Boy group BTS heralded a splendid second act.
BTS celebrated their 10th anniversary. Since their debut with “2 COOL 4 SKOOL” on June 13th, 2013, they have set Korea’s “first”, “best”, “most” records and have stood tall as commonly acknowledged world stars. They declared the opening of the second act full of hope and positive energy.
10th birthday party with 400,000 ARMYs
Although they have become world-class stars now, BTS has not forgotten that their foundation is “music” and “fans”. The “2023 BTS Festa”, which was held from June 12th, contained the members’ hearts. “BTS Festa” is a festival that BTS has been celebrating with fans every year to commemorate their debut day. As this year marked the 10th anniversary, various events were held online and offline in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. In particular, on June 17th, they held the “BTS 10th Anniversary Festa @Yeouido” in Yeouido Hangang Park, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul and communicated directly with fans. Wearing purple costumes, the official color of BTS, ARMY participated in various exhibitions and experience programs such as history wall, stage costume exhibition, commemorative sculpture and photo zone to look back on their memories with BTS.
The highlight was RM’s appearance. RM introduced fans’ stories through the corner “5 PM, this is Kim Nam Joon” and sang his solo songs “Persona” and “Wild Flower”, making fans go wild.
ARMY’s manners are also world class
According to the agency HYBE, the number of visitors to Yeouido Hangang Park was 350,000. A total of 400,000 ARMYs (BTS’ fan club) participated in the event as 50,000 people gathered in the surrounding area. The number of foreign fans reached 120,000.
As the big crowd gathered, relevant authorities were also on full alert. From 2 PM to 10 PM, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency completely controlled the Yeouidong-ro area, detoured 23 bus routes via Yeouidong-ro as well as increased subway and bus routes in line with the end of the event. Prime Minister Han Duck Soo ordered relevant authorities and the Seoul Metropolitan Government to make every effort to manage safety. Three telecommunication companies SK Telecom, KT and LG U+ also inspected their networks and prepared response systems.
ARMY was also devoted to maintaining order and upholding public morality. It was a place where 400,000 people passed by, but ARMY cleaned up the surroundings without any trash, receiving praise from many people.
“We’ll run ‘together’ for 10, 20 years!”
Celebrating the 10th debut anniversary, the word that BTS emphasized the most is “together”. BTS’ message was that BTS and ARMY should stay together and hold their own festival in the future.
At the Festa site, RM said, “I attended the same school as Yoon Gi hyung (Suga) when we were trainees. It’s truly touching to think that now that I’m already 30 and we are celebrating our 10th Debut Anniversary Festa together. It’s been such a long time. Thank you for being with BTS over the past 10 years, from young middle school and high school students to office workers and members of society. When I think about next year around this time, I think our Jin hyung will be the first to make a comeback. I hope he can fill the position confidently. I don’t know what we’ll be doing for the 15th and 20th anniversaries. I’ll cheer up until the day we meet again at Wembley and live happily with the members.“
Suga, who was staying in Singapore for a world tour, shared, “It’s already the 10th anniversary. It means that BTS has been running well with ARMY for 10 years.” Jungkook, who is staying in Los Angeles, USA, attracted attention with his warm message, “Let’s continue to love each other and walk together. Let’s go to the 20th anniversary.”
Jin and J-Hope, who are serving in the military, confessed, “It’s amazing that the love between BTS and ARMY doesn’t change. A year later, we’ll meet you live right away without making any appointments on the days of our discharges.” Besides, BTS released the single “Take Two” as a whole, soothing fans’ longing.
Military Enlistment of all members
The members are making steps for the “full-group” future that they promised to fans. According to officials, BTS will complete their military enlistment, including youngest members V and Jungkook, by the end of this year after sequentially carrying out planned schedules such as Suga’s world tour and Jungkook’s solo activities in the first half of this year. It is said that V and Jungkook made this decision to minimize the group’s military hiatus and meet fans as a whole as soon as possible.
Expectations are high on what BTS will look like in the next 10 years.
Source: Sports Chosun
