The identity of ARMY, the dynamic global fanbase of Korean music group BTS, is complex and nuanced. I Am ARMY locates, documents and celebrates just some of the unique identities within the diverse fandom. A collection of autoethnographic essays, each chapter in this book contains an ARMY experience which transcends the personal entirely. As such they sit as part of a broader socio-political examination and critique of the world we live in today. I Am ARMY gives the reader a chance to immerse themselves in the world of an ARMY living an entirely different life, and the opportunity to understand just how socially constructed and influenced our lived-experiences truly are.

Co-editor Eaglehawk frames the socio-political stories in I Am ARMY as accounts of 'practicing revolutionaries' and introduces BTS as 'participatory revolutionaries'. Drawing upon universal truths detailed throughout the book, Eaglehawk develops a set of components for what she calls the 'Love Yourself, Speak Yourself Revolution' which is currently underway. Within this book, you will find the answers to questions such as: "why are fandoms devalued?", "how can I learn to love myself?" and "how can I be a feminist and an ARMY?" Above all else, you will find a little piece of yourself written on the page; for each of us are ARMY, each of us are human. I Am ARMY serves as a reminder that despite how disconnected we may feel from the world, how disheartened or downtrodden, we are not alone; ARMY or not.

Essays

Emerging victorious by Naazneen and Tagseen Samsodien

The day that didn't break me by Anna Shaffer

From fake love to self-love by Manilyn Gumapas

How BTS contributes towards an awareness of myself by Lily Low

I am ARMY, I am revolutionary by Wallea Eaglehawk

Finding BTS gave me back myself by Courtney Lazore

Speaking myself by Sharon Chen

ARMY as a feminist identity by Keryn Ibrahim