Like many, my journey into the vibrant world of BTS wasn’t through the typical fan route. You wouldn’t find me camping out for concert tickets or decked out head-to-toe in purple merchandise. That’s more my daughter’s style. My connection to BTS, and particularly to “Permission to Dance,” is deeply personal. In a period shrouded in darkness, their music became an unexpected source of light, a sentiment echoed by my therapist who aptly described them as my “happy place.” And honestly, a year later, that still holds true.
Initially, the BTS phenomenon was a bit lost on me. The language barrier felt significant, even with their English tracks. And admittedly, my first impression leaned towards thinking they wore a tad too much makeup – a perspective quickly challenged by my teenage daughter and her friends. “Boyfriends who can teach us makeup?” she quipped, a point well-taken.
Then came “Permission to Dance” in the summer. The infectious beat and the undeniably uplifting message cut through the noise. Lyrics like, “Let’s break our plans and live just like we’re golden and roll in like we’re dancing fools. We don’t need to worry, ‘cause when we fall we know how to land,” resonated deeply. During days when the weight of COVID anxieties felt suffocating, compounded by personal life challenges that fueled self-doubt and fear, this song was a lifeline. It was the gentle nudge that coaxed me out of bed and into motion. Before BTS, I hadn’t truly grasped the profound power of music to heal and uplift. They showed me how to not just cope, but to dance through it all.
BTS
Image: BTS group photo, showcasing the seven members, their vibrant energy, and global appeal, reflecting the message of “Permission to Dance” and their impact on fans worldwide.
“Permission to Dance” opened a gateway to their broader discography. “Butter” and “Dynamite” delivered the same invigorating energy. Much to my daughter’s amusement (and slight embarrassment), my living room transformed into my personal dance floor as I mirrored their moves daily. But the joy and freedom I felt overshadowed any self-consciousness. When my daughter playfully challenged my ARMY credentials, insisting that true fans knew each member’s name and personality, I took it as a fun challenge. For days, I immersed myself in learning to distinguish Jin, Jimin, J-Hope, Jungkook, and thankfully, the non-J members V, RM, and Suga. Following a suggestion from a 40-year-old friend and fellow BTS enthusiast, I delved into “Run BTS,” their variety show. Hidden away from the isolation and relationship stresses, I found myself laughing out loud at their hilarious escapades and challenges. One particular episode, where they were drenched and desperately trying to decipher forbidden words to avoid water torrents, brought on waves of laughter, albeit with a tinge of guilt for enjoying their playful “torture.” I devoured 152 episodes in a single week, completely captivated.
The magic of BTS truly lies in their collective energy. Each member brings something unique and irreplaceable. RM’s insightful words, J-Hope’s infectious laughter, Jimin’s warmheartedness, V’s playful and witty remarks, Jungkook’s captivating blend of charm and humility, Suga’s subtle yet genuine care, and Jin’s confidence and humor – these are all integral parts of their global appeal. These qualities resonate deeply, touching millions worldwide. Buzzfeed quizzes even playfully suggested I embody a mix of J-Hope, Jin, and Jimin – caring, quirky, and comical. Another quiz even jokingly predicted a museum wedding with RM! While that last part is clearly fantasy, it highlights the personal connection fans feel.
Beyond the fun and catchy tunes, BTS’s music carries profound messages. Songs like “Idol,” “Mikrokosmos,” “Save Me,” “On,” and “Life Goes On” consistently advocate for self-love, resilience in the face of failure, and the fundamental message that “you are enough.” As WWE superstar John Cena eloquently stated, “They advocate self-love, to not be afraid of failure and that you are enough… how they conduct themselves as human beings and the message they send to the world, man, that’s something special.”
One of the most cherished gifts BTS has given me is a shared passion with my daughter. Her teenage moods soften instantly when she talks about her “bias,” Jungkook. His captivating stage presence and musical talent enthrall countless young fans, but for my daughter, it’s his perceived shyness and humility that make him relatable. In a period where school and social life were disrupted, BTS filled a void, offering connection and joy. I imagine countless ARMYs around the world share this sentiment of gratitude.
Ultimately, BTS, and “Permission to Dance” in particular, showed me a path forward. A year prior, I felt lost in a whirlwind of challenges, unsure how to regain my footing. “Permission to Dance” arrived as a timely invitation to simply move. Embracing that daily moment of brightness, dancing each morning, became my personal ritual to start the day with positivity. Self-love transformed into my mantra, and with BTS as an unexpected source of encouragement, I began to move forward, step by step. That journey continues, for both myself and my daughter.
As news of their “hiatus” circulated, messages poured in, reflecting a mix of emotions. While the term “hiatus” can feel ambiguous and even concerning, potentially hinting at disbandment, my hope remains optimistic. Regardless, my daughter, myself, and ARMY worldwide, wholeheartedly support their decision. Now, it’s our turn to give BTS permission to dance on their own terms, to pursue individual growth and happiness. We trust that their best is “Yet to Come,” whether together as BTS or individually, and we will be here to support them every step of the way. Borahae. 💜
