International K-pop fans thrilled by prospect of BTS reunion on stage
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Follow topic:
SEOUL – Thousands of international fans of K-pop megastar group BTS gathered on June 13 in the suburbs of Seoul, amid mounting excitement over an expected reunion of the boy band after all the members complete mandatory military service.
The BTS Festa in 2025 marks the 12th anniversary of BTS, who last performed together in 2022. The South Korean group have not toured since 2019 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the members’ subsequent military service obligations.
All seven members appeared at the concert on June 13, but only Jungkook, J-Hope and Jin performed on stage in front of about 27,000 fans, according to BTS’ management agency Hybe.
Fans from around the world flew in hoping to spot BTS members at the gathering, or at the solo concerts by J-Hope, who wrapped up his Hope On The Stage world tour in Goyang on June 14.
Ms Karla Linan Saucede, 33, who travelled from Mexico with her sister and friends, said: “I want to enjoy everything because there are many things to do here, and I hope to maybe see the BTS guys.”
“It’s gone past excitement and into almost being numb,” said Ms Ayla O’Ryan, 45, from Scotland, adding that she had planned a visit in June to practise her Korean in the capital and so that she could attend the gig.
Jimin, 29, and Jungkook, 27, were discharged from South Korea’s military on June 11
RM, 30, and V, 29, were discharged on June 10
Jin, 32, was discharged in June 2024, while J-Hope, 31, completed his service in October 2024
BTS fans queueing to attend the annual BTS Festa which celebrates the K-pop boy band’s debut anniversary, at Kintex exhibition centre in Goyang, South Korea, on June 13.
PHOTO: AFP
While details of a reunion have not been released, BTS are expected to hold their largest world tour in 2026, says NH Securities, one of South Korea's largest investment firms.
Shares of Hybe jumped 11.3 per cent in June, as brokerages raised their sales estimates and target price for the agency ahead of the band’s comeback.
Ms Alice Bonamy, an interpreter from France, said with excitement: “I hope they can explore whatever music – anything they want to do – because I will always support them in whatever they feel like doing.” REUTERS
