Among KPop fandoms, ARMY is considered the epitome of unity and loyal love for BTS. They are also consistently considered as one of the factors that lead to the global success of K-pop superstars.
People often talk about the increasing number of ARMYs joining the BTS fandom over the years. But in reality, there are also quite a few who are no longer fans of the group or have left the fandom for various reasons.
So how did the BTS members react when witnessing this?
The four BTS members expressed their feelings when asked about this issue at different times. However, all of their answers moved fans.
At first, when hearing about a fan leaving the fandom, many people might think that there is no regret because they are just a drop in the ocean. But for Jungkook, he cherishes everyone, whether they are current or former fans.
“There are some of you who may have already left. But I still want to thank you all no matter when you used to love us. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing all those moments with us”, he said during a live broadcast with fans.
Instead of criticizing or disrespecting those who left the fandom, Jungkook showed surprising respect for each fan's decision. As for other fans, Jungkook was also quite subtle in reαѕѕuring them that there were no strings attached.
Fans can leave anytime they want, but one thing that hasn't changed is that he and BTS are always there whenever they need them. Jungkook doesn't force them, he just wants ARMY to be by BTS's side with sincere love.
He added, “I’ll always stay here. Whenever ARMY wants to see me, you can come here anytime. Also when you have to leave or when you want to leave, you can leave at any time. whenever you want. But as long as you remember this, I will always stay here”.
Meanwhile, V was also put in a similar situation by ARMYs when they asked him what would he think if a fan decided to become a fan of another idol and not be an ARMY anymore?
V gave an answer that melted anyone's heart: "Are you forced to leave? Of course not, you can still like both, right?". He also added an αѕѕertion: "That's right, we are 'gganbu' (a close bond, inseparable)".
ARMYs laughed when they saw V encouraging fans to like more artists, besides BTS. There is no rule that prevents fans from becoming fans of different idols but V still hopes that instead of leaving one fandom, fans can give love to both artists.
While V came up with an interesting solution, Jimin seemed to want to "take" his fans back when he fell into a similar situation.
Specifically, when Jimin appeared in PIXID's famous "impersonator" series, he discovered that a STAY (Stray Kids fan) was a former ARMY. This young former fan even added that BTS was the first concert she attended.
Jimin's reaction to this information was hilarious as he asked the Stray Kids fan: "Where have you gone now? What are you up to? We have to take her back".
He even decided to send an impromptu video message to Felix, asking him to sympathize with Jimin wanting to take fans home. "Yongbok-nim (Felix’s nickname)! I’m not taking her from you… She left home so I’m just taking her back for a bit. Please be understanding", Jimin humorously sent the video message.
While many people may feel angry when a former fan leaves the fandom, thinking it is an act of betrayal, like Jungkook or V, Jimin appreciates their past support. He still respects them and even hopes that the former fans can return.
On the other hand, in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, SUGA also gave his reaction when asked if he felt worried about ARMY's reaction if the dating news broke out?
In response to Rolling Stone, SUGA denied: “I have a hard time understanding this question. ARMY is a diverse group. In this hypothetical situation, some may accept it, some may not".
"Whether it’s dating, or soмєтнing else, they’re all individuals, and they will understand things differently", he added.
Until SUGA, fans have easily realized that BTS superstars always have the greatest respect for every decision of fans. They do not oppose fans loving many different idols besides BTS, but encourage fans to express their feelings freely.
Even if the former BTS fans change their support and are no longer ARMYs, the members understand the fans' decision. BTS focuses on the good memories between them and their fans rather than making a big deal out of the fans leaving the fandom.