The Purple Papers by Christen

A personal essay series exploring how BTS became mirrors, teachers, and catalysts for healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Published December 13, 2025

I outright refused to get into BTS, writing them off as “not my style”. But somehow, they found their way to me and completely turned everything upside down.

It began with a post on instagram, a girl simply saying how BTS’ roots were hip-hop - a sound I definitely did not associate with them. But I was curious. I decided to look into them, and something in me woke up. There was something different about these guys. They were the spark that reminded me that my story wasn’t over yet. Their music wasn’t just entertainment; it was a lifeline disguised as melody. It started with a cypher and led to me having the courage to share myself, to speak my truth, to stay.

Their words reminded me that vulnerability isn’t weakness. Their journey reminded me that starting again doesn’t require perfection — just bravery. And somewhere between their lyrics and their laughter, I heard the voice of the little girl in me who dared to dream big.

This is where The Purple Papers begins — not with seven superstars, but with seven teachers. Seven mirrors. Seven reminders that healing is possible, that growth is ongoing, and that love — for others and for ourselves — is worth fighting for. Over the next six months, I’ll share the pieces of my story that they helped me uncover: who I was before I met them, the songs that saved me, the courage they gave me to create, the lessons they taught me about love, and the community that made me believe in connection again.

Maybe this isn’t just my story. Maybe it’s yours too — tucked inside a lyric, a performance, a moment that made you feel something again.

So before the first essay begins, consider this your invitation. To reflect. To feel. To rediscover the parts of yourself you might have forgotten. Because this isn’t a story about seven men. It’s a story about what happens when art meets the heart — and how that collision can change everything.

Will you join me on this journey?