BTS ARMY returns to Chicago
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BTS perform at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 1. Photo by Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP via Getty Images
K-Pop megastars BTS return to Chicago for the first time in seven years, and their ARMY stands ready.
The big picture: The group that launched the K-Pop phenomenon performs two sold-out shows on Thursday and Friday at Soldier Field as part of their "ARIRANG" world tour.
- Gov. JB Pritzker even declared Thursday and Friday "BTS Day" in Illinois, proclaiming that "BTS has transcended international borders and utilizes their platform to champion social causes, including mental health awareness, self-love, and global philanthropy."
Flashback: A cold, rainy May night did not deter the boy band's superfans from showing up for its last Chicago performance in 2019. The Sun-Times praised "the musicians' charisma, paired with the flawless precision of their choreography and vocals."
Context: BTS' fanbase goes by ARMY, which stands for "Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth," and a big component of the community involves creating and trading "freebies" or homemade crafts.
- "It's a way to bring out our creativity while showing support for the group and also bringing the fan base together!" fan Sofia Orlando tells Axios.
- "It doesn't matter how much time and effort is put into the freebies. The idea is to grow the community by offering tokens that represent the group!"
Orlando and her sister, Bella, have tickets for Thursday's concert.
Zoom in: BTS took a brief hiatus in recent years while the seven members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, making their return to the stage that much sweeter for fans.
State of play: The unlucky ones who won't be boppin' at Soldier Field should not sink into a BTS-less despair. Events for the ARMY are plentiful:
💃🏼 BTS K-Pop Night brings out K-pop jams for the dance floor. | No cover | Sidetrack | Thursday, 9pm-2am
🍗 Perilla Fare serves a special menu, including Korean fried chicken wings, scallion pancakes, heritage pork belly, silken tofu stew and more. | $70 | Perilla Fare | Through Sunday
🤳🏻 ARMYRANG Chicago Vendor Market: Vendors, photo booths and food. | Packages starting at $25 | BASSLINE | Friday, 11am
🖼️ K-Pop Fan Event: Photo ops and a celebration of the opening of "K-POP!," a mini exhibition from iri5. | Jackson Junge Gallery | Saturday, noon-5pm
The bottom line: Even if K-Pop is not your thing, bask in the happiness of the BTS ARMY coming together.