BTS ARMY | Zikoko!

Now, we’re not trying to question your ARMY card but if you pass this quiz easily, you’d have nothing to worry about innit? Come on, I believe in you.

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Omo! How will you show your face outside now?

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You’re an ARMY, but you have bad memory. Oya, go and rewatch them all.

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Overall best in BTS affairs. You have premium bragging rights now. Use it wisely!

QUIZ: Which Lee Jae-wook Character Would Be Your Perfect Partner?

Malakai Bassey

February 3, 2023

I Too Sabi, Quizzes

BTS, BTS ARMY, K-pop, Quizzes
I’m not the biggest Kpop stan, but even I felt the shock waves the official confirmation of BTS’ hiatus brought to the entire fandom.

🚨 #BTS set to move forward with plans to fulfill their mandatory military service in South Korea.

The group will reconvene in 2025 once their service is over. pic.twitter.com/Xel5yMXPX3
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 17, 2022

Ugly tears are already flowing, but the group says they’ll reconvene in 2025 once their mandatory military service to South Korea is over. What’ll happen to BTS fans in Nigeria till then?

They’ll cry, obviously

Seriously, a whole three years till another BTS hit drops? Fix it, Jesus.

Operation back-to-back streaming

Since there won’t be new music for a while, we can hold the old ones tight. Thank God for last week’s BTS Yet to Come concert. They can hold on to the fresh memories of OT7 on stage, for the long road ahead.

Or maybe, start a GoFundMe

If there’s one thing about Nigerians, we love to throw money at people we love. Maybe if we raise enough, South Korea would decide to free BTS. Rules are meant to be broken, abi?

They’ll prepare for the worst

We’re so used to fake promises by Nigerian politicians that we automatically believe everyone is lying. Isn’t that how One Direction said they were only going on “break”? Where are they now?

Attack haters

Because we all know the ARMY has no chill. Anyone who talks anyhow, or says something stupid about the band never coming back, will definitely collect. Only antis and fake ARMY would even consider that.

K-drama to the rescue

At least there’s “K” inside. Again, only antis would listen to any other K-pop band while OT7 is on a break.

If all fails, they’ll organise vigils

Maybe prayer can help make the hiatus bearable as they supplicate for the Bangtan Boys’ safety.

Let Zikoko tell you where the money at! Subscribe to the Money By Zikoko newsletter to get all the gist about how money moves in Nigeria, by Nigerians.

NEXT READ: Top 7 BTS Music Videos Everyone Should Watch

Tife Oni

October 19, 2022

Pop

BTS, BTS ARMY, Korean addict, kpop
When BTS announced their collaboration with Snoop Dogg, I was a little shocked. But then again, my boys have range, so I know it’ll slap. And to be fair, it’s not the first unlikely pairing to give us great songs. Here are some of the best K-pop and western collaborations of all time.

BTS x EVERYBODY

I’m sorry, was I supposed to choose one when they’re all good? Come on. It’s not my fault everyone and their daddies want to sing with BTS. They’ve collaborated with Halsey, Lauv, Juice WRLD, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, Coldplay and Steve Aoki (thrice), and all those songs slapped.

RELATED: We’re Still Not Over BTS “Proof of Inspiration” Videos

BLACKPINK x all the pop girlies

I love when talent recognises talent, which has been the case with every BLACKPINK collaboration. Imagine mixing BLACKPINK’s hyper pop energy with Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Cardi B or Selena Gomez, E for Energy. Nobody asked me, but my favourite is still Kiss And Make Up with Dua Lipa, and now the song will be stuck in my head for another two weeks.

Jason Derulo x LAY x NCT 127

As a former fan of Jason Derulo, I scratched my head when I first heard about this collaboration because, how would it work? But Jason Derulo, Lay Zhang (formally of EXO-M) and NCT 127 created Let’s Shut up & Dance, and I, too, wanted to dance. Jason and NCT127 are huge on dance choreography, and the music video made sure we remembered.

Monsta X and Steve Aoki

One thing about Steve Aoki, he’ll collaboration with K-Pop idols. Play It Cool is the ‌bop you listen to on those days when life feels extra happy for no reason. That’s until you watch the music video and MONSTA X’s always sleek choreography draws out beats you didn’t hear the first time. What a time to be alive.

G-DRAGON x Missy Elliott

Do you know how iconic you have to be to sing with hip-hop icon Missy Elliott? This collaboration happened in 2013, but it deserves mention because it was so iconic. G-DRAGON’s new rap with that old-school Missy Elliot vibe on Niliria is a cultural reset, a serve and a moment in K-pop hall of fame.

