[with ARMY ⑮]"If You Want to Achieve Your Dreams, It Takes Sacrifice": The Reason A Mother Believes in BTS

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — While BTS concerts often bring together fans of different generations, for one mother travelling all the way from Costa Rica to attend the group's ARIRANG World Tour at Gillette Stadium, shared that her love for BTS has become something that has strengthened her over the years.

Flori, who wore a beautifully handmade hanbok inspired outfit resembling one that her bias, Jungkook, had worn before, explained that she first discovered BTS because of her daughter. However, as time went on, it wasn't long before she found herself becoming a fan herself.

"I love that young people have artists who tell them such beautiful things," she said. "With so much negativity in music today, every BTS song has a message. Even if I don't understand the Korean lyrics at first, I always look up the translations because they're worth reading and understanding."

Rather than simply enjoying the group's music, she said what continues to impress her most is BTS' ability to communicate meaningful ideas while remaining respectful. "They can say what they want without offending anyone, but there's always a deeper message behind it," she explained.

That philosophy, she said, was reflected in BTS' recent decision to reject the newly created Grammy category for Asian pop music. "I loved that they defended their principles," she said. "If someone offends me or my culture, then I don't care about the award. That sends such an important message for young people especially."

Having followed BTS through her daughter at first, she said watching the members grow over the years has only deepened her admiration. "Seeing how hard they've worked, how much they've sacrificed, and how they always give everything they have on stage teaches people that if you want to achieve your dreams, it takes sacrifice." Further explaining that it is exactly what young people must have as an example these days.

Flori also praised the relationship between the seven members, describing each as having their own distinct personality while still remaining united. "They're like brothers," she said. "That's something I really love about them."

Beyond BTS themselves, she believes the group's influence has had a positive impact on her daughter. "She listens to a song, translates the lyrics, and understands that it's about becoming a better person," she said. "I love that."

Her daughter, who first became an ARMY during the COVID-19 pandemic, recalled how BTS helped her through a difficult period of isolation before eventually introducing the group to her mother.

"They were my lifeline during the pandemic," she said. "Being here now at my first BTS concert with my mom is really emotional. Just knowing she supports something that's so important to me means everything."

Now attending concerts together, the pair said BTS has become more than just a favorite artist, it has become something they are able to share across generations, creating memories together while continuing to find inspiration in the group's music and message.