Kuwentong Bangtan: JHope asks, "Did you cheat?"

Every year at Festa, BTS members would write ARMY a letter. It is a tradition that both parties look forward to. If you are ARMY, you would know and recognize how much it means to Bangtan to share slivers of their lives in the persona they chose to assume. It’s impressive how they do this - to be authentic and sincere while wearing the skin of a Kpop idol.

This year, I was reduced to tears reading all seven letters. How I wished I had the wisdom that each of them displayed when I was in my 20s-30s. I thank God, nonetheless, for witnessing the depth of Bangtan’s knowledge of themselves amidst a world where people choose to destroy each other. Theirs is an awareness that springs from a deep personal recognition of their limitations. They are eternally curious, too. They wonder all the time! This is power. If you are ARMY, of whatever age, creed and culture, you would do the same in your own unique way.

You would want to create art. You would want to share; to grow; to connect; to reflect, introspect and ask questions. So, I wasn’t surprised when Jhope, our Hobi, inquired. We are used to hearing/reading their reminders and asking us of self care. It was the question about loyalty that was unexpected.

How many were caught off guard? How did ARMY, especially Pearl ARMY, respond? The responses were as interesting as the question itself.

Translations on X abound. And we know what gets lost in translation. But, to continue, I picked two: one from Haruharu and another from an un-named source (will get back on the credit). The former is direct and blunt. The later is gentle and kind. Either way, the question is a brave exploration into human nature and the circumstances that inform our decisions.

What a courageous thing to do, Jung Hoseok!

His question merits a truthful answer. Only in truth can we set ourselves free.

Happy Festa! Happy Independence Day!

#festa2024 #independenceday2024 #AGU_Communication #ARMYGlowUp2025