Chanyeol x Marshmello x Tinashe x Far East Movement

Freal Luv is a fusion of R&B, electro and pop vibes, and if you know ball, that’s a top-tier combination. EXO’s Chanyeol’s English and Korean rap verse mixed with Tinashe’s sensual R&B and Marshmello doing his electro-pop thing, whew.

It’s a 10/10 for me.

PSY and Snoop Dogg

No K-Pop collaboration list can be complete without mentioning PSY. The mix of English and Korean was such a smooth transition in their rap, and it makes sense PSY’s usually chaotic energy matched Snoop’s. I’m not the only one who thought this collaboration was brilliant, as it was used in 2018’s Black Panther.

READ ALSO: QUIZ: Only K-Pop Fans Know Who Sang These Iconic Lyrics

Malakai Bassey

July 23, 2022

#BumpThis, Pop

BTS ARMY, Feature, K-pop, Pop
The K-pop boy band BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, recently celebrated their ninth year of making music, with fans on a live dinner. At this virtual event, they announced they would take a break from the boy band to focus on solo projects.

The news sent shock waves through the heart of their ever-loyal ARMY, and of course, we had to interview Nigerian ARMY to find out how they’re taking the news. Here’s what they had to say:

Zia

Watching the live dinner at first, there was a problem with the English translation. It said they were going on a hiatus, so I freaked out. I’ve been through group hiatuses that led to disbandment before. I panicked for like 30 minutes, telling myself I couldn’t go through it again.

Ever since I discovered BTS, I’ve never been without them. Even when they weren’t dropping albums, there was always some kind of content from them. They’d drop snippets on Twitter, pictures on IG, and they had a regular variety show, RUN BTS. A hiatus meant we wouldn’t be getting any content.

BTS is what’s keeping me sane in this country, so my sanity was hanging by a thread. But after the company released the speech on Weverse, I realised it was a mistranslation. They would just be working on solo projects from now on.

I understand how it feels to want to explore new things. They’ve been making music together for nine-plus years. My boys deserve to try new things as individuals, and I know their friendship will be stronger because of this. I’ll miss them releasing group projects. But I know they still love us, themselves and making music. They’ll always be BTS. They’re just leaving the nest a little, to do something different. And I’m okay with that. All I want in this life is to see them in concert once, at least.

RELATED: K-pop Stans in Nigeria Can Relate to These Struggles

Jungkook’s girlfriend

I cried when I first heard the news because they were crying during the live dinner. After watching it and reading the official statement, I cried again. It hit me that it wasn’t even because BTS wouldn’t release music together in a while — they have a comprehensive discography — but because they were scared to tell us they wanted to take a break to do things for themselves.

It was devastating to hear at first, but they recently released an anthology album and some of their unreleased demos, which is a huge deal. I’ll just immerse myself in that until they come back. Plus, even though they won’t be releasing music as a group, they’ll do it individually, allowing me to experience each member outside BTS. They’ve had some solo projects during the nine years they’ve been together, but this will be different, and I’m looking forward to it. I have mixed feelings, but I’m mostly happy and excited about this new experience.

Rosie

I feel okay about it. BTS needs a break, and I can’t wait for their solo album. I think it’s great that they’re doing this because they’ve been releasing music consistently for years, not that I’m complaining. If you look at Blackpink now, they are musicians who do other things that interest them, like acting. So BTS should try different things too, and when they return, they’ll be stronger. I just want them to do solo projects and enjoy it. It would be great to see V act again because he did such an excellent job in Hwarang. I know some ARMY are unhappy about this, which is sad because they should be supporting them.

RELATED: Popular K-Pop Fandoms And How to Identify Them

Tobi

Honestly, I’m glad it’s not an actual hiatus and more like a break. BTS won’t release music as a group for a while, but they’ll have their solo projects and continue to appear as a group on their variety show, Run BTS. Knowing we’ll still have content makes me happy, tbh.

In my K-pop group chat, twisting the boy’s words and claiming it was disbandment news. Those with sense know better than to make a fuss about this. I’ve been waiting for this. They’ve worked hard as a team because it was their only option. Now that they’ve achieved all their dreams as a group, they deserve to fulfil their individual dreams.

Kosi

I’m a relatively new fan of BTS. I’m still listening to many of their old songs, so sometimes, I wonder if I count as an ARMY. But watching the live dinner and listening to them cry as they talked about how they were scared to do this made me sad. It also made me realise I’d chosen the right group to stan because, look at them thinking of us first, instead of themselves. ARMY has been using the hashtag #BTSItsOkayToRest since the news came out, and I support it wholeheartedly.

I discovered BTS in the thick of the pandemic, and their music felt like a hug. Like an older brother patting your back all the time. So imagine listening to them talk about wanting to take a break in 2020 after the ON era. Still, they felt responsible for being there to help their ARMY heal during the pandemic. It had me in tears. We don’t deserve them.

