Erika, 40
Louise, 29
This is the same way we help BTS get to high grounds, the grassroots movement, the spread of information, the rallying of everyone we can find. Our ARMY made it possible and I honestly don't think any other fandom could do that. Not in that way. And I love this family for it.
Liana, 42
My heart was filled with love and hope because these seven young Korean men were the embodiment of what is good in this world. BTS is changing the world and I felt the urge to be a part of that process. So I became ARMY.Are you a fan of any other K-pop artists?Not really. I casually listen to other K-pop songs, as well as songs from western artists, but I’m not a fan of any other group.What is it like to be a mother and be in a K-pop fandom?Parenthood is a hard but joyful task. As a full-time working mom of two young kids, I had to shift my priorities to my family, leaving no time to do something for myself, and that was mentally draining. But this is my hobby. It’s something I do for myself in order to recharge and destress after a tiring day.Also, the need to be informed about everything that is going on in the fandom connected me with technology. I learned to handle social media more effectively and to navigate myself through the numerous apps. These newfound skills will eventually help me connect with my sons when they are at the proper age to use them.At some point, I saw my reflection on the tablet’s screen and I had the widest, most endearing smile.
I’m the smallest person in a small team of hardworking, loving people, part of the largest fandom in the world, but I feel that I can make a great change and this is why I'm here.
Eunice Jean, 22
What other causes would you want to help out?As an activist, I personally would like to have projects that champion human rights. Human rights violations are common here in the Philippines, and I want to do more than join protests. I hope there are more human rights organisations that do charitable work with tangible results. Of course, this could be a longshot, but I hope that one day we would be able to help victims of different kinds of abuse. ARMY is a huge fandom that could, some day, help.Aside from that, I’m OK with any type of cause. For me, what’s important is that we are reaching different people around the globe by partnering with organisations. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that is selfless and hardworking. Together, we can create a difference no matter how small or big our contributions are—as long as we put our hearts into it.The Philippines can learn so much from BTS’ music, such as the importance of destigmatising mental health and criticising the mistakes of the government.
Fati, 26
I cannot even begin to explain how valuable those moments were for the Arab and Muslim fans.What made you want to join One In An Army?It had been a dream of mine for years to be able to harness the collective power of a fandom to do good. I have always had a strong wish of making an impact in other people's lives and helping others, even in what some may perceive as small insignificant ways, because I believe that it could still give someone else hope, which perfectly aligns with OIAA's vision.Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.Follow Lia on Twitter and Instagram.But there has actually been a quite notable shift after their concert in Saudi Arabia last year, and many have changed their views after they saw how incredibly polite and respectful both BTS and their staff were towards our culture—something that, quite literally, never happens.