Why did Illinois declare BTS Day ahead of the Chicago concerts?

The state marked Aug. 27 and 28 as BTS Day in Illinois to coincide with BTS’s Soldier Field concerts. Pritzker said the group’s message on mental health awareness, self-love and global philanthropy aligns with Illinois civic values.

When are BTS’s Chicago concerts and where will they be held?

The concerts are set for Aug. 27 and 28 in U.S. time at Soldier Field in Chicago. They are part of the group’s Arirang world tour and will be BTS’s first performance at the venue in seven years and three months.

How has BTS been honored by other North American cities on the Arirang tour?

Toronto approved a temporary BTS Boulevard and planned to call the concert weekend BTS Weekend. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore welcomed the group in a video, and El Paso County proclaimed its concert period El Paso BTS Weekend and gave BTS the Estimado Amigo award.

Illinois declares 'BTS Day' ahead of Chicago concerts

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Summary

Illinois has designated Aug. 27 and 28 as BTS Day in Illinois to coincide with BTS concerts at Soldier Field in Chicago on the group’s Arirang world tour. Gov. JB Pritzker said BTS has transcended borders and promoted social causes such as mental health awareness, self-love and global philanthropy. The band’s upcoming Chicago shows will be its first at the venue in seven years and three months.

Key Facts

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker proclaimed Aug. 27 and 28 as BTS Day in Illinois.
BTS will perform at Soldier Field in Chicago as part of its Arirang world tour.
BTS first held a standalone concert at Soldier Field in May 2019 during its Love Yourself: Speak Yourself world tour.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 24, 2026 3:52 pm KST

K-pop supergroup BTS / Courtesy of BigHit Music

The U.S. state of Illinois has designated the dates of K-pop supergroup BTS' upcoming Chicago concerts as "BTS Day in Illinois," the group's agency said Monday.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker proclaimed Aug. 27 and 28 (U.S. time) as "BTS Day in Illinois," coinciding with BTS' performances at Soldier Field in Chicago on its "Arirang" world tour.

"BTS has transcended international borders and utilizes their platform to champion social causes, including mental health awareness, self-love, and global philanthropy," Pritzker said in an official proclamation.

This core messaging of BTS "heavily aligns with the civic values of Illinois, inspiring millions of individuals worldwide — collectively known as the BTS ARMY — to engage in grassroots community service and match global charitable giving."

The governor also encouraged local residents to embrace "the unifying values of music, culture and community advocacy."

BTS became the first K-pop act to hold a standalone concert at Soldier Field in May 2019, during its "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" world tour. The upcoming shows will mark the band's first performance there in seven years and three months.

Other North American cities hosting the group's tour have also staged events in its honor.

Toronto designated the weekend of BTS' concerts as "BTS Weekend" and temporarily renamed part of a road "BTS Boulevard."

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore released a video with Korean subtitles welcoming the group ahead of its Baltimore concert, while El Paso County in Texas proclaimed the concert period "El Paso BTS Weekend" and presented the members with its "Estimado Amigo" (Dear Friend) award.

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