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ANALYSIS OF THE MEANING AND EFFECT OF BTS'S SONG "LOVE

MYSELF: ANSWER" ON FANDOM ARMY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE

STUDENTS

Alya Shafira Agustia

and Moses Glorino Rumambo Pandin

1, 2

Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris, Universitas Airlangga Surabaya

Jl. Airlangga No.4 - 6, Airlangga, Kec. Gubeng, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60115

Email: alya.afira.agustia-2020@fib.unair.ac.id

Email: [email protected].id

ABSTRACT

This research is motivated by the phenomenon of KPOP or Korean Pop, where one of the famous

artists is Bangtan Sonnyeondan (BTS), making the Love Yourself album and campaigning for the

movement to love yourself at the 73rd UN General Assembly session which was held in New

York, United States, on November 24, 2018. One of the songs from the album that was most

talked about because of its influence in encouraging self-love is the song Love Myself: Answer.

This song will be the object of this research. This study shows how undergraduate students who are

members of the ARMY fandom or the designation of BTS fans interpret the song Love Myself:

Answer and the effects after interpreting the song. This research was conducted using a qualitative

method with a descriptive type of research. Data was collected using the interview method with

purposive sampling technique. The population in this study were 5 University students at Airlangga

University who met 2 criteria, namely undergraduate students and members of the fandom ARMY.

The data analysis technique was carried out using Miles and Huberman analysis. The results

showed that the participants interpreted the song as an encouragement to be confident on theirself

and caused a motivated and enthusiastic influence to love theirself and they are not feeling lonely

after that. We hope that future research can identify reasons people have motivations in life other

than music. In this study, only a limited number of subjects were included so that it could not be

generalized to a large number of subject groups.

Keywords: BTS, Fandom, Music

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 CC BY-SA International License.

INTRODUCTION

Music is one of the media used by a person to convey his feelings or imagination.

Music is widely enjoyed by modern society as it is now and has become like a daily

necessity. There are two categories of why people like music, first from the tone and

second from the lyrics. In our daily activities, music can influence human cognitive ability.

It can be proved that after the listeners listen to their favorite music; indirectly music will

be accepted by the brain waves that can make the nerves of the brain become relaxed. If

the brain is relaxed it will influence the human physical work performance. The mind

becomes relaxed (Nasrullah, MF. 2020).

In the 21st era, music can be accessed easily via streaming on the internet and is

obtained for free. Technology makes music accessible to anyone and without any

restrictions. The internet has become like a mandatory item. As a result, there has been a

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change in the behavior of people who are increasingly accustomed to the use of

information technology, demanding fast-paced services and being more active (Nugroho,

P. 2019) Most people use technology devices almost two-thirds of the time they have

(Hoeroestijati, 2019). The internet can be said to have taken over human life today.

There are several genres of music that have caught the world's attention, one of

which is KPOP or Hallyu wave. K-POP is a genre of music originating from South Korea.

Since the beginning of technology entering our lives, the increasingly rapid flow of

globalization has made cultures from various countries accessible to people all over the

world. KPOP music or hallyu wave is present as a means of entertainment from all walks

of life in the world, especially teenagers. Many teenagers follow the KPOP cultural trend

as a form of their love for South Korean products. KPOP music is one form of product that

is loved by many people around the world.

KPOP music that is liked the most by the general public is performed by girl groups

and boy groups. KPOP girl group is a musical group consisting of teenage girls who

debuted as artists at an agency in South Korea. The same meaning applies to KPOP boy

groups but comes from among men. Before debuting as artists, they received an average of

more than one year of training in order to become good and professional artists in music.

The trend of girl groups and boy groups in Korea initially peaked in the early 90s.

Precisely in 1992, a group called Seo Taiji and Boys debuted and started to change the

Korean music industry (J ournal Sociolla, 2021) After the internet was created, KPOP

artists got better promotions and could spread their music all over the world without any

obstacles.

BTS is sheltered by the Big Hit Entertainment agency which is owned by Bang Si-

Hyuk which was founded in 2005 but is now known as HYBE Corporation. There is an

interesting story in BTS' music journey. Before being successful as it is now, BTS was

almost disbanded due to a lack of funds. Big Hit Entertainment is a small agency in South

Korea and faced a financial crisis during the early days of BTS promotions. They also only

rely on YouTube as their promotion. However, thanks to the good quality of their music,

they ended up having a lot of fans from all over the world. In addition to the beautiful tone,

the lyrics of BTS' songs raise a lot about life issues that inspire many people.

