When BTS debuted in 2013, they were just a bunch of eager teens ready to prove themselves. But instead of following the traditional K-pop rulebook, they seemed to toss it out the window entirely—and somehow, it worked. As someone in marketing, I can’t help but admire their rebellious streak. There’s an old saying: If you want to be like everyone else, do what everyone else is doing. But if you want to stand out? Do what no one else dares to do.
There’s something about Fri(ENDs) that stays with you. It’s not just the catchy melody or V’s smooth vocals—it’s the story. The music video unfolds like a mini film, giving us not just one, but two versions of a life. And both somehow lead to the same conclusion. That’s where it gets interesting.
Suga has a way of steering conversations that somehow feels chill and deep at the same time. In episodes 11 to 15 of Suchwita, guests didn’t just drop by to chat—they opened up about their doubts, regrets, and insecurities. From top-tier actors to fellow BTS members, they shared things that don’t usually make it to the camera. And Suga? He responded with quiet grace, a sharp mind, and just the right amount of humor.
Published May 1, 2025
Shows & Appearances
The Power of Support: What K-pop and Suchwita Teach Us About Fans Who Stay
Make no mistake, Suga is a warm, sweet, thoughtful friend hiding behind a level 12 resting SAVAGE face. But if there’s anything episodes 16 to 20 of Suchwita proved, it’s that his brain is sharp, maddeningly deep, and packed with insights you could easily miss if you’re not really listening.
So, here are 10 sizzling-hot tea moments from Suchwita that gave us a closer look at Suga’s mind—and how a group’s treatment of their fans might just be the secret to their staying power.
HOW KPOP GROUPS TREAT THEIR FANS WILL DICTATE HOW LONG THEIR POPULARITY WILL LAST
This isn’t the first time Suga’s mentioned that BTS will grow old with ARMY, but this one hit differently. He talked about how the word “ARMY” means “friends” in French—soft, cuddly. In America? It’s soldiers—disciplined, tough. That duality? Suga sees it. BTS embraces it.
And it got us thinking: longevity in music often comes down to how artists treat their fans.
Taylor Swift, for example, has basically built her career on fan engagement. She reads what they say, tailors her performances, and stays within boundaries that her fandom embraces. That balance of power and accessibility? That’s longevity.
Linkin Park? Same deal. They created a direct fan pipeline with LP Underground—no fluff, just connection.
Suga’s message is clear: when artists focus on the fans, not just the public, fans take care of the rest.
After all, fans are the marketing team—free of charge and fiercely loyal. But once an artist gets too wrapped up in chasing clout and forgets the core audience? It all starts to fall apart.
Business people call it the Pareto principle: 80% of your results come from 20% of your base. In music, that 20% is your fandom.
BTS IS AWARE OF THEIR IMPACT
BTS doesn’t usually shout about their achievements. If they flex, it’s lowkey. Like when J-Hope called T1 the “BTS of gaming” and RM teased him that he should’ve let the subtitles say it instead.
But every now and then, they let the curtain slip. Suga opened up about how lost they felt after the AMAs—because no one had ever gone as far as they had. But then came the realization: they’re clearing the path. Their steps make the journey easier for those who come after. Pioneers don’t need to brag—they just keep walking.
NOBODY TELLS KIM TAEHYUNG WHAT TO DO
Each BTS member is carving out their own creative path, and Taehyung made his very clear.
He’s a talented songwriter. He can produce. But choosing to work with other producers and songwriters? That was his call. Not because he couldn’t do it himself, but because he wanted to grow in his own way.
No one tells Kim Taehyung what to do… except Kim Taehyung.
GREAT ARTISTS RESPECT LIVE SHOWS
Live performances are not just stages—they’re sacred ground. And nobody talks about concerts quite like BTS… unless you’ve heard Kim Jong Wan from Nell.
BTS doesn’t just perform. Their shows are built like stories, with themes and Easter eggs. Every performance is part of a narrative. Their concerts aren’t just events—they’re experiences. Global festivals, even. Pre-show, post-show, fan engagement, the works.
