July 9th is here, and ARMY turns 12 years old. In human life, we’re entering our teenage phase, but in Bangtan life, it means more than a decade of shared laughter, hope, dreams, achievements, and experiences only the two of us can understand. And of course, like any other birthday, it deserves a grand celebration (big or small!) to honor how far we’ve come (alongside BTS!) and welcome a new chapter in our Bangtan journey.
If you’re looking for heartfelt ways to celebrate from the comfort of your home or with fellow ARMY nearby, these ideas are just for you. Happy birthday, ARMY!
1. Go back in time and revisit their old performances
This one will definitely hit you in the feels… or leave your jaw on the floor. There’s no in-between. The range of BTS performances goes from powerful choreographies (that would break our backs if we tried them!) to emotional vocals that make us feel like we’re floating on a purple cloud. BTS performances remind us every single time that it wasn’t just the eyeliner and the passion in their eyes, it was their undeniable talent and commitment to their artistry.
If you’re overwhelmed by too many choices (we feel you), here are a few timeless ones:
2020 MAMA “ON”
2020 MAMA “Black Swan”
Both hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable performances that will make you wish you could erase your memories just to watch them for the first time again and feel everything all over. And since it’s our birthday, there’s no better time to rewatch the iconic 2019 “Young Forever” surprise at Wembley Stadium. BTS cried, ARMY cried, and you’ll certainly cry too if this is your first time watching it.
2. Bake a purple cake (or your favorite dessert!), light some candles, and sing happy birthday
What’s a birthday without something sweet? Whether it’s a cupcake, a full cake, or your go-to comfort dessert — light a candle, sing to yourself (and BTS!), and make a wish. You can even turn it into a mini ritual or share it with other ARMY friends nearby or online.
3. Create your own BTS playlist and listen to all their discography in order
Did you know it takes 36 hours and 11 minutes to listen to their full discography on Apple Music, including solo and Japanese tracks? We know ARMY Day is only 24 hours, so take it as a green light to celebrate every day, not just one. Let BTS be the background music of your life!
(Photo Source & Credits: Noona's Noonchi team)
4. Binge-watch their old lives or rewatch them to hear those missing details you didn't catch the first time because of the Weverse translations
We’ve talked about the range of BTS performances, but BTS lives are a whole other breed. We’ve got Jungkook folding his underwear and singing karaoke at midnight, Taehyung hosting the shortest live in Weverse history, Jin getting surprised by his high-tech birthday cake candles (we did too!), Yoongi finally unraveling his best-kept secret: where his “7” tattoo is, and BTS getting all worked up because Namjoon was holding a knife. All so different, but surely the serotonin boost you didn’t know you needed yet.
5. Binge-watch RUN BTS, Bon Voyage, or BTS In the SOOP
There’s an option for every mood, or every part of your day. If you’re looking to wake up full of energy, Run BTS is your prescription. If you’re wondering how many times BTS can lose their baggage, documents, or even a member, Bon Voyage is what you need. And if you’re craving healing, a pause, and a moment to embrace the joy of a slower way of living (even if it’s just for a few hours), BTS In the SOOP is your go-to.
Need a place to start? Don’t worry. Here are a few Run BTS episodes to get the party started. (Fun fact: we actually visit the location where they filmed some of these on our Magic Shop tour!)
Run BTS: Episode 145
Run BTS: Episode 146
6. Watch or read some of the K-Dramas or books they've recommended over the years
If there’s something we know for sure about BTS, it’s their love for every form of storytelling — books, webtoons, dramas, music and films. Their recommendations are surprisingly diverse, and there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking comfort, inspiration, or simply want to explore something new (especially if you’re a K-Drama fan), their favorites are the perfect place to start!
7. Connect with ARMY through in-persons events or even plan a future trip to South Korea
Get into your manifestation mindset and start planning that dream trip you’ve been putting off for a while now. Build a list of BTS filming locations, check flight prices, or even plan your itinerary as if it were happening tomorrow. Better to be prepared; a trip to South Korea can pop up at any moment!
But if you’re looking for something more meaningful than sightseeing and checking places off your bucket list, we get that too. In a world that often feels disconnected and fast-moving, the craving for real-life connection is something many of us share.
That’s why we bring ARMY together for healing journeys through BTS’s hometowns — to retrace the steps that first inspired us and to find strength in shared memories. The bonds we make through shared interests and stories are real, and they’re what keep us going.
Hopefully, these ideas will bring a little extra brightness to your day, or inspire you to create your own unique way of celebrating. No matter what you choose, we’re sure it’ll warm your heart in just the right way. So enjoy your day, ARMY, and if that dream trip to South Korea becomes real… we can’t wait to meet you in the Magic Shop!