The highlight of my second trip to Korea was stepping into the world of IN THE SOOP BTS Ver. Season 1, where BTS members escape the city to enjoy a peaceful retreat in nature, focusing on hobbies, relaxation, and simple everyday life. It felt surreal to experience this in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, staying at a rental property known as “Lake 192”, a charming Airbnb with its own welcoming dog, ready to greet us as soon as we arrived.

I was with a group of ARMY from Manila, meeting some of them for the first time, thanks to my Army bestie who had introduced me to the group after meeting them at PTD in LA in 2021. We drew lots for our rooms and were lucky to pick Namjoon’s room. Exploring the other rooms, enjoying the bonfire, video nights, and even fireworks just like BTS, I felt a tiny spark of what life must have been like for them in this serene setting.

We toured the lake on the owner’s boat, and I wore the vest that Tae had worn during the boat ride, a small, playful connection that made it feel even more magical. The food was prepared by our group, and I got to help grill (even if I’m a Namjoon in the kitchen!) and wash dishes, adding my own little hands-on touch.

One of the most memorable moments was creating art inspired by Namjoon’s indigo cyanotype technique, chatting endlessly about BTS, and simply enjoying the stunning lake view. The two days and one night felt like a bubble of quiet, shared fandom and creativity, where the beautiful scenery, laughter, and hobbies blended seamlessly into the kind of memories that linger long after you leave.