BTS’ Toronto return sparks excitement among fans

TORONTO: After years of anticipation, BTS fans in Toronto are preparing for the South Korean supergroup’s long-awaited return to the city, with thousands expected to gather for two sold-out concerts this weekend.

For Sokvin Vann, the concerts represent more than a major music event. Nearly four years ago, she formed BTS Army Toronto after her brother encouraged her to channel a difficult period in her life into her love of K-pop and BTS.

Vann’s brother died shortly after the fan club was established, but she continued building the organization. It has since grown into a large community that organizes fan gatherings, fundraisers, giveaways and events supporting local Korean businesses.

Vann now runs the group with her 24-year-old son, Jordan, and a team of about 10 people. She said the community has helped fans form friendships based on their shared passion for BTS.

BTS will perform Saturday and Sunday at Rogers Stadium as part of its Arirang World Tour. The two concerts are expected to draw about 100,000 fans combined and mark the group’s first Toronto performances in more than a decade.

The group last performed in Canada in 2018 in Hamilton, Ontario. Its planned Toronto concerts in 2020 were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BTS, which debuted in 2013, has grown from a South Korean boy band into one of the world’s biggest music acts. Its global success accelerated with songs including “Dynamite,” “Butter” and “Permission to Dance.”

The group’s latest album, “ARIRANG,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in April and recorded 641,000 equivalent album units in the United States, combining physical sales, downloads and streaming.

BTS had been on hiatus since 2022 while its seven members completed mandatory military service in South Korea. The current world tour runs through March 2027 and includes 88 shows in 34 cities across 23 countries.

Toronto has embraced the group’s return. City council agreed to temporarily rename part of Yonge Street between North York Boulevard and Finch Avenue as BTS Boulevard.

Hundreds of fans have also been visiting an official BTS merchandise pop-up store on Bloor Street, with T-shirts, hats and albums among the popular items.

Vann said BTS Army Toronto will organize activities for fans around the concerts, including photo opportunities, crafts and a gathering near the stadium. The group is also preparing a Toronto guide with restaurant recommendations for visitors attending the shows.

For longtime fans who missed the canceled 2020 concerts, the weekend represents a chance to finally see BTS perform in Toronto.

“It feels like a homecoming,” Vann said, describing the return as a special moment for the city’s BTS community.