The BTS Logo is much more than just a simple emblem of a music group. It’s also far more than a “cute drawing.” It carries a deep message of connection, youth, and transformation.
And there’s more! Since its redesign in 2017, the BTS Logo has come to represent not only the seven members, but also the ARMY.
The relationship between BTS and ARMY is deeply marked by a rich and complex symbolism that goes beyond music and reveals itself through various visual, narrative, and emotional elements. It all starts with the BTS Logo.
The BTS Logo has become a globally recognized icon, constantly associated with the group’s identity and core values.
This web of meanings strengthens both the group’s identity and their bond with ARMY, creating a shared universe and a strong sense of belonging. The BTS Logo isn’t just a marketing piece – it’s an intrinsic part of their art and message, resonating with millions of people around the world.
And, as always, BTS found a way to put us right in the middle of the story – a story we’ve been part of since the very beginning. Want to know more? Keep reading.
What Does the BTS Logo Mean?
In 2017, the BTS Logo was completely redesigned. The old shield with its sharp lines was replaced by two shapes resembling slightly open doors, symbolizing an open future full of possibilities.
These doors represent the members of the group themselves, moving forward toward their dreams – and also youth as a whole: curious, in motion, and ready for the next step.
But the most beautiful part is that this new BTS Logo is only complete when placed side by side with the ARMY symbol. Together, they form a mirrored image, as if both sides were facing each other. A true visual declaration of love and unity between the group and its fans.
This symbolic interdependence reinforces the idea that BTS and ARMY are two halves of a whole – inseparable and mutually supportive. The BTS Logo, therefore, does not exist in isolation – it finds its full meaning alongside the ARMY symbol.
Watch the animation of the BTS Logo published on July 5, 2017, on the Hybe Labels channel:
Why Is Purple the Color of BTS?
Purple has become a landmark in BTS’s visual identity – and it all started with a phrase from V during a concert: “I purple you.” He explained that, since purple is the last color of the rainbow, it represents love, trust, and affection that lasts until the end. Since then, purple has been the official color of BTS, used in campaigns, concert lighting, and official merchandise, instantly recognized by fans.
In fact, purple has a rich history of meaning across various cultures and contexts, often associated with royalty, spirituality, mystery, and magic. The color, which results from a mix of blue (stability, calm) and red (energy, passion), carries a duality that makes it especially powerful and complex. In color psychology, purple can evoke feelings of introspection, creativity, wisdom, and transformation.
Within this symbolic framework, the BTS Logo and the color purple go hand in hand as visual representations of the emotional bond between the group and ARMY.
In the BTS universe, purple has transcended its traditional meanings to become a unique and deeply personal symbol of lasting love, trust, and loyalty.
What Does the Butterfly Mean in BTS?
Another element often found in the group’s visual universe is the butterfly, which appears in music videos and albums as part of their visual concepts. In BTS, the butterfly symbolizes transformation, ephemerality, and youth – recurring themes in their songs and storytelling.
Like youth itself, the butterfly is beautiful and fleeting, reminding us of the importance of savoring every moment. It’s also connected to growth and overcoming challenges, which are central to BTS’s lyrics and narratives.
Just like the BTS Logo, the butterfly helps build the group’s visual language, full of metaphors and emotional meanings.
Smeraldo: The Imaginary Flower That Speaks of Truth
Still within the symbolic world built by the group, it’s worth mentioning Smeraldo – a fictional flower that represents unspoken truths. It appears in side stories and albums, adding a magical and mysterious touch to the BTS universe.
As with many things related to the BU (Bangtan Universe), no one knows for sure who created it or how it came to be…
But what we do know is that the Smeraldo flower emerged around July 2017 (the same period when the BU was created), through a blog called Flower Smeraldo Blog, supposedly written by a florist named Testesso (no, this “florist” never actually existed).
In the blog, Testesso connected the flower to BTS’s song “The Truth Untold”, and from there came its association with “unspoken truths.”
These symbols – including the BTS Logo, the butterfly, and the Smeraldo flower – form a set of elements that deepen the group’s storytelling.
What Does Each BTS Mascot Represent?
Although they’re not part of the official BTS Logo, the BT21 mascots (created in partnership with Line Friends) and TinyTAN characters help reinforce the group’s identity with the public.
Each member created their own BT21 character, with personalities that reflect aspects of the artists themselves. TinyTAN, on the other hand, are animated versions of the members, featured in music videos, campaigns, and merchandise.
Even though they’re not part of the official BTS Logo, these visual characters play an important role in building the group’s universe.
Want to dive deeper into BT21 and TinyTAN? Check out our in-depth articles about them right here on the blog!
Why Do We Use Symbols Like the BTS Logo?
Symbols have been part of our lives since long before writing was invented. They’re powerful tools for communicating feelings, ideas, and identities. That’s why brands, music groups, and companies use symbols to express who they are and what they stand for.
In fact, we use symbols all the time ourselves! Want a basic example? Emojis! If you think about it, those ancient cave paintings were basically our first emojis…
People often get symbols tattooed, just like a certain Jungkook, who has “ARMY” tattooed on his hand. (By the way, check out our blog for a full guide on BTS’s tattoos – always being updated, because BTS loves symbols and tattoos and keeps adding more ink – lucky us!)
And when we talk about tattoos and symbols, nothing is more meaningful than the number 7, which became the “friendship tattoo” – an idea from Nam that was quickly embraced by all members during the 2022 Festa.
The Power of the BTS Logo in ARMY Identity
The deep symbolic meaning behind BTS’s imagery is one of the main reasons so many fans choose to get these very symbols tattooed on their bodies – or carry them around as drawings, keychains, notebook covers, you name it!
Wearing these symbols isn’t just a tribute; it’s a way of eternalizing the group’s impact on our lives, and also a way of recognizing one another out there. How many times have we spotted a fellow ARMY just by noticing a tattoo, a bag, a sticker – or any little thing with the BTS Logo?
It’s a way of saying: “I’m ARMY – are you?”
Using the BTS Logo, the ARMY symbol, the phrase “I purple you”, the Smeraldo flower, or any other elements from the group’s universe is a declaration of belonging – a way to carry the values and messages of self-love, resilience, and hope that BTS promotes.
It’s a way to stay permanently connected to the global fan community and to celebrate the personal growth journey that many have experienced through the group’s music and message.
Symbols are powerful images that quickly communicate ideas and emotions – and the boys know that.
They went beyond just creating a pretty logo for a music group – they communicated the entire idea behind BTS. And if you’re ARMY, you know that concept is everything when it comes to Bangtan – nothing is random.
In BTS’s case, the BTS Logo is a key point of connection with their fan community. It’s also a statement: it expresses everything the group stands for – youth, unity, hope, and a deep connection with ARMY. And that makes all the difference in building a lasting legacy.
More Than Just a Logo: The Symbol That Connects
The BTS Logo goes beyond any visual definition. It’s made of meanings, emotions, and stories that have followed the group and their fans over the years. Every line, every color, every reference carries a piece of BTS’s journey – and ours, too.
So, did you already know all the meanings behind the BTS Logo?
Share this article with other ARMYs and leave your comment below! 💜😊
