Rediscovering BTS’ “Anpanman”: A Song About Everyday Heroes
Published February 16, 2025
BTS has always been about more than just music. Their songs carry deep messages, and “Anpanman” is no exception. While it may seem like a fun, energetic track at first glance, there’s a lot more to it. Let’s dive into the meaning behind the song and why it resonates so deeply with ARMYs around the world.
Why “Anpanman”?
For those unfamiliar, Anpanman is a beloved anime superhero in Japan.
But unlike the typical strong, invincible heroes we see in Western comics, Anpanman is different—his head is literally a bun filled with red bean paste (anpan). He isn’t the strongest or the fastest, but he’s the most selfless. Whenever someone is hungry, he rips off a piece of his own head to feed them. Sad, right? But also incredibly touching.
BTS took this concept and made it their own. They acknowledge they’re not traditional superheroes with supernatural abilities, but they still want to help, to inspire, and to give what they can to their fans, even if it comes at a cost to themselves.
Lyrical Depth & Wordplay
The lyrics of Anpanman are packed with meaning. One standout line is:
“I jumped with all I’ve got up in the sky, bang bang.”
At first, it sounds like a simple jump, but the “bang bang” could also reference a gunshot—connecting to BTS’ name (Bangtan Sonyeondan, meaning Bulletproof Boy Scouts). This clever wordplay reflects their resilience and determination.
Another interesting lyric is:
“I can be your hero.”
Notice how it doesn’t say superhero. That’s intentional. BTS is saying they don’t have extraordinary powers, but they’ll still try their best to be there for ARMYs, to be a source of comfort and strength.
Then there’s this line:
“Even if it hurts, I’m still a hero.”
In Korean, apa means “hurt,” which sounds similar to anpan. This could be a subtle way of saying, “Even if I’m weak like Anpanman, I can still be a hero.” Knowing BTS, this double meaning was likely deliberate.
The Reality of Being an “Anpanman”
BTS never set out to be global superstars. They just wanted to make music. But as their fame grew, so did the expectations placed upon them. Suddenly, they weren’t just artists—they were role models, influencers, even national icons. This wasn’t their goal, but it became their reality.
This struggle is reflected in the lyrics:
“I just woke up a hero.”
One day, they were just musicians. The next, they were making history—filling stadiums, boosting the Korean economy, and partnering with UNICEF. They didn’t seek out this responsibility, but they embraced it nonetheless.
The Deeper Message: Finding Purpose
Anpanman aligns with ideas from the book The Courage to Be Disliked, which was read by Suga and RM. One key takeaway from the book is that happiness is fleeting, but peace is sustainable. Many people chase happiness, thinking it’s the ultimate goal, but real fulfillment comes from having a sense of purpose.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a global superstar to have purpose. You don’t need superpowers or millions of followers. Like Anpanman, you can make a difference in small ways—helping a friend, listening to someone in need, or simply offering kindness when the opportunity arises. No positive impact is too small.
At its core, Anpanman is a song about selflessness, resilience, and finding meaning in everyday acts of kindness. BTS may not be traditional superheroes, but in their own way, they’ve become heroes to millions. And the best part? You can be an Anpanman, too. You don’t need superpowers—just a willingness to help, even in the smallest ways.
So, next time you listen to Anpanman, remember: true strength isn’t about being invincible. It’s about giving what you can, even when it’s hard. And that makes all the difference.
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