They just released an anthology album with more songs and demos, so we’ll be fed for a while. I’m excited to catch up on everything they’ve been doing and all the new projects they’ll release individually. Not to speak for such a vast fandom, but I’m pretty sure we aren’t going anywhere. We are here to stay. And like they said in Butter, “Got ARMY right behind us when we say so”. There’s no lie there, borahe.

RELATED: We’re Still Not Over BTS “Proof of Inspiration” Videos

Dunni

Omo, I heard the news about the hiatus on Twitter because I didn’t watch the live dinner to the end — please, my attention span isn’t that good. I was confused because I didn’t know what to think. I saw lots of TikToks about how they would take a break to relax. It was giving vacation. Then, I heard they were taking a break as a group but will be releasing solo works and Run BTS. It made me sad to see some people react as if their careers have ended.

This is why I can’t be a K-pop idol, me that I like to sleep. If I say I want to take a break and people start crying, I will just change it for them. This break is not a forever thing. They will return. They’re just tired, and rest is okay. I’d rather they took a proper break to rest for like two months because they deserve it. But I’m happy for them and excited for their solo projects sha. Meanwhile, I want ARMY to stop depending on them for now and rely on Jesus. Please, let them rest.

Prodigal ARMY

I think the hiatus is necessary, but maybe because I’m a prodigal stan. After all, if it were Stray Kids or NCT, I would end up at the bridge. I watched the live video, and Namjoon clearly explained that it wouldn’t be time off from music, just time off as a group. I think it makes sense. Because while they all have a few solo works, they haven’t explored their individual colours enough.

I think it’s important for people to know the artist Suga or Jin and not just their positions in the band. Just like Kai from EXO, whose identity was the hot dancer or second maknae kid. When Kai released his solo album, we finally got to see his view on art. He had so much to say, and it ended up being beautiful.

I’m happy BTS will still feature in each other’s work at the end of the day. All I can do is look forward to J-Hope’s solo work and trust in leader RM’s words that they’ll be back together as the beloved BTS.

READ ALSO: Top 7 BTS Music Videos Everyone Should Watch

Malakai Bassey

June 22, 2022

Pop

BTS ARMY, K-pop, Nigerians, Pop, relatable
I’m anticipating the magical experience that’ll be the BTS Proof album release tomorrow. It’s exciting because each member had to pick two songs, and while Proof mixes all our favourite old BTS songs, we still get three new ones. I wanted to remind myself why each BTS member chose their two songs for the album, so I rewatched the BTS Proof of Inspiration videos — the seven-part short video series named after each band member — for the millionth time. To help juggle your memory, here’s a reminder of each member’s thought process behind their song choice.

Proof of V

In Proof of V, he spoke about choosing Singularity because of his struggles, eventual acceptance of his idol self, V and the person he is to his friends and family, Taeheyung. He also chose 00:00 because it signifies a new day void of all the problems from the day before. Who doesn’t need a reset like that? Everyone, say thank you, V!

RELATED: QUIZ: Only Kpop Stans Can Make it to the End of This Quiz

Proof of Jin

Jin chose to include Moon because just like Earth and the moon are inseparable, that’s how inseparable he is from BTS Army, and he did not lie. For Jamais vu, Jin mentioned a part of the song about how when he gets exhausted, all he has to think about is the BTS fandom, Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth (ARMY), and he feels better. It’s great that he feels this way, especially since they regularly save our lives. Please, who is cutting onions?

Proof of Jimin

Jimin wanted Filter and Friends in the album to show how he might have come across as colourless instead of colourful in a bid to show different sides of himself. But Jimin knows that ARMY will always be here to remind him about his essence and keep him centred. Ah yes, cue the waterworks.

Proof of Jung Kook

Jung Kook added Euphoria and Dimple to the album, which is fitting because of his explanation. Jung Kook spoke about how much he loves to sing and dance and how glad he gets when people react positively to his performances. His Proof is in our smiles and joy; how can we not stan?

Proof of RM

RM went for a more serious vibe, choosing Intro: persona and Stay for the album. In his video, he spoke about his different personas and how he has come to love them, realising they’re all him. RM also made a pun about how the members of BTS and ARMY have “Stay” ed through all his personas, and It’s the cutest thing. Someone tell him that we’re not going anywhere.

Proof of Suga

Trust Suga to pick two songs in a completely different style. He chose Trivia: Seesaw, a calm song and BTS Cypher PT3: Killer, a very energetic song. With Suga, music is about exploring challenges and executing your great ideas. In a few minutes, Proof of Suga encourages us to take risks, push the limits and enjoy all the many joys of life.

