Daebak Interns - Our Favorite K-Pop Groups & Artists

Brianna

Favorite Group: BTS

What was the first song you listened to by BTS?

The first song I listened to by BTS was “DNA”, which actually fits the story of my journey to becoming an ARMY. 💜

When I first started to explore BTS’ discography, it wasn't until a month in, that I realized that their MVs: “No More Dream”, “We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2”, “Just One Day”, and “Danger”, were actually a part of my past. For some odd reason, these particular MVs seemed so familiar to me when I first watched it in 2017. But one day, I had an epiphany: I finally realized that I have seen those MVs play at a boba cafe in my local area, a few years prior to when I first started to get to know BTS! It’s crazy to think that they were somehow a part of my past before I even knew them, or even before I knew anything about K-Pop, but now it feels reassuring that they were meant to be a part of my life even before I discovered them in 2017. ☺️ From the school bus in “No More Dream”, to the black-and-white tiled floor in “We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2”, to the "Just One Day" MV set with the chairs in a white studio and the shadow of the clock as the members wore school uniforms, and of course, to them dancing in intense synchronicity while splashing the water that was on the floor in “Danger”, those were the aha moments that made me realize that I have seen these MVs before. I guess you can say that their MVs were definitely something special, as well as memorable, and that it was not a coincidence that I found them a few years later. ✨

If only I knew them before their debut! 😭

What was that one song that made you want to become an ARMY?

The one song that changed my life forever was “Save Me” by BTS. When I watched the song’s MV for the first time, something inside of me had clicked. Both the song and the MV made me feel some type of way that I had never felt before, and I realized then that I had found something that made me feel understood on a level that no one else has been able to reach. After the MV had ended the first time I watched it, I realized that BTS was something truly and outstandingly special, and I ended up having this impulse to get to know them outside of just their music -- and it was the best decision I had ever made. 🥰 I still remember so clearly how I felt in that moment, when I was listening to the song and watching the members pour out their emotions in the MV...that was the day I became an ARMY, which also happened to be on Jin’s 25th birthday!

What do you admire about BTS, and what makes you want to keep supporting them by being their fan?

Like all ARMYs around the world, it’s hard to pinpoint every single thing we love and admire about BTS. But if I had to pick, it would be that:

• They haven’t changed since their debut, but of course, they have matured in ways, as they grew older. Even though they are global superstars who come once in a lifetime, they have always stayed humble and have stuck to their roots as not only artists, but also as human beings.
• They have been creating their own music since their debut (and pre-debut for a couple of the members). I really admire how they sing about their life’s stories because that's what makes them so personable as an artist to their fans. Their lyrics and music transcend language barriers because their songs are so relatable on many different levels.
• Their music is all about what we go through in our youth years, and that in the end, it’s all about finding our self-love and self-respect, and with that, we can grow to become the person we want to become. Their music is truly ARMY’s safe haven.
• All of the members use their power of influence for the better good of humanity. From philanthropy campaigns to donations, to responding back to ARMYs' comments and posts on Weverse and/or V Live, to even what they compose and write in their songs -- they are always trying to make a positive influence on a global scale.

What is your favorite song and/or album by BTS out of their discography so far, and why?

As much as I love every single song and album that BTS has released -- both as a group and as a soloist -- the album, HYYH Pt. 2, and the song, “Whalien 52”, holds a special place in my heart. But after HYYH Pt. 2, I would have to say that Love Yourself: Tear and BE would be my two other favorite albums that come in a close second!

Favorite Group: GOT7

What was the first song you listened to by GOT7?

The first song I listened to by GOT7 was their 2015 hit, “Just Right”. I actually discovered this song through the Try Guys’ K-Pop series on YouTube, as Eugene showed the other Try Guys the song’s MV.

What was that one song that made you want to become an Ahgase?

After going on a GOT7 music binge, the one song that made me become an Ahgase was their 2016 title track, “Fly”. From the composition and the arrangement of the beats, to the powerful vocals and incredible rap verses, to the MV’s concept and their choreography -- everything just hits perfectly. 💚

What do you admire about GOT7, and what makes you want to keep supporting them by being their fan?

From all seven members acting like silly, cute, and chaotic savages, to also having that manly charm and suave that captures Ahgase's hearts (aka super sexy aegyo)...what's not to love about GOT7? 🤷🏻‍♀️

But I think the main reason why I admire GOT7 is that they will get real with you. They aren’t afraid to speak up and protect one another, especially with their fans. Even though they have ventured off into their own solo projects in the past few years, they have always emphasized that it’s 7 or nothing and that they will always be a family.

What is your favorite song and/or album by GOT7 out of their discography so far, and why?

GOT7 has an incredible discography, and has a variety of different sounds within each album, so it’s hard to pinpoint which is my favorite. But if I had to pick my favorite album, it would probably be Breath of Love: Last Piece. That album was phenomenal, especially since it was self-produced by the members themselves. I think it showcased their individual musicalities very well, and it also displayed their tight-knit teamwork and team dynamic.

My favorite song by GOT7 would probably be “Look". From the era’s concept to the members’ captivating charm, to the choreography and even to just the song alone, “Look” is that song that will always make me feel better when I'm having a bad day. 💛

Other Korean artists and idol groups I listen too:

• TXT
• EPIK HIGH
• NCT
• ASTRO
• Eric Nam
• IU
• Hwasa
• And so many more!!

Olivia

Favorite Group: BTS

What was the first song you listened to by BTS?

