BTS’s influence today extends far beyond music and the usual boundaries of fandom. Not only have they captured the hearts of millions of people around the world, but they have also amαѕѕed a long list of famous admirers in the entertainment industry. Even some of the biggest names in South кσяєαn showbiz, including Rain, Yoo Jae Suk, Cho Yong Pil, and celebrity couple Jang Dong Gun and Ko So Young, have openly expressed their affection and unwavering support for the group.
When it comes to BTS’s famous fans, one particularly notable longtime supporter is veteran actress Lee Young Ae. Recently, her identity became a hot topic across social media after fans discovered that she was the very person who announced BTS as the winners of “Album of the Year” at the Melon Music Awards (MMA) 2026 on November 14.
Lee Young Ae is one of South кσяєα’s most influential actresses. She became internationally recognized for her portrayal of Dae Jang Geum in the нιт historical drama Jewel in the Palace (2003), which was broadcast in more than 90 countries and territories. Her outstanding performance in Sympathy for Lady Vengeance earned her Best Actress awards at both the 2005 Blue Dragon Film Awards and the 2006 Baeksang Arts Awards. After more than 30 years in the industry, Lee Young Ae remains a prominent figure in кσяєαn entertainment.
Despite being a major star herself, Lee Young Ae is just like many other fans when it comes to her pαѕѕionate love for the seven BTS superstars.
One of the actress’s most talked-about Instagram posts featured a photo of her meeting BTS backstage at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong, where she appeared onstage as one of the presenters. Lee Young Ae herself admitted, “To be honest, I accepted the 2017 MAMA’s offer to attend as a presenter so that I could go see BTS.”
She also shared that she considers not only the quality of BTS’s music worthy of stanning but also the genuine pαѕѕion the members put into their music!
During a previous appearance on an SBS television program, Lee Young Ae proudly revealed that she had been an ARMY for a long time and that her daughter was also a fan of the group. She admitted that she shared her photo with BTS from the 2017 MAMA because she was simply so excited to show it off, and confirmed that she loves all seven members. The actress also revealed that she first came across BTS while listening to music, named “DNA” as her favorite song, and praised the members’ vocal abilities.
Her affection for the group goes well beyond words. Lee Young Ae has also attended BTS concerts, including their Love Yourself show at Seoul’s Jamsil Olympic Stadium in 2019. In June 2026, she delighted fans once again by sharing photos from her visit to Haeundae Beach and the Gamcheon Culture Village area in Busan. She was holding the official “What Is Your Arirang?” slogan and carrying merchandise from the BTS THE CITY ARIRANG project, showing her support for the group’s activities in celebration of their 13th debut anniversary.
The genuine affection this 55-year-old actress has for BTS, despite being a celebrated star in her own right, has left ARMY deeply touched and impressed. The moment when a longtime ARMY like her personally announced BTS as the winners of MMA 2026’s biggest award, just as the group was making its highly anticipated comeback, made the occasion even more special and meaningful. Fans can now better understand the bright smile and sparkle in the actress’s eyes as she announced their name.
On social media, fans have been buzzing with excitement and sharing their thoughts about this heartwarming moment: "It makes me so happy knowing that an ARMY herself, presented the Daesang to the Tannies. She’s truly so gorgeous as always", "Lee Young Ae has excellent taste", "Imagine being a longtime BTS fan and announcing your favorite group as Album of the Year winners. That must have been such a special moment for her", "The sparkle in her eyes when she announced BTS said everything", "I love how even someone as legendary as Lee Young Ae becomes a proud fangirl when it comes to BTS", "You can be a legendary actress, a household name, and still be a fangirl screaming inside when BTS wins",...
