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| Photo courtsey of Monica |
Joining social media as a new ARMY can feel daunting, with all the names, songs, and, of course, Chapter Two; the list goes on. But the ARMY community also makes some of the funniest and not to mention relatable content out there, often shared in group chats, normally with a message accompanying along the lines of “Omg, it’s literally us.”
Content creator and TikToker Monica, also known as Yamanika, is one of those creators we can all relate to. But more importantly, she embodies the ethos that ARMY and BTS aim to show: kindness and compassion.
Emphatic, kind, and understanding – these are just some of the beautiful qualities that define the fandom. As you can see, this quality is exactly what Monica brings to life in her reels. Starting out for herself, she now, perhaps without knowing it, brightens people’s days with her funny reels. Preparing for Seoul, we had the chance to talk about what it means to be a fan and how it can look different for each person, the joy of FESTA, and the beauty in BTS.
Your TikTok account is a buzzing hub of fun, relatable content for ARMYs and our shared love for the boys. How did you first get into making videos, and for you, what is it that you love most about creating content for the fandom?
Monica: I cannot fix on the Run episode, or the penalty, or the spy or the betrayal. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun creating content.
Indeed, if Butter Music video pulled me into the fandom, Run BTS! is what kept me there. Watching the members, getting to know their personalities, their friendships, their humor… It made me care about them and want to share this feeling with others.
But when I started making videos, it was first and foremost for myself. To challenge my creativity, improve my skills, and build my confidence by putting myself out there on social media. Even now, I treat content creation as a hobby: something I do for me.
Have you always been interested in expressing yourself creatively through videos and social media? Or did it over time develop thanks to being inspired by BTS?
Monica: Before becoming an ARMY, before the pandemic, writing was my passion. I’d spend hours each day and night typing away at my keyboard. Then life, as it often does, got in the way, and I had to set aside all things creative for a while. It took over a year to find my way back to a space where I wanted to create again, and when I did, video-making felt like the easiest way to express myself.
At the time, my filming and editing skills were practically non-existent, so I kept my expectations low. I was, after all, still getting the hang of both content creation and social media. But despite the challenges, I pushed through and gave it a go.
Recently, I rewatched my first video series. The pacing was off, the framing rough, and the storytelling still finding its voice, but even so, I’m proud of what I created. It marked the beginning of rediscovering my creativity and daring to share it with the world in a new form.
For those who want to get creative with making reels but don't feel confident, whether that be in front of the camera or editing, what advice would you give? Any tips and tricks that have helped out over time?
Monica: Create what brings you joy.
Write, film, edit, and share for yourself first. When you embrace this mindset, you release the pressure to perform for social media and give yourself the freedom to explore your creativity without limits.
The fun and relatable content I mentioned is what draws people to you, as it mirrors the joy and connection we share amongst our ARMY friends. For example, the series Christmas with BTS – it feels like the good posts that we pass around in group chats to boost the day. How do you come up with ideas like that? And do you feel pressure from things like the algorithm and numbers?
Monica: How do we choose gifts for the people we care about? By paying attention and really noticing who they are, what brings them joy, what makes them feel seen. And then, without even trying, you begin to associate certain things with them. A color. A feeling. You stumble across something, and you just know: this belongs to them.
That same instinct shows up when I create content. The members are often on my mind, so I find myself thinking about how they might react to certain situations. “I wonder what they’d think of this” usually becomes the starting point for a new video.
The algorithm and I have a complicated relationship. I create content primarily for myself, but it’s always rewarding when it resonates with others. Still, there are days when the algorithm seems to work against me, where my own followers don’t even see my videos in their feeds. On those days, I take a deep breath, remind myself that sometimes the process is beyond my control, and then I move forward.
Being on social media, especially with a large following, sometimes means showing vulnerability or different sides to ourselves, which can open up connections. How do you navigate having a big social media presence online? And how do you find balance between offline and online?
Monica: My earliest ARMY friends can vouch for me and confirm that I haven’t changed from who I was when I started. And it’s thanks to them! I have friends I’ve met in many different places: in my comment sections, in theirs, or in group chats. But they all have something in common— they’re kind, supportive, and care about both BTS and ARMY, and, most importantly, about the human beings behind BTS and ARMY.
They’re there for me when I’m having a bad day and need to vent my anger or frustration, and they trust me to be a safe space for them to do the same. I’m grateful for them and fully aware that without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I found a balance between offline and online life early on, when I made a promise to myself: real life will always come first. I’m an ARMY, but I’m also a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister. I will always do my best to prioritise my loved ones over writing skits or making videos.
