House of BTS offers fans special experience

SEOUL• BTS' pop-up store in Seoul, called House of BTS, has opened its doors to fans, offering them a unique and exciting experience related to the K-pop juggernaut.

Taking over a three-story building in the posh district of Gangnam, southern Seoul, the pop-up was crowded with fans from all over the world on Monday, many of whom waited in a long queue for hours before the store opened at 10am.

Mainly decorated in pink, inspired by BTS' hit Boy With Luv, the complex features various experimental zones and showrooms that reproduced scenes from the act's major music videos such as Idol, DNA and Mic Drop.

For instance, in the Boy With Luv zone on the second floor, visitors can take photos against a backdrop of colourful neon signs and the "floor piano" from the song's music video.

On the same floor, there is a bus stop from the act's Spring Day music video, where fans can write messages. They can also spot an augmented reality kiosk that allows them to "dance with BTS", while an outdoor terrace filled with huge inflatable Army Bombs - BTS light sticks - serves as a great photo spot.

The complex also displays more than 200 kinds of BTS-themed merchandise, including dolls, clothing, stationery and fashion items, all of which are available for sale. BTS-inspired food and beverages are also available at a cafeteria in the complex.

Described as an upgrade from BTS' previous pop-up stores in cities such as Los Angeles and London, House of BTS will also open in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka from Nov 23 to Dec 29. Further stops have not been revealed yet.

"We are currently discussing new openings in other cities. But details will be announced later," said an official from BTS' agency Big Hit Entertainment.

Having started last Friday, the Seoul event will run through Jan 5 next year, but the store will remain closed every Wednesday.

THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 24, 2019, with the headline House of BTS offers fans special experience. Subscribe