It’s no secret that I am a massive enthusiast of everything Korean—from K-beauty and the incredible k-cuisine to the infectious energy of K-pop. My playlist is constantly rotating through favorites like EXO, Monsta X, GOT7, TWICE, BLACKPINK, and, of course, the legendary BTS.
Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace my independence. I’ve grown quite comfortable doing things on my own, whether it’s exploring a new place or enjoying a quiet meal at a restaurant. It hasn’t always been easy, though; most of my friends don’t quite share my specific interests or goals, and the few who do live quite far away.
When I heard about the “Arirang in the City” event celebrating BTS, I knew I wanted to go, even if it meant going solo. I’ll admit, I was nervous. At 40, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect or how I would fit in. Walking into that space, I felt a flicker of uncertainty about being an older fan in a crowd that I assumed would be much younger.
However, my anxiety vanished the moment I reached the customizable T-shirt station at Grand Central. I started chatting with fellow fans and was genuinely surprised and delighted to discover that so many of them were in their 30s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s! It was such a beautiful realization: music truly has no age limit. I felt completely at home. The BTS ARMY is genuinely one of the kindest, most welcoming communities I’ve ever encountered, and I walked away that day having made so many wonderful new friends.
I’ll also be attending the upcoming BTS concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on my own. That experience was the perfect preparation for what to expect, and I am genuinely excited for the show!
Be Lovely, Be You
Charlene Gonzalez
