Kuwentong Bangtan: BTS World Season 2

In 2019, Netmarble released BTS World, an interactive story-based mobile game that allowed players to journey with BTS members in their adventures as Kpop idols. I was not ARMY back then, but vet ARMYs I know in online communities tell of stories of how successful it was because they can “accompany” BTS in missions and goals that even players can assume the role of managers, building a close relationship with the game persona of BTS.

As a researcher and librarian, this piqued my interest to further study and read up on fandom culture, fan behavior and their engagement in virtual worlds. And yes, part of this curiousity would mean downloading the app and playing the game.

The good news is, BTS World Season 2 was officially launched today at 10AM KST/9AM PHT.

As ARMY, I find the release of BTS World Season 2 as relevant in this era of BTS’ military service because it connects die-hard fans like me to BTS, albeit virtual. At a time when we are waiting for all 7 members to be back from military duties, playing BTS World Season 2 fills the gap. Apart from streaming and voting online, playing this online game fosters community building among ARMY, besides strengthening relationships between fanbases in the fandom. It becomes a shared experience.

This type of engagement speaks to fan loyalty and the growing gift economy within fandom culture, where interactive experiences and emotional bonds become investments and yes, currency.

BTS World is on X (BTSW2_official) and accross platforms it has contents for fans to consume and enjoy - vidoes, moving posters, retro photos of BTS and music. 

BTS World on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2SVMQ9dcWrlZj4vmKBPiE6?si=5nrknqelSAKUT7RKn-_Qvw