Since July 9, 2013, BTS’s fan community has shared a collective name: ARMY, an acronym for “Adorable Representative M.C for Youth.” The name also carries the meaning, “If BTS is bulletproof, ARMY is the one that protects us,” emphasizing the inseparable, parallel relationship between BTS and their fans.

As of this July, it has been exactly 13 years since ARMY officially debuted under its official name. Throughout more than a decade - from their under-the-radar debut days and the period when they were underestimated in the domestic market, to their bold expansion into the global stage and even during the time when the group temporarily halted full-group activities due to military service - ARMY has consistently been the greatest driving force pushing BTS forward.

The bond between BTS and ARMY has been built not only through music, but also through deep empathy, mutual understanding, and sincere gratitude. BTS has always regarded ARMY as an indispensable part of their journey, while ARMY, in turn, views BTS as a source of pride and endless inspiration.

To this day, choosing the name "ARMY" has proven to be a truly wise decision by BTS and Big Hit Music back then. ARMYs have also looked back on several different terms that BTS came up with during their early debut days in 2013, before officially settling on a fandom name. These included nicknames such as “Bell,” “Bangwool,” “BTS Mate,” or simply “our fans.”

However, among all the affectionate nicknames the members used in those early days, the one that touched fans' hearts the most was probably the one SUGA wrote in a letter dated June 13, 2013—the day BTS officially debuted. At the time, SUGA referred to the group's very first fans as "My Love," a term so sweet that, even 13 years later, ARMYs still hope to hear him call them that once again.

Although simple and lacking any complex symbolism, “My loves” carries an unmistakable warmth and sincerity that fans can deeply feel. The phrase is like a gentle embrace—an acknowledgment of the special, two-way relationship between artist and fan. For ARMY, especially those who have supported BTS since the very beginning, that nickname has become a source of comfort and a treasured memory they continue to hold close to their hearts.

Thirteen years later, as SUGA's letter featuring the nickname "My Love" was brought up again during the fandom's anniversary celebration, fans were once again deeply moved, saying:

- How romantic it is — our love has lasted for a decade. I's happy that BTS was part of my youth.

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

- More than ten years later, SUGA’s words from debut still echo in my heart. From being unnamed fans to becoming ARMY, this journey has been long, emotional, and beautiful. 2026 feels like a new chapter built on all those memories

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

- When I look back at SUGA’s letter from 2013, I realize how deep this bond has always been. 2026 is our year

- 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

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

- It’s incredible to think that BTS and ARMY have walked side by side for over a decade. Remembering SUGA’s letter calling us ‘the people I love’ still нιтs just as hard today