There are tough days. And there are days when a K-pop fan wakes up to the news of their favourite idols stepping down from the stage to begin their military service. It might be temporary, but a halt it is. Till now, K-pop sensation BTS’s fans — ARMYs — hadn’t quite experienced the pangs of separation from their beloved idols. But now it is time.
The news of BTS members enlisting for South Korea’s mandatory military service for men came out last week. Since then, there has been quite a stir in the fandom spread across the globe, including our very own City of Joy. How well have Kolkata ARMYs taken the news of their Bangtan boys enlisting for military service? Were they preparing for this moment or was it all too sudden? My Kolkata spoke to a few fans, and it sure is as bittersweet as it can be.
Fanspeak
Subhangi Dasgupta
“I wasn't that sad when the news broke out. Their decision to enlist and serve their country is inspirational. Two years isn't a lot when we have their songs and reality show contents like RUN BTS to fall back on. In fact, the hope and love they have given us until now is enough to pull us through for a lifetime. So, we'll trust them and make preparations to welcome them back with arms wide open in 2025.”
— Subhangi Dasgupta, 23, psychology student
Ruhin Fazal
“Initially, I was shocked by the announcement because it was sudden, but at the same time, I was content that they had taken the decision themselves and not under netizens’ pressure. BTS is an act that has brought so much popularity and attention to South Korea over the last 10 years. Their impact on the music industry will not vanish into thin air due to their military service. And we all know that they will come back stronger than ever in 2025 and knock our socks off. BTS is and will always be the ‘it’ group of our generation.”
— Ruhin Fazal, 17, high school student
Nishantika Kundu
“BTS is stepping into another new experience, which also stands as evidence of their love for their country. As an ARMY, who has been transformed by their music in more than one way, I wish them all the best of luck and happiness. I am not disappointed as a fan, but proud as a human being. I believe in them. BTS will do good, in whatever endeavour they take up.”
— Nishantika Kundu, 26, B.Ed student
Ayantika Khastagir
“I have been an ARMY since 2016 and they have been my safe place. I feel like I have developed a great bond with them and so, it would be a lie to say that I won't miss them. But I am also proud of them. We won’t leave the ‘magic shop’. To borrow Jin’s metaphors, ARMYs, millions of butterflies, will wait for their seven flowers to return and bloom again. For now, I will go back to streaming their discography, watching Rookie King, AHL, Run BTS!, Bon Voyage. I plan to know them on a deeper level by the time they are back in 2025.”
— Ayantika Khastagir, 20, English student
Sangita Chakraborty
“When the notification popped up on my screen, I was shocked for a couple of minutes. There were many thoughts, but the first was sadness. What will I do without them? I'm an ARMY since 2015 and now it's 2022 — I’ve spent all seasons with them throughout these years. It's not just their music I love, but also their honesty and how grounded they are. I will miss them immensely. 2025 is not far. There are 797 Bangtan Bomb, 200 Run BTS! episodes, 32 Bon Voyage,13 In The Soop episodes — a total of 1,002. If you watch one a day for three years, it’s like they never left!”
— Sangita Chakraborty, 24, sales professional
Noureen Fazal
“BTS has been my companion for two years now, but it feels like l have known them forever. Seeing BTS leave for their enlistment does make my heart wrench, but I also swell in pride seeing them add another feather to their cap. I hope they stay safe. We will be waiting eagerly.”
— Noureen Fazal, 23, B.Ed student
Bijoya Das