Jason Edwards – Interviews
Articles about BTS are everywhere. Whenever a member moves, posts, sings, or breathes, global media outlets go into a frenzy. France is no exception to this wave from Korea: sold-out concerts in minutes, endless queues outside venues, and fan projects lighting up social media... BTS has become a cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond music.
Yet amidst this excitement, there is something less noticed: the work of ARMY associations. These volunteer groups, often invisible to the general public, play an essential role. They organize, coordinate, inform, reassure, and build a genuine bridge between France and Korea. Without them, many fans would be lost in the overflow of information, events, and projects surrounding the group.
At several concerts, I saw these colorful booths, tables filled with flyers, bracelets, photocards, and volunteers welcoming fans with smiles. I saw them running, setting up, answering questions, managing queues, and distributing materials—without ever knowing who they were or how it all worked. For many, these booths are just extra decor. For me, they were a mystery: Who organizes this? Why? How? And above all... what is their exact role in the community?
To understand what lies behind these initiatives, we interviewed BTS ARMY France, one of the country's most active associations. Their work goes far beyond managing booths: they foster connections, provide reliable information, support artistic projects, and strengthen cultural relations between France and Korea.
Through this interview conducted via email on July 31, 2026, we explore their daily routine, missions, challenges, and motivation to dedicate themselves to an ever-growing community.
1. Could you briefly introduce BTS ARMY France and your roles as admins?
BTS ARMY France: “BTS ARMY France started as a fanbase created in 2017 by and for French ARMYs. We became a non-profit association in 2019, which gave us credibility with industry professionals. Our mission is to gather the community, organize events, and support the group in the French market, particularly by encouraging music purchases and streaming. We also relay news about BTS, aiming to be a reliable source for our followers and industry professionals.”
Rorie: “I joined the team early this year. I am involved in the charitable division, where we highlight various causes and non-profits. Currently, we are collaborating with OceanCare to raise funds for ocean protection and raise fan awareness with eco-friendly tips.”
Nyx: “I’ve been a volunteer since late 2023. I head the journalism division, which enriches our website with articles: album analyses, news topics, deep dives... helping people better understand BTS and their artistic universe.”
Rorie: “I joined the team early this year. I am involved in the charitable division, where we highlight various causes and non-profits. Currently, we are collaborating with OceanCare to raise funds for ocean protection and raise fan awareness with eco-friendly tips.”
Nyx: “I’ve been a volunteer since late 2023. I head the journalism division, which enriches our website with articles: album analyses, news topics, deep dives... helping people better understand BTS and their artistic universe.”
2. How would you describe the ARMY community in France today?
BTS ARMY France: “The French community today is incredibly diverse and intergenerational. ARMYs own their passion much more than before, without worrying about stereotypes. What dominates is this connection around a shared passion. During projects or events, bonds form easily around BTS’s values.”
“It is also a highly engaged community, present to support and defend BTS both online and at physical events. The success of the pop-up stores for the release of Arirang and the record attendance of 92,000 spectators at the Stade de France prove the passion of French fans.”
“It is also a highly engaged community, present to support and defend BTS both online and at physical events. The success of the pop-up stores for the release of Arirang and the record attendance of 92,000 spectators at the Stade de France prove the passion of French fans.”
3. In your opinion, what impact has BTS had on popular culture and the perception of Korea in France?
BTS ARMY France: “They have tremendously shifted people’s perspectives. There used to be many misconceptions, prejudices, and sometimes racism. For a long time, some were almost ashamed to like K-pop. BTS broke down those barriers.”
“By sharing their culture with pride and sincerity, they introduced an authentic side of Korea. Their message of love and openness opened minds. They fully participate in the Hallyu wave alongside cinema and TV series. Today, taking an interest in Korea has become a source of curiosity and pride.”
“By sharing their culture with pride and sincerity, they introduced an authentic side of Korea. Their message of love and openness opened minds. They fully participate in the Hallyu wave alongside cinema and TV series. Today, taking an interest in Korea has become a source of curiosity and pride.”
4. Which projects or actions by your association have been most successful with fans?
BTS ARMY France: “We participated in designing the banners for the Stade de France concerts in 2019 during the Love Yourself: Speak Yourself tour. It was the first time BTS performed at the Stade de France: an unforgettable memory for everyone. Jungkook even took a picture with the banner, which was an immense source of pride for French ARMYs.”
“For the Arirang World Tour, we organized banner production once again in collaboration with other French fanbases.”
“To prepare for the group’s return after their military service, we launched highly requested physical events. In July 2025, we hosted the ‘Fiest’army’ to celebrate the members’ return, which was deeply appreciated. For the release of Arirang, we hosted a two-night release party gathering around a hundred ARMYs: a successful moment filled with joy and emotion.”
“For the Arirang World Tour, we organized banner production once again in collaboration with other French fanbases.”
“To prepare for the group’s return after their military service, we launched highly requested physical events. In July 2025, we hosted the ‘Fiest’army’ to celebrate the members’ return, which was deeply appreciated. For the release of Arirang, we hosted a two-night release party gathering around a hundred ARMYs: a successful moment filled with joy and emotion.”
