Since July 9, 2013, BTS’s fan community has shared a collective name: ARMY, an acronym for “Adorable Representative M.C for Youth.” The name also carries the meaning, “If BTS is bulletproof, ARMY is the one that protects us,” emphasizing the inseparable, parallel relationship between BTS and their fans.

For more than a decade, from their under-the-radar debut days and the period when they were underestimated in the domestic market, to their bold expansion into the global stage and even during the time when the group temporarily halted full-group activities due to military service, ARMY has consistently been the greatest driving force pushing BTS forward.

The bond between BTS and ARMY has been built not only through music, but also through deep empathy, mutual understanding, and sincere gratitude. BTS has always regarded ARMY as an indispensable part of their journey, while ARMY, in turn, views BTS as a source of pride and endless inspiration.

The choice of the name “ARMY” was truly a wise decision by BTS and Big Hit Music. However, before settling on an official fandom name, the group experimented with several different terms to address their fans during their early debut days in 2013. Some of the unofficial nicknames BTS tried included “Bell,” “Bangwool,” “BTS Mate,” or simply “our fans.”

Among all the affectionate names used by the members in their early days, the one that touched fans the most may have been a nickname written by SUGA in a letter dated June 13, 2013—the day BTS officially debuted. At the time, SUGA referred to the group’s earliest supporters as “My loves”. He wrote:

Although simple and lacking any complex symbolism, “My loves” carries an unmistakable warmth and sincerity that fans can deeply feel. The phrase is like a gentle embrace—an acknowledgment of the special, two-way relationship between artist and fan. For ARMY, especially those who have supported BTS since the very beginning, that nickname has become a source of comfort and a treasured memory they continue to hold close to their hearts.

Meanwhile, SUGA’s heartfelt words from those early days continue to circulate within the fandom and are being fondly revisited, particularly as BTS approaches their long-awaited full-group comeback in 2026. More than a decade has pαѕѕed, and fans reflect on just how far both BTS and ARMY have come together—from a time when they could barely put a name to their relationship, to becoming global phenomena recognized and admired worldwide.

As SUGA’s letter resurfaced once again, fans flooded the community with countless comments expressing their emotions:

- How romantic it is — our love has lasted for a decade. I's happy that BTS was part of my youth.

- 'My love' will always be one of the most romantic nicknames ever

- And when I say this needs a comeback istg, i would melt so bad if he starts to call us like that again

- I’m just gonna go cry myself to sleep now. I cant stop loving him

- More than ten years later, SUGA’s words from debut still echo in my heart. From being unnamed fans to becoming ARMY, this journey has been long, emotional, and beautiful. 2026 feels like a new chapter built on all those memories

- he called himself as a third person too? why is he so sweet?

- When I look back at SUGA’s letter from 2013, I realize how deep this bond has always been. 2026 is our year

- And the way he spent hours preparing over 300 gifts for fans with his own hands for his birthday. His heart is so full of love

- I don't cry over men, but he's an exception! idk why but i never came across this, it's so endearing I'm melting while reading this. Also it sounds like fate to me, how i too call him and tannies my loves, it comes naturally to me, i love him so much

- Yoongi used to call ARMYs "my love" in his every tweets and letters, oh on how my heart beats for this man

- yoongi also said to leave our fourth (ring) finger empty... AS IF WE, ALL OF US, CAN MARRY YOU, YOON >< WE JUST DREAM

- It’s incredible to think that BTS and ARMY have walked side by side for over a decade. Remembering SUGA’s letter calling us ‘the people I love’ still hits just as hard today