Following within the footsteps of some of the iconic pop teams of the twenty first century, BTS followers’ affectionate empathy manifested in humanitarian assist as soon as extra. With over a million Palestinian lives taking shelter within the southern Gaza metropolis of Rafah amid Israel’s ongoing struggle on Gaza, the dire state of affairs might translate into a large catastrophic blow, with Israel reportedly planning one more invasion anytime quickly. Yet help continues to pour in for all Palestinians witnessing the ‘bloodbath’ and ravages of struggle.

An Indian group of BTS followers, dubbed Team ARMY Projects India, broke the unimaginative and stereotyped imaginative and prescient that usually resorts to describing the time period ‘fangirl’ derogatorily. However, this isn’t the first of its kind feat achieved by the consciously sensitive and aware fandom. Earlier this month, international admirers of the K-pop act ignited boycott campaigns and an online petition titled #HYBEDivestFromZionism, urging BTS’ label to sever ties with Scooter Braun, CEO of the agency’s American unit. (Read more here)

Fighting the good fight, the Indian side of the fanbase echoed the sentiment by making a notably significant donation of over INR 3 lakhs for Palestine medical aid on the occasion of band member J-hope‘s birthday (February 18). Team ARMY Projects India’s former projects also include giving back to nature, raising funds for stray animals, donating to Girl Child Education, opening fundraisers for mental health and other social callings. Hitting a new milestone, the team got in touch with HT, opening up about how the K-pop septet’s actions encourage them to take on such pertinent responsibilities on the go.

Interviewing Team Army Projects India after BTS J-Hope’s birthday donation project

Breaking the fan-mania stereotype: How the team came together

(The admins humbly requested to maintain their anonymity throughout the conversation.)

While donations from various corners have pooled in, it’s always been Admins P and T who’ve kept the meter running. Meeting in school for the first time, the duo embarked on their heartwarming friendship, all thanks to BTS. Eventually, their mutual interest in the group deepened the bond, which retained its strength even after school.

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“Admin P had experience co-organising college fests & other K-pop-related events in Mumbai during her Bachelor’s. In 2021, Admin T wanted to organise an event for Kim Namjoon’s Birthday to give back to nature in his name (since) he’s known for being a big nature lover, and Admin A shared the same sentiment, so we decided to work together on it,” they told HT.

“Our goal was to plant 150 trees initially, but we were able to plant 180 trees instead! That was the first ever project that we did. Since then, we’ve co-organised and managed 5 BTS events and 17 fundraisers, one of which is ongoing at the moment,” explained Team ARMY Projects India.

How many people are involved behind the scenes for these projects to come to fruition?

Team ARMY Projects India: “Just two! Having a small team could be tiresome since a lot of time, energy, planning, risk-taking, and overall management go into the events and fundraisers. It falls back on us entirely if there’s any issue, but we’re blessed, frankly, as we get a lot of help and boost from our fandom spaces on Instagram and Twitter & friends who are so kind & supportive to us each time.”

How the team goes about choosing its project themes: Who decides which issue should be addressed next?

Team ARMY Projects India: “We try to keep up with the recent news and are always looking for ways (to) help. It’s our collective effort; sometimes, one of us brings in a different theme, and we discuss it thoroughly to find reliable sources and vetted organisations where we could donate before taking any further steps.

It is important for us to verify everything as we would be liable for any mishaps … especially (since we’re) responsible for people’s money. Both of us are very much in sync and decide on a theme together as we both recognise the urgent need at hand and always want to work on it in our capacity. As for our Hoseok Fundraiser in 2023, we decided to do a fundraiser for Orphaned Children. (However) Turkey and Syria Earthquake Crisis had happened (during the same time frame), so, we quickly switched our plans – by taking a poll on Instagram – and were able to raise and donate more than INR 38,000, with a few essential items to the Turkish Embassy.”

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How does the crew strategy the target market and positively redirect a fandom’s power to specializing in one thing larger than simply fan-mania?

“One unique thing about BTS ARMY fandom has always been charity projects. In fact, we started a bit late in India,” started Team ARMY Projects India. Seeking inspiration from worldwide BTS ARMYs who’d initially kicked off a number of birthday initiatives, contributing to aforestation, adopting and defending endangered animals and holding different fundraisers for social causes, Indian BTS followers additionally initiated their benefaction chain.

Yet, they had been in the end positively influenced by BTS’ actions, particularly for the reason that members have been brazenly vocal about their donations to many causes in Korea and worldwide alike. Paving the way in which as nonpareil position fashions, the group members helped instil these fruitful chain reactions into their symbiotic relationship with the fandom. Team ARMY Projects India additionally quoted the “famous example” of BTS donating $1 million to the Black Lives Matter motion. Here, too, ARMYs successfully reciprocated inside 24 hours, with their #MatchAMillion, as donations surpassing $1M adopted BTS’ exemplary precedent.

“All in all, they have always inspired us to do good, all the time. BTS has a history of using their platform for good, whether through their music… (addressing) social issues or donations. We’re just following in their footsteps,” revealed Team ARMY Projects India.

The crew proudly concluded, “We don’t have to redirect the fandom energy.. this positive energy has always been a part of our fandom. People genuinely wish to help in their capacity and we’re glad we could be a medium to further amplify it by giving a platform to Indian ARMYs to make donations.”

Some of BTS’ philanthropic endeavours embody J-Hope’s beneficiant donations of greater than $89,000 to assist baby violence victims in Tanzania (2021) and Suga donating $88,000 to Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center for kids battling most cancers. Their charitable acts have additionally prolonged help to their hometowns and Sewol Ferry victims within the wake of the 2014 Sewol ferry capsize catastrophe.

Are there any ongoing initiatives the Indian BTS ARMY is engaged on?

Fundraiser for Congo, Sudan and Gaza for BTS Suga’s Birthday Project!

Initial aim: 60,000 (Indian Rupees)

Deadline: March 31, 2024.