[with ARMY ⑨] How BTS Led French ARMY to Korea's Independence History

"I even studied Korean history because of my love for BTS."

Maëva (28), a fan of the group BTS, shared this with K-POPIT, mentioning that she had visited Seodaemun Prison History Hall in Korea.

On the 17th, Maëva and K-POPIT met in front of the venue ahead of the "BTS World Tour ARIRANG" performance in Paris, France, and shared a deep conversation.

"I first discovered BTS in 2020, and after a period of denial, I gradually fell for them," she said. "Loving BTS made me curious about Korean history." She continued, "I also like Japanese culture, so I studied the history of both countries together. That's how I learned about the painful parts of Korea's past."

She said the story struck a personal chord. "A lot of it felt similar to my own people's history," she explained. "I live in France because my people were once ruled by France. My mother is from Guadeloupe, and my father is from the Central African Republic. Both have their own history under French colonial rule."

Maëva has traveled to Korea twice. "When I went to Seoul this past April, I visited Seodaemun Prison and Dongnimmun," she said, referring to the Independence Gate that stands near the prison site. "I also saw a statue of Kim Gu nearby," she added, naming the Korean independence leader often known by his pen name Baekbeom.

Near the end of the conversation, she smiled and switched briefly into Korean. "I know a little bit of the language," she said, before calling out, "Bangtan Sonyeondan saranghaeyo, BTS hwaiting" — "I love BTS, go BTS."