In 2017, BTS created an album titled Love Yourself with the theme of loving

yourself. The songs from the album were a huge success because they contain beautiful

songs and have a deep meaning about an invitation to love yourself that can motivate fans

and non-fans alike. Among the songs contained in the Love Yourself album, the song Love

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Myself: Answer is the song that is most talked about because the meaning and influence

that is spread is very good. This song is packed with beautiful melodies containing

encouragement and motivation for BTS music listeners to always love themselves. Quoted

from kompas.com, the humanist vision in BTS's new album succeeded in bringing them to

the 73rd UN General Assembly session which was held in New York, United States, on

November 24, 2018. The campaign carried out by BTS at the UN session entitled "Love

Myself" is “True love first begins with loving myself” (Kompas, 2021). Through the song

Love Myself: Answer, BTS wants to spread their concern for issues that are currently rife

in the current generation, namely insecurity or low self-esteem. BTS doesn't want their

fans to only listen to their songs because of the trend, but also to be motivated in life. This

is in line with what was described by Fatmawati E, if one of the characteristics of

millennials is that they have a tendency to adhere to a consumptive culture, so it can be

said that consuming something is motivated only to follow trends that are developing, so

that problems in terms of function are neglected (Fatmawati, E. 2020).

LITERATURE REVIEW

1) Music

Music itself is a copyrighted work in the form of sound or sound either produced by

the human voice or the sound of certain tools (Lussiyandari, S. 2020). The process of

creating a song or music certainly involves several roles such as songwriter, record

producer, and singer (Njatrijani, R. 2020). Music is also a human creation using the

medium of sound to enjoy it (Marlina, R. 2019). Music is the art of sound arranged into

patterns that can please our ears or communicate feelings or moods (Izzah, L. 2020). Just

like other sounds, music is a wave that is processed by our sense of hearing, converted into

electrical impulses, then the auditory nerve transmits these impulses to the brain and

interpreted. Receptors in the brain will be responsible for dimensions of music such as

pitch (tone), timbre (tone color), rhythm (rhythm and harmony), and tempo (fast or slow)

(Rizky, A. 2019).

2) Fandom

This fan culture is often referred to as fandom. Fandom is another name for a group

of fans or fans. The term "Fandom" comes from the English word Fan (fan) and is added

with the suffix -dom. (Clarissa C. 2020) Fandom is then argued as an expression of a larger

phenomenon related to consumption-related and brand-related fanaticism that exists in

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today's modern society (Fuschillo, G. 2020). Members in a fandom have a motto that is

"we and other members have the same feeling, admiration, and belief in the same aspects"

such as aspects of the music, film, and television industries (Alvermann, D. E, 2000).

RESEARCH METHODS

This study was conducted to analyze the meaning contained in the song Love

Myself: Answer by BTS by undergraduate students who are members of the fandom army

and further analyze how the students who have been selected by researchers feel after

interpreting the song. In this study, the researcher used a qualitative methodology with the

type of research used was descriptive. Qualitative research is research that aims to

understand the phenomena experienced by research subjects. For example, behavior,

perception, motivation, action, and so on, holistically in a descriptive way in a special

natural context without human intervention and by utilizing optimally as a commonly used

scientific method (Umar, S 2019.). From this statement, the researcher will present the data

in the form of sentences rather than numbers.

In this study, the researcher chose a purposive sampling technique. Purposive

sampling technique is a sampling technique with certain considerations (Andre. D, 2019).

From this statement, the researcher did not take a random sample, but met the criteria set

by the researcher. The criteria are:

1. An undergraduate student at Airlangga University.

2. Like BTS or join the ARMY fandom.

From these criteria, it was obtained that there were 5 informants selected by the

researchers to conduct interviews related to the predetermined topics.

Data collection techniques were carried out by conducting interviews and

observations of selected participants. In this case, the interview method is carried out by

asking questions related to the research topic that has been prepared by the researcher. The

interview process was carried out to obtain sufficient data for research. The data collection

technique with the interview process was carried out by researchers through personal chat

on the WhatsApp application.

