Hello bibliophiles of r/bangtan!
We have been twiddling our thumbs just waiting for today – it’s book discussion day! We know it’s been a bit of a rush this month, but we hope you’ve had the chance to read our pick for the month. As always, we’ll be keeping this post up so drop a line whenever you have the time. And this is another friendly reminder that the [AMA with Lenika Cruz is happening in a couple of days](https://www.reddit.com/r/bangtan/comments/1asbd8o/journalist_author_and_senior_editor_at_the/). Now, without further ado, *lessgo*!
# “On BTS: Pop Music, Fandom, Sincerity” by Lenika Cruz
**Synopsis:** The supersonic rise of the Korean pop group BTS may seem enigmatic to some, but for Lenika Cruz, senior culture editor at [*The Atlantic*](https://www.theatlantic.com/), their worldwide fame is obvious. As Cruz argues in On BTS: Pop Music, Fandom, Sincerity, the group’s trajectory–debuting on a relatively obscure label in Korea to becoming a global household name in just a few years–is a natural result of their authenticity, artistry, energy, social conscientiousness, and general coolness. As a non-English-language band finding record-breaking international success, BTS is helping usher in a fresh, more inclusive era in the music industry. In this love letter to the once-in-a-generation pop sensation, Cruz narrates her own unexpected journey into the fandom, and in doing so might welcome you in, too.
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# Bring it all, I’m doing it all
*Below is a discussion guide. Some book-specific questions and other sharing suggestions!*
* Lenika talks about how fans from all over have written to her citing that her story of discovering and immersing into this world could easily have been their own. How many times while reading did you have that kind of relatable feeling?
* This book stands out so well because it is written from a fan’s perspective, and that evidently complemented the journalistic endeavor. Would you recommend it to a non-fan or newbie to learn about BTS’ artistry?
* Did the book shed light on any facts you had not previously noticed or known about?
* The book discusses the universal appeal of BTS seeing as they’re Korean and they have a lot of international fans. Do you recall “the moment” that you, as a fan, realized you were into BTS? How did that transcend language, age, and culture for you?
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# B-Side Questions/Discussion Suggestions
* **Fan Chant**: Hype/overall reviews
* **Ments**: Favorite quotes
* **ARMY Time**: playlist/recommendations of songs you associate with the book/chapters/characters
* **Do The Wave**: sentiments, feels, realizations based on the book
* **Encore/Post Club-read Depression Prevention**: something the book club can do afterwards (on your own leisure time) to help feel less sad after reading.
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# Outro
We’ve really enjoyed reading and chatting with you these past 6 months (Happy half birthday /r/bangtan Books with Luv!), and we wanna keep it going! To encourage you to come back, we’ll be doing a giveaway after next month’s discussion! Stay tuned for what our next book will be.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the book or the thread, feel free to tag me or any of the mods or BWL Volunteers.
with luv,
* u/EveryCliche
* u/mucho_thankyou5802
* u/munisme
* /u/Next_Grapefruit_3206
…and the r/bangtan Mod Team
by Next_Grapefruit_3206
![[Weverse] [Notice] j-hope documentary series ‘HOPE ON THE STREET’ release announcement (+ENG/JPN/CHN) - 220224](https://www.btshubs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1708578902_757_9ecVo58KKHWRpFgObMm_iSmZq3YXuWEt9eZiVOpxLy0-600x600.jpg)
First, I just want to say how well written each article is. Lenika is such a talented writer. I had read a couple of them in the past but not all of them. I’m so glad I finally picked this up.
The first article in the collection is soooo relatable. As I read through it, it felt so much like my experience diving into the BTS rabbit hole. That first time seeing them and how magical it was. Then just wanting to learn their names, seeing live performances and music videos for the first time, watching complication videos and crack edits, experiencing Run BTS for the first time and seeing how crazy the guys are, getting to know other ARMY, wanting to know everything about them and their journey. It’s all so much and not enough at the same time.
I love when I read something about BTS that was written by a fan or at least someone who has respect for them, it comes through when they are writing about them. I don’t need every article to be all gushy but having a journalist that’s actually respectful makes such a difference.
I would don’t know if I’d recommend the full collection to a non-fan BUT I would for sure send the link to her first article about them to non-fans that just want more information about the guys or ARMY. I think it’s a great introduction the this Bora-world.
Do I remember the moment that I realized that I was into BTS? Oh geez…it was post after seeing them for the first time at the Grammys in 2021. I started watching videos of them that night and then the next morning after waking up and before going to work. It happened so fast, so I don’t know if there is just one moment. I do remember showing my friend the 2019 MMA performance a couple of weeks into my journey and talking about them to her a lot. And I started sharing gifs/pictures/videos/info about them in our friend group chat. BTW, I converted one friend into ARMY it didn’t work on the other one but she does ask how the guys are doing and always comments on what I send.
I did not think I would be getting into a “boy band” at my age. As an elder millennial, I thought I was long past my stanning phase. But there is just something so special about BTS, their music and this fandom that just draws you in. I’ve had such a great experience on this journey. I’ve learned a lot and I’ve re-discovered my love of discovering new music. Being an ARMY is a wild ride.
I would love to read a retrospective from Lenika on chapter 2. I know how unsure the whole fandom was about how everything would play out. It would be nice see everything broken down by someone as talented as Lenika that went through every emotion that fandom went through.