BTS Helps Me Find Hope in Chaos

Navigating Political Turmoil with the Comfort of Music and Community

Life feels like it’s spiraling into chaos again, and I can’t help but feel that all too familiar knot of anxiety deep within me. With Trump’s presidency looming large once more, everything feels uncertain—especially for people like my parents, who were immigrants. But even in the face of this uncertainty, I know one thing that will help me through this: BTS.

This isn’t the first time BTS helped me through a tough chapter. During Trump’s first rage-baiting presidency and the chaos of COVID, I went into a BTS rabbit hole and emerged in awe of them and their music. With BTS and the help of Army, I had a universe worthy of profound discovery. Now, as the world shifts again, I need them more than ever.

Finding BTS When I Needed Them Most

In 2020, I was getting ready to travel to Japan. I was in denial about how globally devastating COVID was until the Delta customer service person on the other end of the line said, “We advise you not to travel unless you’re prepared to stay in Japan for a long time.” From there, the endless days of lockdown started. I had seen the BTS SNL performance the prior year. But this time, I watched it over and over on YouTube during COVID. I’d heard of BTS before, but this was the start of me truly listening. I dove deeply into their music, their lyrics, and their journey. I found more than just catchy pop tunes. I found a source of comfort.

“Life Goes On” reminded me that in the darkest times, we move forward. “Like an arrow in the blue sky,” with purpose. “Magic Shop” is a place where I could safely have hope. They ask, “How will the stars of your Milky Way decorate your sky?” It became a visual that I practiced while actively meditating. I found their music therapeutic. Their messages of self-love and resilience helped me face each day with certainty that I can control.

Why They Matter Even More Now

This time, my fears are personal again. As the child of immigrants, I know well the strength and sacrifices that my parents made for us. And now, I’m scared for all immigrants. All immigrants have similar roads they’ve traveled to get here. The political climate feels unfairly hostile, and I worry about what’s ahead.

In the face of rising hate and division, BTS’s work becomes even more meaningful. I’m reminded of their anti-Asian hate campaign in partnership with the UN and how it gave me hope during some of the darkest moments. When they spoke out against Asian hate and shared their own experiences with discrimination, I related. I watched these superstars used their platform to stand up for those whose humanity was not seen, voices that were being dampened.

Today, on top of their activism and music, the BTS members continue to share pieces of their solo artistry, allowing us to share these brighter moments together. J-Hope’s upcoming solo concert is a much-needed beacon of light in this too-dim world. Knowing that he’s still creating is a reminder that life, indeed, goes on.

A Little Naive, But It Works

Turning to BTS might seem naive in the face of such big, real-world issues, but honestly? It helps. Their music doesn’t solve these problems, no, but it offers another way to cope. The longing and tenderness of “Save Me” shows us the conflicted emotions that love brings, and the optimism that pours out of “Spring Day” reminds me better times are around the corner.

Maybe it’s naive to think that a (don’t you dare call them a..) boy band can make a difference, but honestly, who cares? If BTS helps their fans feel strong enough to take on the world—or even just the next day—then that’s all that matters.

I may sound overly optimistic or even childish to some. When the world feels too heavy, why shouldn’t we find something—anything—that makes it a little easier to bear? Poetry. Art. The SuperBowl. BTS. It’s more than okay to find joy and hope in unexpected places. Even if it doesn’t change the world, it offers that collective experience that can be supremely connecting. Can you imagine singing back to BTS, “I’ll show you!?” Army who have, you’re so fuckin’ lucky.

How BTS Will Save Me—Again

As I look ahead, I’m operating on a mix of fear and hope–that all-too-familiar numbness that sets in when I feel flight or fight. The challenges aren’t going anywhere, but I can find comfort in BTS’ music.

For anyone else feeling scared or overwhelmed, I hope you find your own version of BTS. Because even when life feels daunting, we all deserve something that helps us remember that better days are ahead.