The same goes for supporting Bangtan: though I love the Tannies with all my heart, if my kids want to listen to the Pokémon soundtrack in the car, I’ll happily switch playlists; if they need a hug or want to play a board game, I’ll turn off a Weverse Live without hesitation. That said, I’m lucky they’ve developed an interest in some BTS content too. They’re very fond of Run Jin! episodes and, like me, can’t wait for Run BTS! to return.
You recently shared your story about checking flights to Seoul and finally being able to book those tickets, and it’s moments like that that I love about ARMY. As everyone found joy in someone else's happiness. How excited are you to be in Seoul, especially during this special month?
Monica: I’m a type-A traveler: I need to have every detail in place before I can truly relax. For Seoul, that means crafting a day-by-day itinerary, tracking down travel essentials, and pouring my heart into making freebies to hand out to fellow ARMY. The major plans are set, but I'm still spending every spare moment working on these little tokens. Maybe that’s why I haven’t fully let the reality of this trip sink in yet… But if I’m honest, I know the moment I’ll step into the airport, the emotions will hit me all at once.
Speaking of which, let's talk about FESTA. Why do you think this time of year feels like a mix of Christmas and birthdays rolled into one for the fandom? What is it about FESTA that feels like such a cherished time for ARMY?
Like all anniversaries, FESTA is a special time to reflect and celebrate, to look back on the years that have passed, the challenges that were overcome, and the countless moments of joy we’ve shared together as BTS and ARMY. It’s a chance to honor the journey.
This year, as always, we’ll get to relive some of those memories through replays of past performances, as well as both OT7 and solo music videos. I love that we’re celebrating everything: the collective magic of BTS as a group, and also the personal stories and artistry they’ve each poured into their solo work.
ARMY has always been great at raising awareness for good causes. You’re a great example of that, as you’re currently raising funds for UNICEF, donating in honour of each remaining member as they’re discharged. What inspired you to start the idea?
Every time a BTS member completes their military service and returns, it feels like a weight is lifted from my chest. The air seems warmer, the sounds clearer, and the world more vibrant.
Knowing that I’d get to experience that feeling five times this June, I felt compelled to share my joy and gratitude. To me, that meant making a donation to UNICEF in honor of each member’s return.
As I was planning the timing of my donations, I wondered if other ARMY might want to join in. So, I started a fundraiser with a modest goal, just in case a few friends wanted to contribute. The outcome has been beyond anything I imagined. In less than a week, we surpassed our original goal by more than four times!
ARMY never ceases to amaze me. I’m endlessly proud to be part of this incredible fandom.
And what has your personal journey within the ARMY community been like? As we’re a creative bunch and always coming up with clever ideas to promote charitable causes.
I remember when I made the conscious decision to become ARMY. It was during Butter comeback. I was watching the music video and was flabbergasted by JK’s hand kiss in Verse 1. For context, in France, that gesture is associated with bragging: you kiss the back of your hand and offer it as if to say, “Want some?” I actually laughed out loud, and the very next thought that crossed my mind was: “Monica, they’re young, successful, and Asian: why aren’t you supporting them?”
You have to remember that this was during the early days of COVID, when AAPI communities around the world were being unfairly targeted because of the pandemic. With that in mind, I couldn’t shake the feeling that standing behind BTS meant something more.
After a few days of research to figure out where ARMY gathered online, I created a Weverse account and proudly joined the BTS community.
So yes, you could say that charitable causes and standing up for what’s right have been part of my ARMY journey from the very beginning.
Your latest reel is a beautiful Magic Shop-inspired journey introducing baby ARMY to FESTA and then bringing them “home”. There’s a quiet kindness in your content that is refreshing on social media. What encourages you to make these emotional and comforting videos?
Not to sound cliché, but truly, BTS and ARMY. We’re in this beautiful circle of giving and receiving love, and that’s what inspires me the most.
I’ve always felt that content can be a bridge, especially for new fans. Baby ARMY have been a recurring character in my videos since the beginning. I think it’s important to stay mindful of how newcomers experience entering the fandom. I remember how overwhelmed I was when I joined, worrying about saying or doing something wrong because of cultural differences or lack of background knowledge. That memory fuels my desire to create videos that are not only entertaining, but also comforting and welcoming: a space where anyone can feel safe and at home.
At the same time, I believe it’s equally important to honor veteran ARMY, who worked so hard to build this fandom and support BTS through every stage of their journey. I remember feeling both guilty for not being there from the very start, and grateful for the ARMY who stood by the members during their rookie days and difficult years. That sense of respect and continuity is something I try to weave into my content.
