Skyscrapers, bridges and different landmarks in South Korea’s capital will likely be lit up in purple on Monday (June 12) because the nation begins celebrating the tenth anniversary of Ok-pop band BTS, whose international recognition is a supply of nationwide satisfaction.
The lights will present the backdrop for numerous social media-driven occasions marking the 2013 debut of the seven-member group, which is now taking a hiatus as its singers start to serve their necessary army duties.
From Monday night, quite a few Seoul buildings, together with Metropolis Corridor, the 123-story Lotte World Tower, a number of Han River bridges, and the futuristic DDP – a Zaha Hadid-designed aluminum and concrete dome that’s usually used for visible artwork – will likely be bathed in purple, a colour related to BTS, in accordance with metropolis officers and the group’s administration firm, Hybe.
Messages congratulating BTS had been displayed on digital screens in buildings throughout Seoul, whereas postal authorities issued stamps marking the group’s anniversary, which will likely be obtainable at submit places of work beginning Tuesday.
Seoul officers hope that the celebrations, which is able to proceed for round two weeks, will increase tourism. Town has designated greater than a dozen websites related to BTS, together with locations the place the group held main performances or shot a few of their well-known movies.
Fireworks are deliberate at a park close to the Han River on Saturday night time, hours after one of many BTS singers, RM, holds a dwell discuss with followers that will likely be broadcast on-line.
Shortly garnering enormous followings in Asia following their debut, BTS’ recognition expanded throughout the globe with their 2020 megahit “Dynamite,” the band’s first all-English track that made it the primary Ok-pop act to high Billboard’s Scorching 100. BTS has since carried out in sold-out arenas around the globe and was invited to talk at United Nations conferences, supported by a legion of worldwide followers who name themselves the “Military.”
BTS’ actions as a full group are presently on maintain because the artists start to serve within the army. Two BTS singers – Jin and J-Hope – have already began their obligatory 18-month service and different members are to observe in coming months, which doubtless means the group will reconvene round 2025.
In South Korea, all able-bodied males are required to serve in uniform 18-21 months below a system meant to discourage aggression from rival North Korea.
