Listening to BTS isn’t just about enjoying catchy melodies—it may also play a role in improving mental health. A new study published in Journal La Sociale found that fans who spend more time listening to the South Korean supergroup report higher levels of psychological well-being.
The research, conducted in 2024 with Army Indonesia, revealed that “the longer the duration of listening to BTS music, the higher the fan’s PWB level, and conversely the shorter the duration, the lower the PWB level.”
Participants said the group’s songs, filled with themes of resilience, self-love, and hope, help them navigate struggles in life. One fan described listening to BTS as feeling like the group “truly gets them,” highlighting the deep emotional connection between artist and audience.
The study also measured the effect, noting that “the duration of listening to BTS music contributes to fans’ psychological well-being by 2.9 percent.” While seemingly modest, researchers stressed its importance in showing that music has measurable impacts on mental health.
Beyond boosting mood, fans credited BTS with helping them build confidence, embrace self-acceptance, manage emotions, and even strengthen social relationships. As the study concluded, “BTS’ music can help fans identify themselves, deal with their emotions, strengthen their social relationships, provide motivation and inspiration, and entertain them.”
