SEOUL, June 17 (Reuters) – Around 400,000 people gathered in South Korea’s capital Seoul on Saturday as fans from around the world commemorated the 10th anniversary of the debut of K-Pop boy band juggernaut BTS.
The band is on temporary hiatus as a group of two of its seven members, but that’s not stopping the celebratory events this week serving a loyal fanbase known as „ARMY.”
At the „BTS 10th Anniversary Festa” at Seoul’s Han River Park on Saturday, tens of thousands of fans wandered among the BTS history wall, stage costumes and commemorative sculptures, all in the band’s signature purple color.
Fans danced under shade trees or joined their favorite band members as hits played in the background.
„Through this event, I think we can get a hands-on experience of how we build our relationship with BTS and ARMY,” said Audrey Lintner, a 28-year-old master’s student from Sri Lanka who attended the event.
BTS leader RM then read fan messages, performed and received calls from fellow members Jung Kook and V in celebration.
„Time goes by so fast. Everything has changed, I’ve changed a lot. I don’t know what I’m going to do with my feelings on the 15th and 20th anniversary, but you won’t have my love. Change,” RM told fans.
The festivities culminated with a fireworks display over the Han River, with organizers, local police and fire officials estimating around 400,000 people by 9pm (1200 GMT), according to Yonhap news agency.
„Thank you so much for giving us great music and shows for the past 10 years,” said Kim Hye-won, 30, a fan since 2018.
„I’ll continue to be a soldier for 10, 20, 30 years, so I hope you’re a positive influence as artists, as singers, for a long, long time.”
Reported by Daewong Kim and Jimin Jung; By Joyce Lee; Lincoln Feast Editing
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„Totalny pionier w sieci. Specjalista od piwa niezależny. Ewangelista popkultury. Miłośnik muzyki. Nieprzepraszający przedsiębiorca”.