My latest video was born from those feelings, bringing both baby ARMY and veteran ARMY into the Magic Shop, where they meet and connect. It was also inspired by my friend Rose’s Welcome Home, BTS project, which in turn was sparked by a comment on one of my earlier videos, itself inspired by the longing I felt as we wait for the OT7 reunion.
See? I gave love, received love, which inspired someone else to give love, which then inspired me to give love again. That’s the magic of this circle, and why I keep creating these kinds of videos.
Let's touch briefly on your personal journey with BTS. How did you first discover them? Who was the first member to catch your eye, and what was it about the group that really made you stay?
It took four videos for me to join the fandom.
The first one found me in February 2020. I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram when I stumbled upon BTS’ ON performance at Grand Central Terminal. I remember thinking: “Let’s see what people mean when they talk about the excellence of K-pop performances.” Needless to say, I was blown away by the scale, precision, and sheer energy of it.
A few months later, like millions of people around the world, I found comfort and joy in Dynamite. Its bright, catchy beats and colorful music video were a much-needed escape during the early days of the pandemic.
After New Year, I was introduced to the TinyTAN characters through Dream ON. The animation and storyline were already bringing tears to my eyes, but when the message “When this video ends, may you be a little happier” appared, I broke down completely.
The fourth and final video is one I’ve already mentioned: Butter MV, and the hand kiss that pulled me into the fandom for good.
As a Libra, it’s a bit difficult for me to point out the member who caught my eye first. But if I had to, I’d say it was Jimin. His captivating dance moves, as well as his charisma and physical expressiveness during the Grand Central performance, mesmerized me.
What has been your favourite part of being in a big fandom, something positive that deserves more spotlight? Everyone always has a lovely story about their time in the fandom. I've met so many wonderful people around the world, and I’m sure you have too.
I cherish the friends I chat with every day, but I’m also grateful for all the discreet ARMY I’ve never interacted with directly, yet who take a moment to leave a kind word when I share that I’m going through a difficult time. There’s something moving about that quiet, spontaneous kindness. I love that in this fandom, random people can cross your path at just the right moment, offering support, comfort, or encouragement, before leaving as quietly as they came.
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I think it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate those kind strangers too, because they remind us of the gentle strength of this community and the power of empathy shared even among people who may never meet.
For those who perhaps are just starting to go down the rabbit hole or are simply intrigued, what album, in your opinion, is the best introduction and provides a small insight into them as artists?
Proof is a beautiful compilation that brings together some of BTS’ most iconic songs, along with solo tracks and B-sides. One of the things I love most about this album is its incredible variety. There are so many genres represented that anyone can find something they connect with. Whether you’re drawn to hip-hop, pop, ballads, or EDM, Proof has something to offer.
I would also recommend diving into the lyrics. Beyond the music itself, BTS’ lyricism is truly one of the reasons so many of us connect so deeply with their songs. Their words often carry layers of meaning: reflections on identity, youth, growth... Exploring them can give even more appreciation for what they create.
In short, both the content and the form of BTS’ work matter, and Proof is a wonderful gateway for anyone curious about what makes Bangtan so special.
As the iconic Chapter Two era is seemingly coming to an end, how have you enjoyed this chapter, and which album has been the standout?
To me, it really comes down to mood and energy — that’s what makes Chapter Two so special. Each album has its own unique vibe, and I find myself gravitating toward different ones depending on how I feel.
Some days, I’m in the calm, reflective space of Indigo; on others, I need the brightness and rhythm of Golden. When I’m driving, Layover creates the perfect backdrop. If I’m feeling stuck or frustrated, Face helps me process those emotions. When my heart aches, Echo becomes my companion. If I’m raging against the world, Jack in the Box is the exact soundtrack I need. And on introspective days, there’s nothing quite like D-Day to sit with my thoughts.
Each album speaks to a different part of me. That’s the true beauty of this chapter. It’s not about picking just one standout; it’s how all of them come together to reflect so many facets of life and emotion. Plus, as I mentioned, I’m a Libra: there’s absolutely no way I could choose just one solo album over the others!
Finally, what would be the next goal in your creative journey?
I didn’t even start out with a fixed goal... My creative journey has always been more about the joy of creating and connecting. Moving forward, I’m excited to keep exploring new ideas, making meaningful friendships within the fandom, and growing both as a creator and as an ARMY.
Most of all, I can’t wait to see what the boys have in store for us next and to capture those moments in new, creative ways.
For me, the next goal is simply to keep the passion alive and enjoy every step of the journey.