This project began as a spark—an idea rooted in love, music, and connection.
As BTS complete their military service and prepare to reunite, I wanted to create something heartfelt from Australian ARMYs. Something that says: “We’re here. We see you. You’ve changed us.”
Through recorded interviews and written reflections, this space brings together voices from across Australia to share how BTS has touched our lives—through their music, their message, their presence.
These stories are personal. Emotional. Uplifting. Real.
Some make us cry, others make us smile, but all of them remind us how deeply music can move us—and how powerful BTS’s impact has been.
This is our way of giving back.
Of standing together as Aussie ARMY to say, “Thank you.” 💜
Maria shares how discovering BTS transformed her life, reigniting her voice and empowering her to embrace her authentic self. From K-Drama fan to passionate ARMY, her journey is a story of growth, confidence, and leaning into strength through BTS’s inspiring music and message.
In this poetic open letter, Aussie ARMY Charlie reflects on what BTS means to her younger and present self—and how their music became a lifeline of hope and healing. A beautifully written piece that speaks to anyone who’s ever wished they’d heard the right words sooner, but is now learning to pass them on with love.
When a chance scroll through TikTok collided with burnout recovery, Tania Chai found herself on a life-altering journey—from classroom chaos to community creator. Her story traces the unexpected detours that led her to BTS, the healing power of fandom, and the birth of a global virtual café: #CoffeeDateWithBTS. A beautifully raw and relatable piece about belonging, purpose, and how music can help us rescue ourselves.
Feeling a quiet connection to BTS through their music, Huma found herself moved to put pen to paper. These two heartfelt poems — Soulmate and Irrevocable Charm — reflect her journey of comfort, recognition, and unconditional love. A wonderful tribute to BTS’s ability to uplift, empower, and walk beside ARMY, even from afar.
Feeling lost, Julie set out to learn Korean and stumbled upon BTS. One song, Black Swan, unlocked a wave of emotion and creativity. What followed is this powerful reflection and original poem — a moving dance between grief, hope, and rediscovered purpose.
This ARMY story is a gentle reflection on how a single song—Spring Day—became a guiding light in a dark and uncertain time. Through BTS’s music, they found glimmers of hope, emotional healing, and eventually, a global community. This story reminds us of the quiet but powerful ways BTS continues to touch lives.
From Covid lockdown to concerts in Singapore, this story is a moving reflection on how BTS became an emotional anchor during times of burnout, uncertainty, and quiet grief. Through Agust D and J-Hope’s solo performances, this ARMY found healing, hope, and the spark to carry on—with BTS by their side.
Kat shares her heartfelt journey into BTS fandom, sparked by her daughter and deepened through music that healed her own emotional disconnection. A story of motherhood, rediscovered joy, and music that speaks to the soul.
"Finding BTS helped me find myself." Christine shares how BTS sparked a deeper connection to her Korean heritage, her family, and herself as a second-generation Korean Australian.
Jain’s story is a fantastic reminder that music can find us again—even when we least expect it. At 67, she rediscovered music through BTS after a quiet spell, and their songs now accompany her in every corner of her farm life in rural Australia.
Grace shares how BTS became her unexpected remedy through grief, illness, and life’s hardest seasons. A story that reminds us all—music has no age limit when it comes to healing and joy.
After losing her mother twice—once to Alzheimer's and once to death—Sharon found unexpected solace in a late-night YouTube suggestion: BTS’ “Answer: Love Myself.” What followed was a quiet transformation. In this intimate story of loss and reconnection, Sharon shares how BTS helped her begin to forgive, grieve, and gently piece herself back together.
In this episode, I’m joined by Kritika, who shares her story about healing, self-love, and the quiet strength found in BTS’s music.
Kay opens up about discovering BTS in 2016, recovering from a painful injury alone in Japan, and how songs like Magic Shop, Dynamite, and Not Today helped her through some of her darkest days.
She also reflects on her time as a solo ARMY and the quiet joy of joining the Aussie ARMY community. This is a story of resilience, connection, and the power of music to remind us we’re not alone.
💜 “With music, dance, and heart so true… BTS, we purple you.”
In this tender and honest conversation, Kelly — an introverted Australian ARMY — shares how BTS entered her life through random YouTube shorts and slowly became a source of joy, connection, and courage.
From her first hesitant cup sleeve event in Melbourne to attending Hobi’s solo concert in Jakarta, Kelly’s journey is a testament to the quiet bravery that lives within so many fans.
