Kuwentong Bangtan: On Solo Stans and Their Relevance in the Fandom (1 of 3)

I have been thinking about solo stanning for a while now.

Since Bangtan announced their pursuance of solo projects back in June and Jin’s conscription in December last year, my co-ARMYs (my daughter, most especially) and I have been discussing the noise of solo stans on socmed. They have always been noisy to begin with. They are unabashed in sowing division in the fandom. They bully. They gaslight. They are clique-ish.

A solo stan is dangerous. They cannot be reasoned with and would never step aside to examine their implicit prejudices. Their favoritism and loyalty to stereotyping prevent fanbases to co-create, collaborate and get along complementarity to and with each other.

The reality is, they are everywhere. We all have them, right? In our families, among relatives, in the workplace, in our communities and the larger society.

And now that Bangtan is brilliantly streaking into their Chapter 2, the solo stans are bolder and more courageous in expressing their biases to the detriment of the fandom as a whole. I am still reflecting on this a lot.

Bangtan, intentionally or not, have always stood for inclusion and diversity. While ARMYs, in general treat each other like family even on first sight, there exist the solo stans that prods me to look into the darkness that dwell in the chambers of my own little purple heart.

BTS is and will always be seven!