Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership — Merch Box #16

My BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Merch Box #16 arrived last month, which is officially my last Merch Box.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #16 — RM Indigo Outer Box

The BTS Global Official Fanclub added a Merch Pack Membership option in 2020, which included four different merch boxes during the one-year membership period (e.g. one merch box per annual quarter) on top of the regular Membership perks. The price of the Merch Pack Membership was ₩175,000 rather than the regular ₩25,000, but each merch box included exclusive membership items that you couldn't get anywhere else. However, this program has officially been discontinued, with renewals and new registrations being suspended as of July 4, 2024. This means that only those who signed up for or renewed the Merch Pack Membership before this announcement (January to May 2024) will be able to receive Merch Boxes #17, #18, #19, and #20. It is unclear whether BigHit is revamping this membership option or getting rid of a second membership option altogether. As of right now, only the regular Membership is available for new registrations and renewals.

BigHit only allows membership renewals up to 60 days before or 30 days after the expiration date (e.g. the anniversary of your registration date), so those whose membership renewal period is after July 2024 (and the earliest membership registration possible was in August 2020 — which is when I signed up) are unable to renew the Merch Pack Membership. Basically, this means that those of us who joined this membership option at the very beginning will not be able to get the final four Merch Boxes. And as a BTS merch collector, I am greatly annoyed that I will not be able to finish my collection of these solo member boxes.

  BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #16 — RM Indigo Outer Box

The themes for last quarter and this quarter's merch boxes are based on the BTS members' solo projects. So far, we've had Jin's "Astronaut" (Merch Box #12), J-Hope's Jack in the Box (Merch Box #13), Jimin's FACE (Merch Box #14), and Suga's Agust D D-DAY (Merch Box #15). The theme for Merch Box #16 is RM's Indigo album, and it is comprised of one main component: a mood lamp. It has the same blue design as RM's Indigo album.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #16 — RM Indigo Mood Lamp

The body of the mood lamp, made of ceramic, features the same visual style as RM's Indigo album. It comes with a white pleated lamp shade (which I think is made with a polyethylene hybrid material as it's flexible but feels plastic) that requires a bit of self-assembly. (I just could not figure out how to flip this lamp shade over the inner wire with the paper instructions that were included in the box — before I realized it came with a QR code for an assembly video, which proved to be essential.) It requires a Type-C cable and adapter as they are not included. I originally didn't think I'd have much use for this mood lamp but it has somehow replaced my original bedside lamp. As it is a mood lamp, the light is very dim so I don't recommend reading a book with it, but it provides just enough light to be able to see where you're going in a dark room. (This comes especially in handy if you need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I imagine it would also be a very good night light for those who need it.) 

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #16 — RM Indigo Wood Tray

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #16 — RM Indigo Mood Lamp with Wood Tray

This mood lamp also comes with a wood tray. Note that the lamp doesn't actually fit properly within the tray because of the white wire sticking out of the lamp's body, so this wood tray is for separate decoration purposes. (I personally have used it to hold some small Lego plants.)

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #16 — RM Photocard + Photo Frame

Lastly, we have the obligatory photocard — of course, Merch Box #16 comes with RM's — and a purple plastic photocard frame that looks like a little book. Each of the individual member Merch Boxes should include the same kind of photocard frame with a different word on the back. On the back of this frame is the word, "The desert," so put together in order with the photo frames from the previous four Merch Boxes, the sentence currently says, "When we're together, even the desert..." Once all seven members' boxes are received, these frames will be a complete series of "books," and then we should also get the complete message on the back of the frames. BUT I'LL NEVER KNOW HOW THE SENTENCE WILL END BECAUSE I CAN'T GET THE LAST FOUR BOXES. (Can you tell I'm still a little bitter about this?)

Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership — Merch Box #15

My BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Merch Box #15 has arrived!

The BTS Global Official Fanclub added a Merch Pack Membership option in 2020, which includes four different merch boxes during the one-year membership period (e.g. one merch box per annual quarter) on top of the regular Membership perks. The price of the Merch Pack Membership is ₩175,000 ($150 USD) rather than the regular ₩25,000 ($23 USD). Shipping costs are not included, so if you order through Weverse Shop Global (e.g. you live outside of South Korea, Japan, or the US), the price can increase exponentially because Weverse Shop uses DHL (which also means there will be duties and taxes upon arrival). However, each merch box includes exclusive membership items that you cannot get anywhere else or at any other time, so you'll have to see if this is worth the value for yourself. For ARMY who are interested, the Merch Pack Membership can be purchased at any time through Weverse Shop. 

  BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #15 — SUGA | Agust D D-DAY Outer Box

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #15 — SUGA | Agust D D-DAY Box (Inside)

The themes for last quarter and this quarter's merch boxes are based on the BTS members' solo projects. So far, we've had Jin's "Astronaut" (Merch Box #12), J-Hope's Jack in the Box (Merch Box #13), and Jimin's FACE (Merch Box #14). The theme for Merch Box #15 is Suga's Agust D D-DAY album, and it is comprised of three main components: a hand fan, an objet keyring, and a candle holder. These items have the same black/grey monochromatic design as Suga's D-DAY album.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #15 — SUGA | Agust D D-DAY Hand Fan and Objet Keyring

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #15 — SUGA | Agust D D-DAY Hand Fan with Objet Keyring

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #15 — SUGA | Agust D D-DAY Candle Holder with Objet Keyring

The hand fan's design features the same graphic motifs from the Agust D D-DAY album. It is made with polyethylene and bamboo to avoid tearing and breakage, and comes with a protective black logo pouch. The fan has a small metal ring at the base to attach a keyring or other accessory. The candle holder is made of black steel and was "designed to capture the distinctive Eastern mood of the D-DAY album theme." It has a hook at the bottom of the removable component to hang a keyring or other accessory. This box also comes with an "objet keyring," which features a flame icon made of zinc alloy with a silk string tassel attached. This keyring can be attached to either the candle holder or the hand fan for "decorative flair."

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #15 — Suga Photocard + Photo Frame

Lastly, we have the obligatory photocard — of course, Merch Box #15 comes with Suga's — and a purple plastic photocard frame that looks like a little book. Each of the individual member Merch Boxes should include the same kind of photocard frame with a different word on the back. On the back of this frame is the word, "Even," so put together in order with the photo frames from Merch Box #12, #13, and #14, the sentence currently says, "When we're together even." Once all seven members' boxes are received, these frames will be a complete series of "books," and then we should also get the complete message on the back of the frames.

Out of all the individual member Merch Boxes so far, this is the most decorative — that is to say, the least functional. (Ironic, since I think Suga is someone who prioritizes practicality, but I digress.) This is not a bad thing, as some people prefer form over function and vice versa, and it's nice to get a variety of different items in these boxes. Personally, I love having a mix of both functional and decorative items. I've already integrated both the hand fan and the candle holder into my apartment's decor, and I gotta say, they do add a touch of sophistication to the space.

Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership — Merch Box #14

My BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Merch Box #14 arrived last week!

The BTS Global Official Fanclub added a Merch Pack Membership option in 2020, which includes four different merch boxes during the one-year membership period (e.g. one merch box per annual quarter) on top of the regular Membership perks. The price of the Merch Pack Membership is ₩175,000 ($150 USD) rather than the regular ₩25,000 ($23 USD). Shipping costs are not included, so the price can end up doubling (or more, depending on where you live) because Weverse Shop uses DHL (which also means there will be duties and taxes upon arrival). However, each merch box includes exclusive membership items that you cannot get anywhere else or at any other time, so you'll have to see if this is worth the value for yourself. For ARMY who are interested, the Merch Pack Membership can be purchased at any time through Weverse Shop. 

  BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #14 — FACE Outer Box

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #14 — FACE Outer Box

The theme for Merch Box #14 is Jimin's FACE album. Originally, I thought the merch boxes for the next two renewal periods would be focusing on the individual members by military enlistment order, but Jimin's box being released right after J-Hope's has thrown this theory out the window. (It would've been Suga's, which is actually the focus for Merch Box #15.) Merch Box #14 is comprised of two main components: a phone stand and a wireless charger. These items are designed in the same silver theme as Jimin's FACE album.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #14 — FACE Phone Stand