5. What touches French ARMYs the most in BTS’s message or music?
BTS ARMY France: “It’s a universal phenomenon: their sincerity. The members have been here out of passion since the beginning, and that is felt in everything they do. They have always been authentic in their lyrics.”
“They tackle topics that resonate with everyone: self-love, dreams, insecurity, human relationships, social pressure... Their songs bring hope and motivation. Their lyrics resonate deeply with our stories. BTS transcends language to evoke shared human experiences. There is a BTS song for every emotion.”
“They tackle topics that resonate with everyone: self-love, dreams, insecurity, human relationships, social pressure... Their songs bring hope and motivation. Their lyrics resonate deeply with our stories. BTS transcends language to evoke shared human experiences. There is a BTS song for every emotion.”
6. Have you noticed an evolution in the community since the group’s debut?
BTS ARMY France: “Absolutely. At first, judgment pushed fans to stay discreet. Today, it has become a point of pride. People display photocards openly, and BTS is played on the radio—something unthinkable a few years ago.”
“It is also much more accessible: concert broadcasts in cinemas are available in far more cities than before.”
“It is also much more accessible: concert broadcasts in cinemas are available in far more cities than before.”
7. What is your favorite memory related to BTS or the association?
Rorie: “The comeback live on Netflix, reuniting all seven members. After Festa 2022 and their military departures, seeing them together again brought indescribable relief, pride, and joy. Their concert in Madrid for the first dates of the European tour is also an surreal memory: performances, staging... everything was exceptional.”
Nyx: “Probably BangBangCon 2020. During lockdown, two days of concerts streamed on YouTube brought comfort, joy, and pride. Seeing their growth since debut was very moving. And of course, the Paris concerts for the Arirang tour: an incredible experience with amplified emotions singing in unison with thousands of people.”
Nyx: “Probably BangBangCon 2020. During lockdown, two days of concerts streamed on YouTube brought comfort, joy, and pride. Seeing their growth since debut was very moving. And of course, the Paris concerts for the Arirang tour: an incredible experience with amplified emotions singing in unison with thousands of people.”
8. What advice would you give ARMYs to better respect the artists’ privacy?
BTS ARMY France: “A fundamental point must be emphasized: BTS members are human beings first. They have a private life, sensitivity, feelings, and already carry immense pressure.”
“The best advice is empathy. Ask yourself: ‘If I were in their shoes, would I want someone to do this to me?’”
“They are neither museum objects to be filmed automatically nor people onto whom anything can be imposed just because they are famous. They owe us nothing.”
“They have always shown kindness when sending gentle messages asking for respect. As fans, we must live up to the trust they place in us by respecting their boundaries.”
“It is our responsibility to reflect the values BTS promote through their music. We should always ask ourselves: ‘Would BTS be ashamed of their fans’ behavior?’ The moment we disrespect their space and well-being, we cannot truly call ourselves ARMY.”
“The best advice is empathy. Ask yourself: ‘If I were in their shoes, would I want someone to do this to me?’”
“They are neither museum objects to be filmed automatically nor people onto whom anything can be imposed just because they are famous. They owe us nothing.”
“They have always shown kindness when sending gentle messages asking for respect. As fans, we must live up to the trust they place in us by respecting their boundaries.”
“It is our responsibility to reflect the values BTS promote through their music. We should always ask ourselves: ‘Would BTS be ashamed of their fans’ behavior?’ The moment we disrespect their space and well-being, we cannot truly call ourselves ARMY.”
9. During the members’ visits to Paris, some fan behaviors were considered inappropriate. What advice would you like to share today regarding privacy?
BTS ARMY France: “We must simply recall a fundamental truth: BTS members are human beings above all. Like you and me, they have a private life, sensitivity, feelings, and carry immense pressure on their shoulders.”
“The best advice is always empathy: ‘If I were in their place, would I like someone doing what I am doing right now?’”
“They are not museum items to film without consent whenever we cross paths with them, nor individuals to whom we can dictate terms simply because of their fame.”
“They owe us nothing. They have always shown great kindness in delivering gentle messages when such situations occurred, genuinely hoping to be heard. It is a matter of basic respect. Through their music, they share personal feelings, fears, and doubts as artists and public figures. As fans who know what they went through, we must honor that trust and sincerity by maintaining proper boundaries.”
“It is our responsibility as ARMYs to reflect the values BTS have carried for years. We should constantly ask: ‘Would BTS be ashamed of their fans’ behavior?’”
“We want to represent the fandom positively. The moment we fail to respect their space and well-being, we cannot truly claim to be ARMY.”
“The best advice is always empathy: ‘If I were in their place, would I like someone doing what I am doing right now?’”
“They are not museum items to film without consent whenever we cross paths with them, nor individuals to whom we can dictate terms simply because of their fame.”
“They owe us nothing. They have always shown great kindness in delivering gentle messages when such situations occurred, genuinely hoping to be heard. It is a matter of basic respect. Through their music, they share personal feelings, fears, and doubts as artists and public figures. As fans who know what they went through, we must honor that trust and sincerity by maintaining proper boundaries.”
“It is our responsibility as ARMYs to reflect the values BTS have carried for years. We should constantly ask: ‘Would BTS be ashamed of their fans’ behavior?’”
“We want to represent the fandom positively. The moment we fail to respect their space and well-being, we cannot truly claim to be ARMY.”