language barrier can stop them from getting their messages across the world and from giving us a good time. So what are you waiting for, go search BTS, turn on that subtitle and listen to them?