Entertainment

Seoul hosts large crowds as BTS fans celebrate 10-year anniversary

June 18, 2023 1:34 pm

Fans of the K-pop boy band BTS dance during BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA in Seoul, South Korea, June 17, 2023. [Source: Reuters]

An estimated 400,000 people gathered in South Korea’s capital Seoul as fans from around the globe commemorated the 10th anniversary of the debut of K-Pop boy band juggernaut BTS.

The band is on temporary break as a group with two of its seven members currently doing mandatory military service, but that did not stop a host of celebratory events this week catering to a loyal fanbase known as “ARMY”.

At the “BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA” at Han River Park in Seoul on Saturday, tens of thousands of fans wandered among various exhibits including a BTS history wall, stage costumes and commemorative sculptures, many in the band’s signature purple colour.

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With hit songs playing in the background, fans danced under shady trees or bonded over their favourite band members.

BTS leader RM later read out fan messages, and performed and received calls from fellow members Jung Kook and V at the celebration.

The festivities climaxed with a fireworks show on the Han River, with organisers, local police and fire authorities estimating about 400,000 people in attendance by 9 p.m. (1200 GMT), according to Yonhap news agency.

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