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #14 — FACE Wireless Charger

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #14 — FACE Wireless Charger

The phone stand is made of a thick, sturdy plastic with rubber feet on the bottom to prevent slip. It's designed so that your phone won't slide out of the holder. (I have bought BT21 phone holders that are adorable but the piece at the front was so short that it didn't even hold my phone.) Note that this holder will fit phones with thin phone cases only. If you have those thick "ultra-protection" cases (e.g. Otterbox or Casetify) on your phone, you'll have to take it off to fit in this holder. As for the wireless charger, it should work with all devices that are set up for wireless charging. However, the charger lights up quite brightly when it is charging a device, and it does not turn off until your device is finished charging. If you sleep in darkness, this might be quite distracting (I know because I woke up several times due to its brightness), so I recommend using this charger during non-sleeping hours, or outside of the bedroom.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #14 — Jimin Photocard + Photo Frame
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12, #13, and #14 Photo Frames

Lastly, we have the obligatory photocard — of course, Merch Box #14 comes with Jimin's — and a purple plastic photocard frame that looks like a little book. Each of the individual member Merch Boxes should include the same kind of photocard frame with a different word on the back. On the back of this frame is the word, "Together," so put together in order with the photo frames from Merch Box #12 and #13, the sentence currently says, "When we're together." Once all seven members' boxes are received, these frames will be a complete series of "books," and then we should also get the complete message on the back of the frames.

I love this "form-meets-function" era of the BTS Merch Boxes. There hasn't been a single thing in the individual member boxes that I haven't used (or am still currently using). The boxes for this membership period have definitely been worth it for me, even with the exorbitant shipping prices.

Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership — Merch Box #13

I received my BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Merch Box #13, the first box in the 2023 - 2024 membership period.

The BTS Global Official Fanclub added a Merch Pack Membership option in 2020, which includes four different merch boxes during the one-year membership period (e.g. one merch box per annual quarter) on top of the regular Membership perks. The price of the Merch Pack Membership is ₩175,000 ($150 USD) rather than the regular ₩25,000 ($23 USD). Shipping costs are not included, so the price can end up doubling (or more, depending on where you live) because Weverse Shop uses DHL (which also means there will be duties and taxes upon arrival). However, each merch box includes exclusive membership items that you cannot get anywhere else or at any other time, so you'll have to see if this is worth the value for yourself. For ARMY who are interested, the Merch Pack Membership can be purchased at any time through Weverse Shop. 

  BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #13

The theme for Merch Box #13 is J-Hope's Jack in the Box album. Judging from both this box and Merch Box #12, the ARMY Membership Merch Boxes for the next two renewal periods will be focusing on the individual members by military enlistment order. Merch Box #13 is comprised of three main components: a wireless computer keyboard, a wireless mouse, and a mousepad. These items come in a turquoise box, while each of the components are black with turquoise accents.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #13 — Wireless QWERTY Keyboard

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #13 — Wireless Mouse

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #13 — Mousepad

The keyboard and mouse come as a set rather than independent components, which means that they share one USB connector — if one is in use, so is the other. Both the keyboard and mouse are wireless but not Bluetooth-enabled. The keyboard comes with both the Latin alphabet as well as Hangul, which are adjustable through computer settings, as well as a full number keypad. 

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #13 — J-Hope Photocard + Photo Frame
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 + 13 Photo Frames

Lastly, we have the obligatory photocard — of course, Merch Box #13 comes with J-Hope's — and a purple plastic photocard frame that looks like a book. On the back of this frame is the word, "We're." I assume, then, that each Merch Box going forward will include a photocard of the box's respective member in the same kind of photocard frame. Once all seven members' boxes are received, these frames will be a complete series of "books," and then we'll also get the complete message on the back of the frames.

As I've switched my keyboard and mouse to this set for a week already, I can tell you right now that this Merch Box is by far the most practical of all the ones I've received so far. 

Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Gift 2023

Ah, yes, it's that time of year again — my BTS Global Official Fanclub Membership renewal!

There are two types of ARMY memberships to choose from: the original membership and the Merch Pack membership. In previous years, enrolling in or renewing either membership would give you access to purchase the ARMY Membership Kit (you can see what was included in 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019), which was typically $13 USD and came with your physical membership card and several merch items. However, since revamping the membership program this year, this kit is now a gift — it's no longer a full merch pack, but it is free with your membership should you choose to take it. (You do have to pay for shipping, though, and it is hefty through Weverse Shop — I paid about $38 CAD for shipping to Canada.)

BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Gift 2023 — Outer Box
BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Gift 2023 — Membership Card (Front)
BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Gift 2023 — Membership Card (Back)
BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Gift 2023 — Card Holder
BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Gift 2023 — Member Photocards
BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Gift 2023 — Group Photocard

The 2023 ARMY Membership Gift comes in a small paper box and includes: the membership card (if you are renewing, they will issue the new card with your original membership number), a silicone card holder (which fits standard plastic cards including the membership card as well as debit/credit cards), and a pack of 8 photo cards (one for each member and a group one). Simple and cute — exactly what a gift with purchase should be. But I do miss the grandeur of the kits. Given that we have to pay for shipping, anyway, I'd easily pay an extra $13 USD for a whole set of merch.

Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership — Merch Box #12

My BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Merch Box #12 arrived a few weeks ago — this is the last box in the 2022 - 2023 membership period before renewal (yes, I have already renewed and ordered Merch Box #13).

The BTS Global Official Fanclub added a Merch Pack Membership option in 2020, which includes four different merch boxes during the one-year membership period (e.g. one merch box per annual quarter) on top of the regular Membership perks. The price of the Merch Pack Membership is ₩175,000 ($150 USD) rather than the regular ₩25,000 ($23 USD). Shipping costs are not included, so the price can end up doubling (or more, depending on where you live) because Weverse Shop uses DHL (which also means there will be duties and taxes upon arrival). However, each merch box includes exclusive membership items that you cannot get anywhere else or at any other time, so you'll have to see if this is worth the value for yourself. For ARMY who are interested, the Merch Pack Membership can be purchased at any time through Weverse Shop. 

  BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12

Merch Box #12 is a bit different from all the previous boxes, as the theme is Jin's "The Astronaut" and its character, Wootteo. Judging from the Merch Box #13 preview, the ARMY Membership Merch Boxes for the next two renewal periods will be focusing on the individual members by military enlistment order. Merch Box #12 is comprised of two main components: a thermal tumbler and a "timekeeper" figure. These items come in a black box featuring the same artwork from Jin's "The Astronaut" single album.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Thermal Tumbler

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Thermal Tumbler

The first component is a 500ml thermal tumbler featuring Wootteo! I have not yet tested the thermal ability, nor does the packaging state if it's dishwasher-safe (I'm assuming it's not because of the outer graphics), but IT IS FREAKING CUTE AS HECK. Honestly, I'm not even sure if I want to use such a precious tumbler (also because the narrow shape means it's going to be annoying to hand wash). Frankly, I may use it just for display, maybe use it as a vase for Lego flowers...

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Timekeeper Figure
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Timekeeper Figure

The second component is a timekeeper figure. Basically, it's a Wootteo figure (with a little mic and headphones on) holding a little hourglass that runs for approximately 4 minutes. It's a little cumbersome as you have to remove the hourglass out of Wootteo's hand and re-slot it in to reset the time, so frankly, I can't see anyone actually using this for it's actual purpose given that we now have smartphones... but again, IT IS FREAKING CUTE AS HECK! 

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Jin Photocard + Photo Frame

Lastly, we have the obligatory photocard — of course, this merch box comes with Jin's — and a purple plastic photocard frame that looks like a book. On the back of the frame is the word, "When." Judging from the Merch Box #13 preview, each Merch Box going forward will include a photocard of the box's respective member in the same kind of photocard frame. Once all seven members' boxes are received, these frames will be a complete series of "books," and then we'll also get the complete message on the back of the frames.

Anyway, along with the big plush and the plush keychain, I have now unintentionally started a Wootteo collection. I really need to start looking at more shelving...

Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership — Merch Box #11

My BTS ARMY Global Fanclub Membership Merch Box #11 arrived last week!

As mentioned previously, the BTS Global Official Fanclub added a Merch Pack Membership option in 2020, which includes four different merch boxes during the membership period on top of the regular Membership perks. The price of this membership (now just called "ARMY Membership") is $150 USD rather than the regular $22. Shipping costs are not included, so the $150 price tag ends up being closer to $300 (or more, depending on where you live, because Weverse Shop uses DHL), but each merch box includes exclusive membership items that you cannot get otherwise. 

If you're an ARMY who is interested in the merch boxes, you can purchase the Global Fanclub Merch Pack Membership at any time through Weverse Shop. 

  BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #11
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #11

Merch Box #11 contains two main components: an orgel music box and a set of member photocards. These items come inside a light aqua blue box. 

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #11 — Orgel Music Box
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #11 — Orgel Music Box (Wind-Up Handle)

The main feature of this Merch Box is a carousel-shaped orgel music box that is themed around the BTS song, "Yet to Come." The orgel is coloured predominantly in a light aqua blue, but the base is coloured in yellow and the top is striped with a darker sky blue. The song title, "Yet to Come," and the BTS logo are printed in white along the base, and a line of lyrics from "Yet to Come," also with the BTS logo, wraps around the top. At the very top of the carousel is the BTS logo in black, and at the bottom of the orgel is a silver wind-up handle in the shape of the ARMY logo. When you turn the wind-up, the inside of the carousel with the seven photocard frames will turn while playing the song, "Yet to Come." 

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #11 — BTS Proof (Door ver.) Photocard Set
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #11 — Orgel Music Box (with Photocard Inserts)

The orgel comes with a set of member photocards that feature the BTS Proof Door version concept photos as well as a sheet of name label stickers. The photocards fit into the frames inside the carousel and there is a place for a name label on each frame. You can interchange the photocards as you wish and you can place them in whatever order you want, but I just went for the official fan chant order. 

This is not the first time we've seen a BTS music box — we got the "Mikrokosmos" music box with Merch Box #6 — and this one is not actually a box that you can put things into, but it is way cuter and definitely more of a prominent display piece. But given that it's a carousel, I only wish they had used a "Spring Day" theme instead...

Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership — Merch Box #10

My BTS ARMY Global Fanclub Membership Merch Box #10 arrived last week!

As mentioned previously, the BTS Global Official Fanclub added a Merch Pack Membership option in 2020, which includes four different merch boxes during the membership period on top of the regular Membership perks. The price of this membership (now just called "ARMY Membership") is $150 USD rather than the regular $22. Shipping costs aren't included, so the $150 price tag ends up being closer to $300 (or more, depending on where you live, because DHL likes to commit highway robbery), but each merch box includes exclusive membership items that you cannot get otherwise. If you're an ARMY who is interested in the merch boxes, you can purchase the Global Fanclub Merch Pack Membership at any time through Weverse Shop. 

  BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #10
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #10

Merch Box #10 contains two main components: a snow globe and a set of member photocards. These items come inside a black felt-lined gift box with gold detailing and an ivory sleeve. 

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #10 — Snow Globe
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #10 — Snow Globe

The main feature of this Merch Box is a BTS-themed snow globe. It features a white pine tree (or some sort of coniferous tree) with a gold BTS logo sitting on top, and sitting at the bottom of the tree are some wrapped presents (a couple in purple with gold ribbon and a BTS logo on top, and a couple in white with gold ribbon) along with many of BTS' albums, including: Map of the Soul: 7, O!RUL8,2?, 2 Cool 4 Skool, You Never Walk Alone, BE, Butter, Dark & Wild, Love Yourself: Answer, Skool Luv Affair, and Young Forever. (I'm guessing this is supposed to be a non-denominational version of a Christmas tree.) The base of the snow globe is black with a BTS logo in gold. It has felt fabric on the bottom to help keep it from slipping. Obviously, as it's a snow globe, fake white "snow" floats around as you shake it.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #10 — Snow Globe
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #10 — Snow Globe

IT IS ADORABLE. And so appropriate for this time of year, especially when we just had a crazy snow storm last week. I honestly think a snow globe was the perfect choice for this quarter's merch box. It's simple but has just the right amount of charm and whimsy. People who are minimalists will probably hate this, but as someone who loves collecting BTS products and trinkets, I am TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH IT. 

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #10 — Member Photocard Set

Of course, a Merch Box wouldn't be complete without photocards. (You know, I'm not sure when this really became a thing, but BigHit knows ARMY's obsession with photocards so they have to include them with everything now.) The ones in this set feature selfies of them during their photoshoot for Weverse Magazine (which was featured in Merch Box #8). 

Weirdly enough, this is my first snow globe, ever. I don't foresee myself starting a snow globe collection, but if BigHit decides to release an entire collection of BTS snow globes, I won't be able to help myself.