The data analysis technique uses the Miles and Huberman (1992) model by going

through three stages, namely data reduction (data reduction), data presentation (data

display), and the conclusion drawing stage (Miles. B, 1992). Data reduction is done by

selecting and then separating the answers of the informants by categorizing them based on

certain discussions. Data validity by triangulation of sources by conducting member checks

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on each participant. Then the data is presented in the form of a narrative based on the

results of interviews that have been categorized. Drawing conclusions based on the data

that has been obtained as a whole. The last stage is drawing conclusions which is the

answer to the formulation of the problem.

PROBLEM FORMULATION

How do undergraduate students who are members of the ARMY fandom interpret

the lyrics to the song Love Myself: Answer from BTS and what effect does it have on

them?

PURPOSE OF THE PAPER

To find out how undergraduate students who are members of the ARMY fandom

interpret the song Love Myself: Answer from BTS and the effects that arise after

interpreting the song.

RESULT AND DISSCUSSION

The first informant is Bella. Informant Bella said that she interpreted the lyrics of the

song Love Myself: Answer as a good song about trying to love yourself. She explained that

the song can be a reminder to ourselves that no matter how much we find flaws in

ourselves, there is always something good that we can love if we can find it. It all depends

on our focus, if we can focus on the good things then we will always be able to see it, and

that applies if we only focus on the bad things. In addition to focusing on the good in

yourself, Bella's informant said that the song can be a comfort in overcoming her

loneliness. Its good and soothing lyrics can make it seem like you no longer face problems

alone. The effect received by Bella's informant after listening to and interpreting the lyrics

of the song is that she feels motivated by musicians like BTS who have a humanistic vision

in creating and spreading their work. It also gives her reassurance that a great musician like

BTS will give people a lot of motivation. Informant Bella admitted that she was relieved

by this because songs are universal and can be easily accepted by many people so that

good messages can be conveyed easily. For Bella's informant, the touching message of

music for listeners is more important than making music just to compete.

The second informant is Silvia. Informant Silvia explained that the diction in the

lyrics of BTS' Love Myself: Answer was very well packaged and motivating. Informant

Silvia said through the song Love Myself: Answer, BTS conveyed to listeners of their

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songs and their fans that don't set high standards for yourself. Every human being is

certainly not perfect, and this song is like telling us that humans have their own standards

which are actually sufficient if they can see it well. Humans sometimes choose high

standards to apply in their lives because they feel inferior to their environment, even

though everyone has their own strengths. Informant Silvia said that to leave high standards

and start loving ourselves is a difficult thing and this song has made her realize that.

Therefore, this song tells us that somehow we must love ourselves and forget the various

pasts that can remind us that we are worthless human beings. The effect felt by the

informant Silvia after hearing and interpreting the song Love Myself: Answer was that she

became more courageous and did not hesitate in loving herself. The self-hatred that Silvia's

informant felt suddenly also began to subside after reading some lyrics that could

encourage her and make her realize the importance of loving ourselves. In addition, Silvia's

informant admitted that there were several dictions that she had never known and found in

the song lyrics so that she could broaden her horizons.

The third informant is Aprilia. Informant Aprilia explained that the lyrics of the song

Love Myself: Answer have a deep meaning, meaning that they are not just ordinary song

lyrics, but have a strong foundation in the process of making them. An Aprilia informant

admitted that this song is suitable for people who lack confidence, despair, have no goal to

move forward, and are less grateful in their lives. The lyrics contained in Love Myself:

Answer give confidence to the listener to always be sure in the future and want to try to

give the best results. The lyrics in the song also give the impression that loving yourself

first is important before loving others. For Aprilia's informant, this song shows that loving

ourselves is very difficult to do, but we can easily love others so that we tend to undervalue

ourselves and cannot find the specialties within us. Apart from the meaning, Aprilia's

informant admitted that the tone of the song is very beautiful and fits the song for

motivation. So, Aprilia's informant agreed that this song is very meaningful for the

listeners as well as calming and suitable to be used as a motivational song. The effect felt

by Aprilia's informants was to be more enthusiastic in going through the day. There is also

a feeling of happiness from Aprilia's informant after hearing and interpreting this song

because it is her favorite idol who performs this song.

