Do you know the boys’ Korean names?
Kim Namjoon. Kim Sukjin. Min Yoongi. Jung Hoseok.
Park Jimin. Kim Taehyung. Jeon Jungkook.
We must’ve underestimated them...
They know it by heart.
They are the international ARMY.
On the December 15th ,2017
Fans from all over the world came together for BTS
The AMAs.
BTS’s North American debut.
BTS had crossed the Billboard bridge and made their way to the AMAs. In a matter of ten days, BTS were setting records as a first for a Kpop act.
Fans emotionally embraced BTS and celebrities alike congratulated BTS on their AMAs debut. Just as the “Chainsmokers” called them, they’re “International Super Stars.”
“BTS’s performances are spectacular. We’re ready to scream.” (Ansel Elgort)
“To call these guys, ‘international super stars’ honestly feels like an understatement. Making their U.S. debut... BTS!” (Chainsmokers)
“I need a moment to recover from that performance. That was incredible.” (Jared Leto)
We visited BTS at their sweet room located in the J Hotel. The pictures were taken right before they walked the red carpet!
Let's get it.
The members of BTS alone, arrived in the U.S. with a total of twenty suitcases. The luggage carried necessities for talk shows and other promotions.
The suitcase for The Jimmy Kimmel Show
Another one for The Ellen Show
This particular suitcase contains a spoiler!
V and Suga were the first to have their makeup done for the exciting night. There was a noticeable change in their posture from when they first walked the Billboards, to their debut at the AMAs. They seem more relaxed.
They spent their time looking through the hotel’s brochure and conversing about the red carpet.
"I’m fanning myself with golden tickets."
"Ready for us, AMAs?"
"It’s so hot. I need to fan myself!"
Soon enough, they were all decked out. We asked for a word or two regarding their emotions for the special night.
“Honestly, it’s the same way it was for the Billboards. It’s still surreal, It’s hard for me to digest this and it feels like a sweet dream. I think I’ll be able to feel it once I’m on stage.” (RM)
“I’m actually very nervous since it’s the first foreign, American awards that we have the pleasure of attending and performing at. I heard that a lot of our fans are present. I need to rely on them for support.” (J-Hope)
“The rehearsals for the camera crew alone took five takes. They had a tough time adjusting to us. I assume it’s because the choreography in the U.S. differs from the synchronized dance moves of Kpop.” (Jimin)
“They’re all very nice here. They applauded us when we were done with our rehearsals. I’ll use the compliment to perform with confidence.” (Jin)
“The AMAs isn’t something everyone gets to experience. It’s a huge opportunity. I’d like to come here a second time next year, if given the chance. I’ll work as hard as I need to.” (Jungkook)
Just then, they had a surprise visitor. It was none other than the chairman of their label, Bang Shi Hyuk. He also flew from Korea to witness the boys make their official North American debut. Below, you’ll find pictures and little snippets of their conversations.
"How are you all feeling?" (Bang Shi Hyuk)
"It feels like a dream." (V)
"It’s hard to believe that this is reality." (Jin)
"I guess our music stuck and worked." (RM)
"The responses are incredible. It’s such an unusual but amazing experience." (Suga)
Special DNA
Special AMA
They finally arrived at the AMAs red carpet. The once peaceful area was overtaken by crowds and cheers.
The responses from the domestic American reports were exactly this: "What the hell.” We heard them, alright.
The famous photo wall was filled with people clicking away at their cameras. Billboard and Forbes were among the outlets that were present.
They even held up smartphones, hoping for a shot of BTS.
They were interviewed for an American TV show as well. The boys are used to it by now through their experience at the Billboards.
This is a footage from their invitation to the Billboards. During their appearance at the Billboards, Jungkook was seen profusely sweating.
But cut to today, he was interviewed directly by the AMAs and didn’t break a single sweat.
They’re also familiar with fan service.
When the cameras start rolling, peace signs everywhere.
They made their way to the red carpet.
They met with AP
Over at ET.
And lastly, they met with the Ellen Show crew.
Their fans stood smiling proudly at the sight of the boys.
World ARMY
The army waited outside as support. There was a stark contrast to their Billboard invite. The obvious increase in the number of fans present took everyone by surprise. It looked to be at least thrice the size as it was at the Billboards. ARMY took up about ninety percent of the fandoms at the AMAs.
LAPD and guards bundled up together
in case of an emergency.
But no one could stop the explosive passion of their fans.
Flashmobs everywhere.
“BTS” chants everywhere we go.
Whether it’s nationality,
Sex,
Or age,
"My daughter loves them so much.” (A fan’s father)
BTS truly transcends all barriers.
BTS were superstars on stage too. They were the 16th to perform among a group of 17 artists, right before the finale. Their AMAs performance had a total of 20 million retweets, earning a spot on the Guinness World Records.
PS. A fan had asked us a question. “Does for this year’s AMAs, not include a runway?” Of course, there is. We have them for you below.
“Taehyung, open the door.” (Jin)
"Jungkook, this way." (Jin)
BTS runway (by Dispatch)
"International Super Stars"
<Photos by=LAㅣGyeongbin Min·Yeongwoo Jung(Dispatch)>
<Translated by=Justina Kim(Dispatch)>