Proof of J-hope

J-hope’s addition to the album is Outro: Her and Ego. He chose Her because of the misunderstood interpretation of the song and how it’s still valid. And I could relate to how ego makes people hide parts of themselves from others. J-hope explained that coming to a place where he could accept himself was easy because the members and ARMY accepted all of him.

READ ALSO: Top 7 BTS Music Videos Everyone Should Watch

Malakai Bassey

June 9, 2022

Pop

BTS ARMY, K-pop, Pop, pop culture
Since their debut in 2013, the K-pop kings BTS, also known as the “Bangtan Boys”, are the best things that have happened to the world since Jollof rice. Of course, none of their success would have been possible if their art — the songs and their accompanying music videos — weren’t any good, E.g. “Permission to Dance” earned 152 million plays in its first seven days of release on YouTube in July 2021. The septet comprising Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, V, Jungkook and Jimin, use their lyrics and visuals to express their love for their “ARMY” (Adorable Representative MC for Youth) They sing to remind this “ARMY” about taking care of their mental health while asking them to rebel against bullying and governmental corruption. Most of all, they teach their fans that they never walk alone and also how to love themselves. In no particular order, here are 7 of our favourite BTS music videos, one for each member of the band:

[newsletter]

1.“Blood, Sweat & Tears”

This is by far BTS’s best music video, as well as one of their best songs. “Blood, Sweat & Tears” is the title track for their 2016 album “Wings” and falls into the Bangtan Universe created by Big Hit Entertainment, which contains all the concepts and eras surrounding the group’s fictional universe. The video’s themes are based on a dream state which revolves around friendship, love, temptation and the transition from youth into adulthood.

One thing BTS will do is to break away from the standard expectations of K-pop videos to give us the most aesthetically pleasing visuals and plots.

From their outfits to the choreography, RM’s short rap bit, and that last scene with V. Omo! Of course, this song earned them their first nomination for a Billboard Music Award.

2. “FAKE LOVE”

Jungkook starts the intro with, “I grew a flower that can’t be bloomed in a dream that can’t come true.” And immediately, I knew that heartbreak was waiting for me in the lyrics.

“FAKE LOVE” is the lead single in “Love Yourself: Tear”, the group’s third album. The video broke the record for the most-watched music video on YouTube within 24 hours, hitting 35.9 million views on its first day. In “FAKE LOVE,” BTS calls us out for not appreciating ourselves, being afraid and desperately trying to hide our insecurities. The video gave me early 2000s vibes, with scenes of BTS trying to run away from this fake love they sing about. Throughout the video, each member has to confront a representation of their darkest fears until they learn to be true to themselves.

3. “Black Swan”

This video is an artistic masterpiece, and every scene is breathtaking. This is one of the best songs in their 2020 album “Map of the Soul:7.” RM sings, “If this can no longer resonate, no longer make my heart vibrate, then this might be how I die my first death,” affirming that their passion for music does not burn as it used to, especially since the band’s oldest member Jin was up for mandatory service enlistment. While fans were sad about this, they also appreciated how much Jimin’s knowledge of contemporary dance was used to create a daunting version of a black swan. We stan hard.

4. “Dynamite”

This was the group’s first single recorded fully in English. They released it in summer 2020 to give their fans hope and happiness at the start of the pandemic. It shattered so many records and won them a Grammy nomination.

The visuals were charming with their retro funk-influenced outfits; just think of V’s baby blue Kangol hat and the chore in a record shop. The video was a shot in beautiful pastel colours as BTS attempted to encourage their fans. We were well encouraged, thank you.

5. “IDOL”

Idol is a Korean word for pop stars. They live for their fans and the public always has opinions on how they should live their lives.

BTS used “IDOL” to show us they are Koreans and extremely proud of it, and that they do not intend to live for the public eye. They basically said, “I be Idol no mean say I go die.” The visuals were fun and silly, unlike most of their videos, and this song is also part of BTS’s love yourself series.

6. “Fire”

For this video, BTS set some of their props on fire and sources have said that it’s the perfect workout song — if you do that kind of evil thing.

Several K-Dramas have used this song for their workout scenes, and I do not blame them. The choreography is enough work as it is. The energy in this song is unmatched, and it is literally fire. If someone mentions “Fire” by BTS and you do not immediately hear SUGA’s “Bultaoreune” in your head, are you even a fan?

7. “No”

I mean, I had to add an old song for the culture. BTS does not just sing about loving yourself and hope, they also sing about social justice. “No” was a protest against the harsh academic standards and expectations of Korean kids. They sang about being turned into study machines and losing friends just to be at the top. BTS used this song to encourage people to go after their dreams and be free. Of course, they have an army at their back supporting them when they constantly speak up for the youth.

[newsletter]

Malakai Bassey

January 27, 2022

Pop

BTS, BTS ARMY, K-pop, music, Pop, pop culture