Unboxing: BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership — Merch Box #12

My BTS Global Official Fanclub ARMY Membership Merch Box #12 arrived a few weeks ago — this is the last box in the 2022 - 2023 membership period before renewal (yes, I have already renewed and ordered Merch Box #13).

The BTS Global Official Fanclub added a Merch Pack Membership option in 2020, which includes four different merch boxes during the one-year membership period (e.g. one merch box per annual quarter) on top of the regular Membership perks. The price of the Merch Pack Membership is ₩175,000 ($150 USD) rather than the regular ₩25,000 ($23 USD). Shipping costs are not included, so the price can end up doubling (or more, depending on where you live) because Weverse Shop uses DHL (which also means there will be duties and taxes upon arrival). However, each merch box includes exclusive membership items that you cannot get anywhere else or at any other time, so you'll have to see if this is worth the value for yourself. For ARMY who are interested, the Merch Pack Membership can be purchased at any time through Weverse Shop. 

  BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12

Merch Box #12 is a bit different from all the previous boxes, as the theme is Jin's "The Astronaut" and its character, Wootteo. Judging from the Merch Box #13 preview, the ARMY Membership Merch Boxes for the next two renewal periods will be focusing on the individual members by military enlistment order. Merch Box #12 is comprised of two main components: a thermal tumbler and a "timekeeper" figure. These items come in a black box featuring the same artwork from Jin's "The Astronaut" single album.

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Thermal Tumbler

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Thermal Tumbler

The first component is a 500ml thermal tumbler featuring Wootteo! I have not yet tested the thermal ability, nor does the packaging state if it's dishwasher-safe (I'm assuming it's not because of the outer graphics), but IT IS FREAKING CUTE AS HECK. Honestly, I'm not even sure if I want to use such a precious tumbler (also because the narrow shape means it's going to be annoying to hand wash). Frankly, I may use it just for display, maybe use it as a vase for Lego flowers...

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Timekeeper Figure
BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Timekeeper Figure

The second component is a timekeeper figure. Basically, it's a Wootteo figure (with a little mic and headphones on) holding a little hourglass that runs for approximately 4 minutes. It's a little cumbersome as you have to remove the hourglass out of Wootteo's hand and re-slot it in to reset the time, so frankly, I can't see anyone actually using this for it's actual purpose given that we now have smartphones... but again, IT IS FREAKING CUTE AS HECK! 

BTS Global Official Fanclub — Merch Box #12 — Jin Photocard + Photo Frame

Lastly, we have the obligatory photocard — of course, this merch box comes with Jin's — and a purple plastic photocard frame that looks like a book. On the back of the frame is the word, "When." Judging from the Merch Box #13 preview, each Merch Box going forward will include a photocard of the box's respective member in the same kind of photocard frame. Once all seven members' boxes are received, these frames will be a complete series of "books," and then we'll also get the complete message on the back of the frames.

Anyway, along with the big plush and the plush keychain, I have now unintentionally started a Wootteo collection. I really need to start looking at more shelving...