What’s the Meaning Behind BTS’ Logo? Here Are Some Fan-Theorized Symbolism Behind the Shape
The BTS logo and the ARMY logo are pretty similar, with some fans pointing out the symbolism behind the 2017 rebrand.
Here’s what we know about this award-winning boy band and its official logo, created in 2017.
BTS rebranded, debuting a new BTS logo and BTS ARMY logo during 2017
They’re smooth like butter. This K-pop group debuted in 2013, introducing listeners to members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Since then, they’ve become one of the world’s biggest boy bands, performing at the Grammy Awards and even earning a nomination for their song “Dynamite.”
Although “BTS” originates from the Korean phrase “Bangtan Sonyeondan,” the meaning behind this band’s title changed as they matured. In 2017, the “Bulletproof Boy Scouts” rebranded, changing the official acronym of BTS to “Beyond The Scene.”
“More than anything, it shows that ARMYs and us (BTS) are connected as one, so this is all the more meaningful and makes me happy,” one BTS member tweeted in response to the 2017 logo change. The YouTube video which showcased this new addition to BTS’ brand earned over 6 million views.
What is the symbolism behind the BTS and the BTS ARMY logo?
As with most BTS productions, there is some hidden meaning surrounding the BTS logo and its similar ARMY logo. Some noticed that the ARMY logo is a reversed version of BTS’, suggesting the bond these two groups have.
“To me, the BTS symbol looks like a bulletproof vest and the ARMY symbol as a shield,” one Reddit user wrote. “I also read somewhere that the BTS symbol is the image of a door opening inwards and the ARMY symbol is [an] image of a door opening outwards.”
One Quora user shared that with this rebrand came a new message for fans, with this “shield” imagery potentially “protecting youths from prejudice. They are moving forward, chasing their dreams instead of settling for reality.”
This change wouldn’t be the first time members of BTS rebranded. Rapper and unofficial “God of Destruction” RM previously went by the stage name “Rap Monster,” later deciding that the name doesn’t reflect his true musical identity.
The BTS and ARMY logos appear throughout several BTS productions
These artists often share their love for fans, and the feeling is mutual. When the K-pop group performed “Home” on The Late Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, they included some soda cans with the ARMY logo hidden in the refrigerator.
When Jungkook revealed his hand tattoos, the letters on his fingers and knuckles represented each of the BTS members, together spelling the word “ARMY.” Also on his hand is the symbol for the BTS ARMY.
The “Dynamite” music video is now available on YouTube. Music by BTS, including their recently released album, Map of the Soul: 7, is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and most major platforms.
