Brazilian author Paulo Coelho heaps praise on BTS at HUFS conference

Paulo Coelho gives an interview at his home in Geneva for the 3rd BTS Global Interdisciplinary Conference. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Brazilian author and lyricist Paulo Coelho praised BTS in a pre-recorded interview screened at the 3rd BTS Global Interdisciplinary Conference held at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in eastern Seoul on Thursday.

“BTS is like an empty beach,” said Coelho, likening the openness of the ARMY fandom to the ocean and sand. “The first fan, like a mother with her child, may come and they sit somewhere. And then comes another, they sit in a corner. Little by little, the beach organizes itself. Without the need to force anybody.”

Regarding some criticism directed at BTS, Coelho said “When you are successful, it’s inevitable that you get attacked. But you don’t stop doing the things you like because of these attacks.”

Paulo Coelho, who resides in Geneva, has authored nearly 30 books, the most notable of which is his 1988 novel “The Alchemist,” an international bestseller. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters.

The 3rd BTS Global Interdisciplinary Conference continues until Saturday and accepts walk-ins for those who want to participate. A total of 167 speakers and more than 350 people are participating in the event.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]