The power of a fanchant is felt throughout stadiums and performances. A fanchant is a prominent feature of K-Pop fan culture. Essentially, for specific songs and/or performances, fans will have chants to go along with the lyrics or rhythm of the song. In most cases, it will be repeating the members names or the lyrics of the song. It’s the perfect opportunity for the artists to visibly see their fans’ love for them.
After returning from serving their military term and releasing their new album, BTS has started their Arirang tour. And the fanchants are more than praise for the idols, they are a celebration for South Korean culture and history.
Body to Body is the opener for BTS’ new album, Arirang. With a blend of Korean and English lyrics, the song celebrates Korean culture with a special sample of Arirang to close out the song. The Korean folk song, Arirang, is a prominent part of Korean history. It is Korea’s most famous folk song, as it is interwoven into their history of the resistance against the Japanese occupation of Korea in the early 20th century. When Korean culture was suppressed, Arirang was a symbol of the resilience of the Korean people and their culture.
The addition of Arirang in their comeback album as a group sets the tone for the rest of the album. Additionally, it’s a huge representation of their deep connection to the roots of their Korean culture.
Furthermore, ARMY, BTS’ loyal fanbase, has chosen Body to Body to have the newest fanchant in the tour. Instead of the regular fanchant of the members’ names, the fans instead chant out the most important part of the song: the Arirang sample. Though it is all in Korean, in each of their tours, the fans are loud in knowing each of the lyrics of the folk song.
It is heartwarming for the members of BTS to hear different cities sing such an important song for Korean culture. Most especially, for their stop in Japan. The Japanese ARMY’s fanchant for Body to Body filled the entire stadium— marking a huge full circle moment for BTS and South Korean culture.
Body to Body is a perfect concert song, with lyrics like, “I need the whole stadium to jump,” however the most energetic part of the song remains the fanchant for Arirang