Stay tuned for Pyo Kyung-min's latest K-pop stories, where she digs into the backstories that matter. She’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts at pzzang@koreatimes.co.kr. After all, every article gets better with insights from those who love the scene, just like she does!
Purple hues of fervent fandom: BTS 10th Anniversary Festa captivates fans
Fans of K-pop boy group BTS watch a video performance of the group during BTS 10th Anniversary Festa at the Hangang Park in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Big Hit Music
By Pyo Kyung-min
400,000 fans recall K-pop superstar's past 10 years through events, fireworks
By Pyo Kyung-min
More than 400,000 fans of K-pop superstar BTS immersed themselves in a sea of purple, the color symbolizing the boy band, at Hangang Park in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday, as the highlight events celebrating the group's 10th anniversary were held.
The BTS 10th Anniversary Festa commenced on June 12, leading up to the anniversary of BTS' debut on June 13, and "BTS 10th Anniversary Festa @Yeouido" stood as the centerpiece of the festivities.
Fans from here and abroad, donning purple attire which signifies their allegiance to the group, flocked to the venue, creating an atmosphere brimming with anticipation. Undeterred by the scorching weather, the dedicated ARMY, the name of BTS' fans, patiently queued to experience the event.
“I think it's very worth it,” said Zhafa, a fan from Indonesia wearing a purple checkered dress. “I've been a fan since 2015, and even though the weather's hot and the wait takes ages, I get to see the installations, and get free goods. It's totally worth a visit for the ARMYs.”
Fans of BTS gather during the BTS 10th Anniversary Festa at the Hangang Park in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Police estimated about 400,000 people gathered for the event. AP-Yonhap
Fans of BTS sing during the BTS 10th Anniversary Festa at the Hangang Park in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. AP-Yonhap
Stephanie from Brazil, who revealed that she had initially planned to be in Singapore but changed her plans for the festival, said, “The ARMYs would do anything for BTS … I canceled the prearranged event for this festival. I have zero regrets … I want the boys to be happy and stay healthy, as they already are, and know that the 10th anniversary is just the beginning of our ever-lasting journey.”
The event showcased eight exhibitions and experiential programs around the park. Noteworthy attractions included the BTS History Wall that displayed the group's stage costumes; a commemorative sculpture; a live screen featuring recorded concerts; the Bring The Song zone for creating personalized playlists; and a hands-on experience zone featuring tattoo stickers.
RM, BTS' group leader, reads comments from fans during an event titled “5 p.m., This is Kim Nam-joon” at the Hangang Park in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday, during the BTS 10th Anniversary Festa. Courtesy of Big Hit Music
RM, BTS' group leader, attended the event, engaging with fans in the specially arranged ARMY Lounge. Hosting a program titled "5 p.m., This is Kim Nam-joon," RM performed for a select group of 3,000 fans, sharing his reflections on the group's decade-long journey. Jungkook and V, other members of BTS, participated in the event via a phone call with RM, adding to the excitement.
At 8:30 p.m., a grand fireworks display lit up the sky above the Han River as the grand finale of Saturday's festival. Accompanied by BTS' music and narration by Jungkook, the fireworks spectacle captivated viewers. The event was broadcast live through various platforms, including Weverse Live, YouTube and TikTok, leaving an indelible impression on fans worldwide.
Fireworks display the sky during the BTS 10th Anniversary Festa at the Hangang Park in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
Under the slogan BTS Presents Everywhere, the BTS 10th Anniversary Festa is held jointly with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Landmarks in the city, such as Some Sevit (a floating island on the Han River), the N Seoul Tower on Mount Nam, Seoul City Hall, Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the World Cup Bridge, were lit up with purple to celebrate the occasion.
Additionally, Samseong and Euljiro 1-ga subway stations, along with Teheranno and Myeong-dong streets, displayed congratulatory outdoor advertisements. The walls of the building of HYBE, the boy band's agency, in Yongsan District are also adorned with graffiti portraits showing BTS members.
Festa will offer a continued array of engaging experiences until June 25.
Two women walk in front of a billboard showing K-pop group BTS members during an event to celebrate its 10th debut anniversary, in Seoul, June 14. AP-Yonhap