In K-pop culture, there used to be soмєтнing called an “official color” that represented each idol group. For example, Girls’ Generation (SNSD) is known for Pastel Rose Pink, BIGBANG for Bang Yellow (or Sunshine Yellow), Super Junior for Pearl Sapphire Blue, and SHINee for Pearl Aqua Green, among others.
During the second generation of K-pop idols, these colors were officially announced by the entertainment companies and even came with specific color codes (hex or Pantone) to ensure they wouldn’t overlap with other groups. These shades were typically linked to the group’s official lightsticks or certain merchandise.
However, in later generations, the concept of an official representative color became less defined. BTS, for instance, never officially declared a fandom color, yet purple has long been αѕѕociated with them since V’s iconic statement about the phrase “Borahae” (I Purple You).
At that time, V said, “Just as purple is the last color of the rainbow, I will trust and love you until the very end.” Since then, the color purple and the phrase Borahae have held a deeply special place in the hearts of BTS and their fans.
That said, the color has also sparked quite a bit of debate among some fans — and even between certain fandoms. The conflict stems from the question: Is purple exclusively for BTS and ARMY? Is it their official fandom color?
While fans were arguing about this issue, BTS themselves settled the matter with some surprisingly straightforward answers. The situation happened during an aerial yoga clαѕѕ — when they saw the purple silk hammocks hanging from the ceiling, it was natural for the members to αѕѕume they were prepared especially for BTS.
Jungkook began the conversation by exclaiming, "No way! You matched these to purple, right?". RM then quickly clarified with humor, saying that they were all obsessed with this idea — jokingly calling it a “∂ιѕєαѕє” shared by BTS and ARMY. He said, "You know, this is a kind of illness. Whenever we see purple, is it somehow connected to us?"
He then concluded with a clear fact: "We didn't pay the copyright for purple". And he was absolutely right — the color purple doesn’t belong to anyone, and BTS neither owns nor holds the copyright to it. Therefore, nothing purple can be claimed as officially representing BTS or ARMY. The only thing BTS — or more specifically, V — truly “owns” is the phrase Borahae.
Jin quickly added that there are many purple things in the world. Finally, SUGA wrapped up the discussion perfectly by declaring, “Purple isn’t ours.” A short but spot-on statement.
Still, it’s important to understand that while BTS don’t own the color purple, that doesn’t mean they can’t use it or view it as a symbol of love and connection between the group and ARMY. Their statements don’t mean they dislike the color — quite the opposite. They continue to embrace purple as an expression of their affection for fans.
Moreover, even though BTS don’t have “copyright” over the color, the world undeniably αѕѕociates purple with them. Many brands collaborating with BTS have incorporated purple into their designs, numerous cities have changed lights and decorations to purple during BTS-related events, and even tourist spots connected to BTS have been remodeled in purple tones.
Fans completely understood what the members meant — but that didn’t stop them from showing endless love for the color that has come to symbolize BTS:
- namjoon saying it’s an illness how we see purple and think it’s bts he doesn’t realise how engraved bts is in our heads because i was talking to a dude and he said he’s born in 1997 and i immediately turn to my friend and go “aah he’s a jungkook liner” like BTS MEASUREMENT SCALE
- Suga was trying to say that the color was there before BTS, now, the controversy about the word borahae it is a different matter, it does not belong to the fandom to decide who's the real owner, the agency and the artists must to take an agreement
- Lol my mom mentioned this too. It's not like purple belong to BTS in this whole world, because if it's the fact, then even lavender or hydrangea needs to pay to BTS. I think that's how wise BTS members give their two cents about purple. But it's different if it's about borahae, it's solely belong to KTH.
- Suga must have never thought they would have color purple as their official color lmao But there's really nothing to analyze in what he said, purple is simply not for anyone to claim as theirs or any other color, for that matter.
- Totally agree but we made others get this ∂ιѕєαѕє tooo
- But the world still show that purple relates to BTS and ARMY, we're successful
- We are all psychologically manipulated kkkkkkk
