It’s official: the American fanbase of K-Pop sensation BTS is the most dedicated fandom in the United States. In a recent survey by travel information provider Upgraded Points, the enthusiasm, loyalty, and dedication of ARMYs were found to be unparalleled.
The study, which involved 3,192 American respondents, sought to uncover the lengths fans would go to witness their favorite stars in concert. The parameters analyzed included travel distance, financial commitment, and the willingness to follow their idols from city to city.
The results were clear and resounding. ARMY scored a remarkable 88.4 out of 100 on the loyalty scale. This staggering figure left other fandoms in the dust, outstripping the fans of the late King of Pop Michael Jackson (76.8%), the legendary Elton John (66.4%), and contemporary pop icons Lady Gaga (63.3 percent) and Taylor Swift (60%). It is evident that the South Korean boyband has cast a spell over America that is hard to ignore.
Notably, the dedication of the BTS followers extends beyond mere scores. The survey indicated that the ARMY is also more than willing to journey great lengths for the band. BTS fans, on average, expressed a willingness to travel a whopping 2,040 miles to be part of a BTS concert.
This is the farthest of any fan base.
— Upgraded Points
According to the travel survey, BTS fans are also the most likely to follow them from city to city (62.5%), compared to just 32.2% of fans who would go to multiple cities to see their favorite artist.
But it doesn’t stop there. The depth of ARMYs’ dedication to BTS also manifests in their wallets. The survey revealed that BTS fans were willing to dig deeper into their pockets than others, parting with an average of $500 to attend a BTS concert. This figure surpassed what fans of Lady Gaga and Harry Styles reported they’d be willing to spend, at $405 and $356, respectively.
This study definitively underscores the enduring devotion of BTS’s ARMY. Their unwavering dedication and willingness to go the extra mile, both figuratively and literally, underscores the impact that the septet has made on the hearts of Americans. This love story between BTS and their American ARMY is not only about the music but also the boundless enthusiasm, loyalty, and mutual respect they share, proving once again why BTS is more than a phenomenon — they are a global force to reckon with.