Today, “ARMY” is no longer just a name for BTS’s fan community — it has become a global phenomenon with influence that extends far beyond the realm of music, just like the idols they support. With tens of millions of members across continents, ARMY is known for its unity, organization, and powerful sense of solidarity.

From helping BTS top international music charts and break Guinness World Records to organizing large-scale charity campaigns and global media movements — ARMY has consistently been the group's strongest support system. The bond between BTS and ARMY has been built not only on music, but also through mutual empathy, understanding, and deep gratitude.

BTS has always considered ARMY an inseparable part of their journey, and ARMY, in turn, sees BTS as a never-ending source of pride and inspiration.

Before “ARMY” was officially chosen as the fandom name, BTS had explored and used several other terms to refer to their fans during the group’s early debut days in 2013. These early nicknames appeared mostly in posts and interactions between BTS and their fans prior to the official announcement on July 9, 2013.

Some of the unofficial names BTS tried included “Bell,” “Bangwool,” “BTS Mate,” or simply “our fans.” These were used temporarily or experimentally, but are still fondly remembered by fans today as part of the group’s early, more intimate beginnings.

However, among all those names, the one that left the deepest impression on fans was the nickname SUGA used for the fandom on the very day BTS officially debuted. This heartfelt expression has recently resurfaced and gone viral as fans look back on that emotional moment.

On June 13, 2013, SUGA wrote a message to fans, expressing his appreciation for their support and calling them “My loves” — his way of referring to BTS’s very first ARMYs. Though simple and not layered with complex meaning, “My loves” carried an unmistakable warmth and sincerity that fans could truly feel.

This choice of words felt like a gentle embrace — a way of acknowledging the special two-way relationship between artist and fan. For ARMYs, especially those who have supported BTS since day one, that nickname became a source of motivation and a cherished memory they continue to hold close to their hearts.

Under the now-viral post containing SUGA’s letter, fans have left countless comments such as:

- He's the cutest person ever, so romantic

- he's so adorable since day 1

- 'my love' will always be one of the most romantic nicknames ever

- And when I say this needs a comeback istg, i would melt so bad if he starts to call us like that again

- "I love you, my loves." IM SOBBING

- I’m just gonna go cry myself to sleep now. I cant stop loving him

- he called himself as a third person too? why is he so sweet?

- And the way he spent hours preparing over 300 gifts for fans with his own hands for his birthday. His heart is so full of love

- I don't cry over men, but he's an exception! idk why but i never came across this, it's so endearing I'm melting while reading this. Also it sounds like fate to me, how i too call him and tannies my loves, it comes naturally to me, i love him so much

- Yoongi used to call ARMYs "my love" in his every tweets and letters, oh on how my heart beats for this man

- bro really said somebody does love and that somebody is ME

- yoongi also said to leave our fourth (ring) finger empty... AS IF WE, ALL OF US, CAN MARRY YOU, YOON >< WE JUST DREAM