Fourth, there is Sharfina's informant. Informant Sharfina admitted that the lyrics

were very positive when she read it. The song as a whole makes her motivated to accept

herself as she is. According to informant Sharfina, the lyrics also mean that we must love

the shortcomings that exist within us so that we can improve our abilities without any

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obstacles. Informant Sharfina said that the shortcomings in us that we perceive badly will

eliminate motivation so that it inhibits our desire to do something, or in other words, low

self-esteem will appear in us if we do not believe in our own abilities. For informant

Sharfina, this song is enough to convince ourselves that what makes us able to start the day

and move forward is ourselves. Everything can happen if there is a strong belief and will

from within yourself. Informant Sharfina admitted that the influence she felt after studying

the meaning of the lyrics of the song Love Myself: Answer was that she became very

motivated, especially in increasing self-love. Especially on the lyric "You have shown me

that for a reason, I must love myself,". For informant Sharfina, the lyrics of the song made

her very touched, plus the melodious voice of BTS. After listening to this song, informant

Sharfina confessed that she gained confidence in her ability to face the next obstacle.

The fifth informant is Shaffana. Informant Shaffana admitted that she really liked the

meaning of the lyrics of the BTS song Love Myself: Answer. For her, this song is very

emotional and has good motivation for the listeners. For Shaffana's informant, the

emotions she felt in this song made her feel that this song was sincerely made by BTS

towards their fans who are struggling with feelings of inferiority. Informants Shaffana

agreed that the meaning of this song is to give encouragement to people who are less able

to accept themselves. In addition to being meaningful about the process of self-acceptance,

Shaffana's informant admitted that this song conveys the meaning of the relationship

between BTS and their fans. Through the song Love Myself: Answer, Shaffana's informant

said that the meaning of this song is a signal that BTS really cares about their fans, such as

knowing the problems that often arise among their fans, namely the issue of lack of self-

love. The effect felt by the informant Shaffana after listening to the song Love Myself

Answer was that she felt loved by herself and was compelled to remain like this towards

herself. For Shaffana's informant, when she feels loved by herself, she feels happy and no

longer thinks about her shortcomings.

From the explanations of the five informants, we know that the song BTS Love

Myself: Answer performed by BTS has a good meaning and influence for its fans. The five

informants on average had the same opinion that this song was packaged beautifully and

well according to the title. Through interviews conducted by the five informants, we can

find out that BTS's mission in campaigning for self-awareness which is packaged in

successful music makes many people motivated and enthusiastic in living life.

BTS as public figures who have fans around the world realize that they are a group

of people who should be a good influence on everyone who pays attention to them. BTS

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realized that they are people who have a big influence and then made a humanist mission

in spreading their work. Through the song Love Myself: Answer, BTS provides many

beautiful words in the lyrics that aim to provide motivation and enthusiasm to love yourself

to their music listeners.

As explained by 4 out of 5 informants, namely Silvia, Aprilia, Sharfina, and

Shaffana, that they had experienced low self-esteem which made them less motivated in

life. When listening and interpreting the song Love Myself Answer, the four informants

admitted that the song could increase their self-confidence again. They are also happy

because the song that motivates them is the song of their own idol, BTS. For them, BTS

has managed to raise their confidence through the song Love Myself: Answer. In contrast

to informant Bella, who said that the song Love Myself: Answer was more like a friend in

filling her loneliness than overcoming her low self-esteem. Informant Bella also explained

that BTS is a good example of musicians because they can spread a humanist vision in

their work.

CONCLUSION

Music is universal. As a medium that is consumed by many people today, music

must play a role in giving good influence to the listeners. This is what BTS did in making

the song Love Myself: Answer which aims to motivate listeners by compiling song lyrics

that can be used as an encouragement to love yourself. Based on the results of research that

has been conducted on undergraduate students who are members of the ARMY fandom or

BTS fans, they admit that the song is enough to motivate them and reduce feelings of

inferiority in their hearts. Especially a motivating song like that sung by BTS or their idol.

Through the song Love Myself: Answer, BTS shows that songs can be used as a

medium in spreading a humanist vision as a form of concern for the issue of low self-

confidence experienced by many people today. Apart from motivating their fans, BTS is

also an example of a musician that other musicians can imitate, namely composing songs

and campaigning on humanitarian missions. As they did in the song Love Myself: Answer,

music is universal and this song can be enjoyed by everyone in hopes of being a motivation

to overcome low self-esteem.

RECOMMENDATION

There are many sources other than music that can change people's perspectives or

change the way people perceive things. In the future, it is hoped that there will be many

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studies exploring other media that are useful today and carried out on a large scale or not

only in small samples so that their accuracy can be guaranteed.

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