In Defense of Fangirls

A few years ago I happen upon Yve Blake’s TEDTalk “For the love of fangirls.” In her presentation, Blake challenges the viewer to reevaluate the common reaction to enthusiastic and passionate female fans. Blake asserts a fangirl’s gushing display of excitement is not psychosis or even a weakness. Nay, their ability to express pure celebration and joy is a superpower: “Fangirls know how to love something without apology or fear.”

What a revelation! You see I am ARMY—part of the worldwide unabashed fanbase for BTS. A few years ago the Korean band BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan/Korean: 방탄소년단) found me[1], and I experienced a revival of enthusiasm in music, artistry and community which laid dormant. With ARMY, I gush over BTS live performances. I marvel at their vocal acuity and slay choreography. Like a proud parent, I applaud the many awards and achievements. Somehow these seven men, who I have never and will probably never meet, make me feel seen. Not a trivial point. As a woman in her late fifties, I feel society trying to dismiss my social currency. BTS has captured my imagination and heart. Concepts like beauty and aesthetics reemerge into my vocabulary and my work as an artist.

From the trauma of COVID, I reclaim joy and celebration.

So yes, I am a fangirl. The musical genius and the brotherly connection between the members of BTS inspire me. I dare to express love and delight without fear or apology. Tis a gift from heaven.

Borahae!

[1] SUGA, rapper and member of BTS, is quoted, “It's okay if you didn't discover BTS in 2013, because you find them in times when you need them the most.”