To be honest, I’m not sure. I’ve been listening to K-Pop for a while, and I would often hear clips of BTS’ music before I became an ARMY. But I would say that the first song that I sat down and actually listened to was “Dope”.

What was that one song that made you want to become an ARMY?

I would say it’s a tie between “Dope” and “Blood, Sweat and Tears”. For BS&T, the music video is so beautiful. “Dope” is also a very catchy song. These two songs show the group’s range, which I really enjoy seeing.

What do you admire about BTS, and what makes you want to keep supporting them by being their fan?

At this point, it’s safe to say that they are my role models. One major thing that I always admired about them, ever since I first heard of the group, is how humble they are. Despite years of hard work and success, they still actively attempt to try and keep a piece of themselves that won’t be affected by fame; I believe that’s one of the reasons why I continue to support them. Another reason is that they helped me find a community where I felt welcome. Fandoms change, of course, but when I first became an ARMY, I easily became friends with other fans. Even to this day, after many years, it’s a different feeling when you meet a person and find out that they are a fan as well. Because BTS provided this sense of community, I think that’s why I continue to support them.

What is your favorite song and/or album by BTS out of their discography so far, and why?

For me, Love Yourself: Tear is flawless. Each song just hits right and I can listen to it throughout the day. One of their best stages actually is a song off of that album.

Other Korean artists and idol groups I support:

• ATEEZ
• EXO
• Dreamcatcher
• Chung Ha
• A.C.E.

Torng

Favorite Group: BTS

What was the first song you listened to by BTS, and what was that one song that made you want to become an ARMY?

“Graduation Song” was the first song that I listened to by BTS, and that was the song that made me want to become an ARMY.

What do you admire about BTS, and what makes you want to keep supporting them by being their fan?

I admire that BTS is not only able to write their own music and lyrics, but they also bring this sense of value to their performances, as well as the value to the words they present to all ARMYs.

What is your favorite song and/or album by BTS out of their discography so far, and why?

My favorite song is “Serendipity”, sung by Park Jimin. This is my favorite song of all-time because of the lyrics’ backstory, which is powerful and very true on some occasions. The way that the music is sung is perfect to study music too, and you can appreciate the voice of Park Jimin, as well.

Norma

Favorite Group: LOONA

What was the first song you listened to by LOONA?

The first LOONA song I listened to was “Eclipse” by Kim Lip. I am a huge fan of R&B, so I became interested in LOONA when that song came out.

What was that one song that made you want to become an Orbit?

I had been following LOONA’s journey to debut for almost four years, and I always admired the work they do for the fans. However, when they released their song “Butterfly,” I entirely became an Orbit. The song sends a beautiful message of loving yourself for who you are, no matter where you are from.

What do you admire about LOONA, and what makes you want to keep supporting them by being their fan?

What I admire the most about LOONA is that they genuinely care about their fans. They are constantly working hard to provide the best content for their fans to enjoy. I sort of feel like a mom who continually supports their child. LOONA is continuously growing to become the next generation K-Pop artists, and I feel proud to see them accomplish so many things. I’m excited to see what they have in store for 2021.

What is your favorite song and/or album by LOONA out of their discography so far, and why?

This is a hard question because I love all of their music. But if I were to choose one favorite album, it would have to be XX. This album is so aesthetically beautiful, and the production of each song highlights each member's vocals. LOONA is a versatile group that can do any concept. I have a deep love for the XX album because it was the main reason why I became a fan of LOONA in the first place.

Other Korean artists and idol groups I listen too:

• BTS
• Red Velvet
• Epik High
• Sunmi

Donna

Favorite Group: BTS

What was the first song you listened to by BTS?

“IDOL”

What was that one song that made you want to become an ARMY?

“Save Me” was that one song that made me want to become an ARMY. Till this day, “Save Me” continues to be my favorite song, and I wish I was a fan during that era.

What do you admire about BTS, and what makes you want to keep supporting them by being their fan?

I really admire BTS because I feel that they show us their authentic selves. Their songs are about self-love and the constant struggles we go through in life, and I really appreciate their lyricism. I think most of their success is due to them sharing their personal stories about their struggles with their identity and their journey to finding self-love. They were an underdog group, and their perseverance has paid-off to make them a worldwide mega group. I know that they have helped a lot of people through their hard times because they helped me get through a hard time as well.

What is your favorite song and/or album by BTS out of their discography so far, and why?

“Save Me” - This was the first song that got me to be a fan of BTS because I love the choreography and the non-flashy music video. The members were in casual clothing, and you can feel the emotion in the music video. Whoever picked the setting for it was a genius. To me, it was a beautiful song of getting pulled up from the darkness and thanking that person for their support.

“Blood Sweat & Tears” – The imagery in the music video is what pulled me in. There was a sense of darkness that I really liked, and overall, I think the song is very catchy. The choreography was also amazing.

“Best Of Me” - I just love the sound of this song. It’s upbeat and it's a very feel good song. It’s a song that makes me want to get up and dance, and it always brings up good emotions.

These three songs live rent free in my head. It’s really hard to pick just three because my favorite songs always change with my mood, but these are the three that I always enjoy listening too.

Even though we are not able to see our favorite K-Pop groups and artists live in concert, I think that we are truly lucky to have their music (and other entertainment contents) to help us get through the pandemic. Please send positive messages and your support to your favorite K-Pop groups and artists by posting on their SNS accounts. I'm sure it will brighten up their day. 🤗