And that’s a wrap for 2023! We’re officially in 2024, aka the year that Jin and Hobi return, and the year before we have all seven back. Even with all seven members currently enlisted, that doesn’t mean ARMY stop being overwhelmed with how much content BTS give us! But don’t worry; as always, THP has got your back! Welcome to December 2023’s edition of our monthly borafied roundup, Bangtan Bulletin!
Beyond The Star Episodes 1-4
If you thought you shed enough tears over BTS in November, well, you were wrong. December brought us the first four episodes of their Beyond The Star docu-series: The Beginning, Adolescence, Pursuit of Happiness, and Disconnected. The show has exceeded our every expectation, and we’ve learned so much about Bangtan’s journey. With moments like the members’ reaction when they found out the MOTS tour was canceled, we’ll admit it’s not always an easy watch, but as an ARMY, it honestly feels like an honor to be given such insight into our favorite band.
BTS Make Their Debut With No More Dream… Again!
If you thought ARMY would take this time to relax and unwind, you’d be wrong! December saw BTS make their debut again… well, sort of. The BTS Eras project began last month, where ARMY decided to rechart the 2 Cool For Skool and O!RUL82? eras, and fully committed to the bit, acting as though they were stanning a rookie group who were making their debut for the first time, with many even changing their social layouts to match the aesthetic from the time of the original releases.
The project was super successful, too, with ‘No More Dream’ reaching number one on the US iTunes Chart and World Digital Song Sales for the first time ever within a day of the project’s launch. It also reached the top spot on the iTunes Charts in 72 countries, as well as the Worldwide iTunes Songs Chart and European iTunes Song Charts. In addition to iTunes, the song entered both the Apple Music, Spotify, and Deezer Charts in several countries. Iconic!
If you missed out on all the fun or want to participate again, then we’ve got good news! There are plans for this to take place every month for each BTS era, with the second tracking week covering Skool Luv Affair and Dark & Wild from January 19th to January 25th. You can find all the information here. ARMY FIGHTING!
Jungkook’s ‘Hate You’ Music Video And iHeartRadio LIVE
We got a final present from Jungkook to officially wrap up the GOLDEN era. The ‘Hate You’ music video is not only delicate with its color changes and Jungkook’s beautiful voice throughout it, but it also features such a touching representation of his love for ARMYs. We’re represented as purple auras (we’re always the most borahae part of our seven’s hearts) that change “hate” to “love” with our admiration for BTS. This music video is so precious to us! We know how much Jungkook loves this song, and we’re so happy we got visuals for this track!
In addition to this new video, we also enjoyed Jungkook’s entire performance at the iHeartRadio LIVE! Besides performing songs from his solo debut, he also went through some of his pics from his Instagram and talked about them in detail. He spoke about his connection with ARMYs, and we even got a tattoo tour! We feel so grateful every time we get to admire Jungkook’s sleeve and how much it means to him. ARMYs, we’ve definitely hit the lottery with our maknae’s kindness!
Jimin Releases ‘Closer Than This’
Let’s get real for a second here: Christmas hasn’t been the same without having any tannies around. We miss them deeply, and they miss us even more. They love surprising us in the best way possible, and Jimin has filled that empty void with his latest single! Every ARMY feels like their heart grows a thousand times its size after listening to ‘Closer Than This.‘ The lyrics and the music video include so many references to our favorite seven and how their team is the greatest thing that has ever happened to them and us! If you have cried with ‘Closer Than This,’ don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s impossible to contain your emotions after listening to this incredible song! Jimin always makes us feel safe and comforted, and this single is like a warm hug from the person who will always understand us 🫂.
‘Closer Than This’ also serves as a closure for the amazing #ThisIsJimin series he has created over the past few months on his Instagram. He has been sharing dancing reels that leave us speechless every time we watch them! We’re so grateful he always dedicates so much time and passion to these beautiful projects for our fandom!
Our Spring Day Will Come Again
December was bittersweet as we said goodbye to the rest of the BTS members as they embarked on their military enlistment, but ARMY made sure to make a major statement of love and loyalty by charting the iconic ‘Spring Day.’ The fan project saw the song charting number one on US iTunes and World Digital Songs Sale Chart, earning its 63rd non-consecutive week on the chart. The song also reached number five on the Digital Song Sales chart, giving them their 35th song to place in the top 10 and the single’s first time on the chart since its release back in 2017.
As well as ‘Spring Day,’ other poignant BTS songs charted on the World Digital Song Sales soon after, including ‘Outro: Tear’ at number two, ’No More Dream’ at number six, and ‘Louder Than Bombs’ at number eight. ‘Outro: Tear’ also made its debut on the Digital Song Sales chart at number 22. We are so proud of ARMY and sincerely hope the news made it to the members, giving them an emotional send-off and our promise of waiting for 2025.
UMI And V Collaborate On ‘wherever u r’
We love to see ARMYs win, and that’s exactly what happened when the lovely UMI collaborated with V! UMI is a gorgeously warm singer with a style that just feels so healing. Sound like someone else you might know?
This collaboration was honestly a match made in heaven, and clearly, we’re not the only ones who think so. Taehyung had such utter faith in the project that he sent his recordings over to UMI and let her finish the song as she felt best. He was right to do so, as the end result is a dreamlike track that showcases both their talents, and UMI has also been an absolute angel during the promotion of ‘wherever u r!’ An ode to missing loved ones, the song’s meaning is only deepened by current circumstances, and the fact that it was released on Taehyung’s birthday!
Speaking of… we have to finish this article by wishing happy birthday once again to our December boys, Jin and Taehyung!
And that’s another month, and another year, wrapped up for BTS! What has been your favorite Bangtan moment this month? Or even more so, what’s been your BTS highlight of 2023?! Let us know by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram, or join The Hive on Discord!
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