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Indonesian BTS fans fight stereotyping by sharing love, compassion
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Beyond music: Tasya Mutiara Ramlan, a 21-year-old medical student, says South Korean boyband BTS has been her support system during her first semester at Jenderal Ahmad Yani University in Bandung, West Java.
(JP/Courtesy of Tasya Mutiara Ramlan)
I
t isn't easy being a fan of the South Korean boyband, but members of BTS ARMYs in Indonesia have found a sense of belonging and purpose in the band's messages of love and compassion.
BTS, the highly popular South Korean boyband that debuted on Jun. 12, 2013 under the management of Big Hit Entertainment, is composed of seven members: J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Suga and V.
The band has since gained a massive following through their global fanbase, officially named BTS ARMY, with the latter half standing for “Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth”. The band's official fandoms have been established in many countries, including Indonesia.
Negative public perception isn’t rare for BTS ARMY members in Indonesia. According to the fans interviewed for this story, they have been called everything from “brainless” to “toxic”. Suffice to say, they feel that these perceptions are misleading and are eager to set things straight.
Tasya Mutiara Ramlan calls BTS her “support system”. The 21-year-old has been a fan since February 2017.
She said the group’s music helped her cope with her insecurities as well as the stress she endured from her studies as a first semester medical student at Jenderal Ahmad Yani University in Bandung, West Java.
“The presence of their music boosts my confidence and makes me think positively. It has given me space to express my feelings,” Tasya said.
