By Amanda Moses
The K-Pop phenomenon has taken the world by storm with artists in the South Korean music industry rapidly breaking Guinness World Records like the number of songs streamed online, the most albums sold, and the views on YouTube. At the forefront of this tidal wave of talent are bands with a global following unlike any other such as: BTS, BLACKPINK, NewJeans, Aespa, Psy, Ateez, Enhypen, Seventeen, NCT 127, and so many others. These groups have often credited their fans not just for their support but also for helping to spotlight K-Pop music as a part of mainstream media.
Most notably, at the helm of this K-Pop wave is BTS and their fanbase, affectionately known as Army, who have such a love for the group that they organize events promoting the artists and industry. One fan-led organizer, Armys Who Travel, has hosted over 70+ events for the past two years in the United States fostering the K-Pop music industry through dance parties.
DJ and Operations Director, Madi developed Armys Who Travel to create a haven for fans empowering them to build community, friendships and just share good vibes with one another—a feat that BTS has encouraged themselves with their music about self-love and compassion. In turn, many of the participants at her parties have built everlasting friendships attending concerts together and even traveling the world.
“We just want to have a space to express ourselves and enjoy K-Pop because it’s not every day where we can enjoy this in everyday spaces. That’s why we created Armys Who Travel back in November 2021,” DJ Madi said, “I started this by myself because I wanted to make K-Pop friends and express myself.”
On September 29th, Armys Who Travel hosted a K-Wave Dance Party at Bowery Electric that saw dozens of fans dust off their K-Pop light sticks, don their favorite band’s t-shirts, head bands and more as they jumped and shook their bodies to the music.
Beneath the neon strobe lights and with a projector screen behind DJ Madi, longtime BTS fans like Kim Nasha felt free to express herself through dance. The thumping base and melodic tune emanated from the speakers, engulfing everyone in a wave of excitement as they showed off their best dance moves—many of them mirroring music videos playing in the background like BTS’s hits; Fake Love, Butter, Boy With Luv and others.
If you are interested in learning more about Armys Who Travel visit their Instagram page @armyswhotravel
Photos by Amanda Moses
