Did Taehyung Invent the Word Borahae or Only Popularize It?

In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of K-pop, Taehyung (V) from BTS has left an indelible mark on countless fans and the South Korean culture. The term Borahae is one of his most memorable contributions. This article will examine whether Taehyung truly invented the word Borahae or if he merely played a significant role in popularizing it.

Defining Borahae

Borahae, a term that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, originated during a pivotal moment in Taehyung's career. On November 13, 2016, during the 3rd BTS Muster in Seoul, Taehyung coined the phrase "Borahae" as "I Purple You."

The Origin of Borahae

During this event, Taehyung shared the inspiration behind the term:

"Do you know what purple means? Purple is the last color of the rainbow colors. Purple means I will trust and love you for a long time… I just made it up. I wish I can see you for a long time. Just like the meaning of purple… We’ll always trust you and go up the stairs with you. You don’t need to help us all the time. You can now hold our hands and follow us now. We’ll go up really high. I’ll make it nice. Thank you so much for allowing us to have a fan meeting in this kind of big place, A.R.M.Y. I love you!"

This heartfelt message conveyed a profound sense of trust and love, establishing a powerful connection between Taehyung and his fans. The phrase "I Purple You" soon became synonymous with the deep bond and unconditional support between BTS and A.R.M.Y.

The Global Impact of Borahae

Since its origin, Borahae has transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, becoming a beloved term across the globe.

A CULTURAL PHENOMENON

Urban Dictionary: The term Borahae is now widely recognized on Urban Dictionary as a symbol of love between BTS and their fans. The purple color, associated with the phrase, has also become a significant color for both BTS and A.R.M.Y. Brands Embracing Borahae: Major brands like Starbucks, Samsung, McDonald's, and Baskin Robbins have incorporated the purple color into their collaborations with BTS. This has further cemented the term's cultural significance. Public Displays of Support: Many iconic landmarks around the world, such as London Bridge, the Empire State Building, Wembley Stadium, and the Eiffel Tower, have been illuminated in shades of purple to honor BTS. This has demonstrated the global reach and impact of the term Borahae.

Relevance and Cultural Significance

Borahae has extended beyond simple fan enthusiasm and has taken on a larger cultural significance. The term has been used to convey support and encouragement in challenging times. Fans often use the phrase to uplift others who may be feeling down or facing difficulties. This has led to a broader awareness and appreciation of the term.

Legal Controversies and Battles

The popularity of Borahae has not been without controversy. In May 2021, a cosmetics company, Lalalees, attempted to apply for a copyright for the term "BORAHAE." This move alarmed fans, leading to a swift response from the A.R.M.Y. community.

"ARMY took action and requested that the courts cancel the copyright. The hashtag ProtectBorahae permeated social media, uniting fans in a common cause. Thankfully, the outcome was favorable for the community, safeguarding the use of Borahae as a symbol of love and commitment."

The battle for the term Borahae ultimately ended in victory for the A.R.M.Y. community. This ensured that the term remained a free and widely used expression of love and dedication.

BTS and the Term Borahae

BTS and Taehyung's contributions to the term Borahae have been immense. The phrase has not only become a symbol of love and commitment but has also inspired various creative endeavors. For instance, an Australian MasterChef contestant created a purple-colored dessert named Borahae, further cementing the term's cultural impact.

Conclusion

While Taehyung may have been the one to coin the term Borahae, it is clear that the widespread adoption and global impact of the phrase are a testament to the power of personal expressions of love and commitment. The term Borahae has transcended its origins and continues to be a beloved and cherished part of the BTS and A.R.M.Y. story.