This is a story of rediscovery, music-fuelled joy, and finding community — sometimes when you least expect it.
Leonie joins me to reflect on the grit, growth, and quiet strength behind BTS’s journey.
From discovering them through a World Cup performance to admiring their mindset as an educator, she shares how their story of perseverance continues to inspire her both personally and professionally.
I’m joined by Dusty, a new ARMY whose BTS journey began in the midst of deep grief. Just days after losing her husband, a video of seven strangers appeared in her feed — strangers who felt like a lighthouse in the dark. She didn’t even know they were a band.
Dusty shares her moving story of loss, resilience, and how BTS became a daily source of comfort and strength. From their love for each other to the ways their content helped her start living again, this is a tender conversation about healing, hope, and the quiet power of being seen.
I’m joined by Natalya, a vibrant and deeply thoughtful ARMY from Perth, who shares how BTS helped her rekindle her creative spark and shift her perspective during one of life’s hardest seasons.
We talk about finding joy in the small things again, how their lyrics and presence gave her space to heal, and what it means to feel genuinely seen – even from afar.
I’m joined by Vanessa, and her story is truly moving and encouraging.
Vanessa’s ARMY journey began in 2014 during a time of personal darkness. From loss and mental health struggles to single motherhood, BTS became a lifeline. A moving story of healing through music, love, and community.
💜 Trigger warning: This episode includes mention of pregnancy loss, grief, and emotional trauma. Please take care while watching.
In this episode, I’m joined by Grisell, who shares her story about how discovering BTS during the pandemic helped her navigate isolation, strengthen her bond with her sister, and build a found family through ARMY community in Australia.
Grisell’s story is a great reminder of the kind of community, comfort, and courage that music—especially BTS—can create when we need it most.
In this episode of the BTS June Tribute Project, Claire, an Australian ARMY, shares her emotional journey into the world of BTS and K-Pop fandom.
From stumbling upon BTS content through Instagram algorithms to attending J-Hope’s Jakarta concerts, Claire opens up about how BTS helped her rediscover joy, connection, and a sense of belonging.
This episode with Australian ARMY Barbara is the first I’ve done through my Podcast ‘Living on the B Side’ (back in 2023).
She shares how BTS found her and what massive impact these 7 humans from South Korea had so far in her life. She also talks about how she learned to love herself and how her life changed by finding BTS, becoming a huge part of the Aussie fan community and more!
In this solo episode, I reflect on the journey of creating the On The B Side with BTS June Tribute Project — an Australian ARMY offering to mark the return of BTS and celebrate the Australian ARMY community.
I share how the idea first sparked, the self-doubt I had to move through, and the powerful stories that poured in from fans across the country. From creative poems to emotional interviews, this project became more than she ever expected — a collective reminder of the healing power of music, connection, and vulnerability.
As the chapter closes, I offer my gratitude to everyone who contributed and invite you to take a quiet moment to reflect on your own BTS story.
Because this isn’t goodbye. Just a soft pause or an open door… until the next song or project begins.
This playlist is part of a this project created by @onthebsidewithbts. Each song was chosen for its emotional depth, lyrical tenderness, and the way it mirrors the experiences shared by contributors in this project.
From quiet grief to radiant healing, from isolation to joyful connection—this soundtrack captures the spirit of BTS’s message and the power of music to hold space for us.
💜 You’ll find classics like Magic Shop, Mikrocosmos, and The Truth Untold, alongside deep cuts like Amygdala, Snooze, and Whalien 52.
💫 Additional songs have been added to further round out the emotional arc.
Press play. Exhale. Welcome to the Magic Shop….
PS: You can also find this playlist on YouTube, right here: Playlist on YouTube
At the start of 2025, I had an idea:
What if I created a tribute — not just to say thank you to BTS, but to show what their presence in our lives really means?
I wasn’t sure anyone would want to join in. But others encouraged me to go for it — and I jumped over my shadow.
This project isn’t about being polished or perfect. It’s about creating a ripple of encouragement.
A reminder that even the hardest chapters in our book of life can be softened — or transformed — when someone or something meets us there.
For many of us, that someone is BTS.
They may not know the full extent of what they’ve done for us. But we do. And now we’ve said it — out loud, together, with love.
If you’re reading this and wondering whether your story matters — it does. It always did.
📸 Tag @onthebsidewithbts
🧵 Share your own story with #BTSJuneTribute #BTSAussieARMYTribute
Thank you, BTS.
For the music, the meaning, and the moments that made us feel less alone.
This is for you. 💜