BTS has a couple of social media accounts and one platform that they enjoy using is Weverse. Now, the app has launched Weverse Magazine, which shared two stories about RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook’s success and the boys’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic is not all negative for BTS as it has given them a break from their very hectic schedule. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook were able to replenish their physical and mental health during this downtime.
BTS’ latest hit “Dynamite” was also created during the pandemic. The boys wanted to give ARMYs an uplifting song to comfort them while dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. The disco-inspired summer bop ended up giving BTS their first song to debut at No.1 on Billboard‘s “Hot 100” chart.
On the other hand, the pandemic has taken away what BTS loves the most, which is to perform for their fans. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have pointed out multiple times that they missed ARMYs and performing on stage.
RM shared that he felt "powerless" during the promotion of their MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 album. "Even when I sweated, it didn’t feel like sweat [and] sometimes when I was home after finishing shows earlier than usual, I felt like I was about to burst with rage like a crazy person,” he said.
Another unfortunate thing that BTS had to deal with during the pandemic is racism. Misconceptions about the origins of COVID-19 have sparked racially motivated attacks, and RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have been victims of discrimination for being Asian.
Weverse Magazine shared one particular incident when BTS were guest stars in SiriusXM in February. American radio and television personality Howard Stern revealed that SiriusXM writer Sal Governale made a racist comment about BTS. Sal alleged that the boys have the virus, saying that it's impossible that they don't have it.
Howard Stern and producer Gary Dell’Abate defended BTS, noting that “Every celebrity who walks through the SiriusXM door is traveling all over the world — not just Asians.”
Racism is still a major problem that the world is dealing up to this day and BTS is very aware of it. Weverse Magazine revealed that the group donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement. ARMYs, then, matched this donation.