And Nell takes it even further. They literally spray cologne through air vents during concerts to tie a scent to the musical experience. That’s next-level sensory design. Because music isn’t just heard—it’s remembered. And scent is the strongest trigger for memory.
These kinds of conversations reveal the genius behind unforgettable music moments.
DOING THINGS TO MAKE FANS HAPPY ISN’T SELLING OUT
Fan service gets a bad rap, but not all of it is cringey or inauthentic.
When Hwang Min Hyun guested on Suchwita, he and Suga talked about how making fans happy became part of their purpose.
Suga didn’t plan on using the “Haegeum” choreography—but did it anyway because he knew ARMY would love it. Min Hyun echoed the sentiment: If I can add something special to someone’s day, why wouldn’t I?
Artists don’t lose integrity by connecting with their fans. Sometimes, that connection is the point.
SKILL IS NOT THE KEY TO SUCCESS, DISCIPLINE IS
Lee Kang In said his life is a routine: wake, eat, train, rest—repeat. It’s a cycle that builds muscle memory and elite performance.
Suga agreed. For BTS, practice wasn’t optional—it was life.
The truth? Lots of people are talented. Few are willing to grind. It’s discipline, not skill, that sets the legends apart from the rest.
SAME EXPERIENCE, DIFFERENT IMPACT
All BTS members were on the same rocket to global stardom, but they processed it differently.
People assumed V would bounce back quickly—he’s the charming extrovert, right? But he was the one who struggled most. His love for life outside music made the work-only grind even harder for him.
But that same perspective sparked something important. His idea of a no-cameras, no-music vacation gave the members a chance to reconnect as people, not idols. And that moment of healing reminded them why they do what they do.
THE NECESSARY EVIL IN ARTISTS’ LIVES
Artists crave freedom. Businesses need structure. And those two don’t always get along.
Kim Jong Wan shared how moving away from label constraints gave them freedom—but also caused delays. Perfectionism can be a trap. Sometimes, deadlines are what make creativity happen.
Suga gets that too. It’s why he never wanted to be a producer. That role comes with hard choices. You don’t just care about the music—you have to care about the bottom line. And sometimes, the two aren’t aligned.
Art needs business. It’s not always pretty, but it’s necessary.
TIME DOESN’T CARE ABOUT US
Remember how Taemin from SHINee used to get flak for his live vocals? He thought growing up would magically fix things. But age isn’t a cheat code.
Suga felt the same. He thought maturity would change everything—but the clock hit midnight and nothing transformed.
Time doesn’t wait. It doesn’t fix. It just moves. If we want change, we have to do the work.
BEING SOMEONE’S FAN IS BETTER THAN BEING SOMEONE’S HERO
Lee Kang In might look like a cheeky kid, but when he talks about his childhood coach, the mood shifts. That kind of respect and love? That’s what being someone’s number one fan can do.
Support doesn’t always have to be loud or public. Sometimes, it’s quiet belief. That’s the kind of love that changes lives.
So maybe the real goal isn’t to be someone’s hero. Maybe it’s to be their biggest fan.
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REWIND
When BTS debuted in 2013, they were just a bunch of eager teens ready to prove themselves. But instead of following the traditional K-pop rulebook, they seemed to toss it out the window entirely—and somehow, it worked.
There’s this lingering idea in the world of music—especially in K-pop—that if you’re not at least co-writing or co-producing your songs, then you’re not really an artist. You’re a poser. A puppet. Just another pretty face with a mic. This belief is one of the many reasons why BTS is often held in such high regard. Fans and critics alike point to their deep involvement in their music and creative direction as the key to their monumental success. But is authenticity really the only reason BTS made it so big globally—both commercially and critically?
Chris Wallace. Barbara Walters. Charlie Rose. Diane Sawyer. These are some of the best interviewers the world has ever seen. Their ability to motivate people to open up and share sides of themselves rarely, if ever, seen by others is unparalleled. In Korea, there are some celebrities who can, if you listen to them closely, match their level of sincere inquisition.