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| ▲This photo shows ARMYs in Busan. |
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| ▲This photo shows ARMYs in Busan. |
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| ▲This photo shows ARMYs in Busan. |
SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Yonhap) -- "They talk about love while singing about the process of making a person. They showed me a way to become a better person."
Army (BTS fan) Rebecca from Italy said, "BTS has changed my life" at the official product sales corner at the Lotte Department Store in Busan on Saturday morning.
This souvenir shop was prepared for BTS' solo concert "Yet To Come in Busan," which will take place at 6 p.m. on the same day.
The souvenir shop located in the event hall on the first basement floor of a large department store in the main street was crowded with fans since the morning.
ARMYs from all over the world waited for it to open with excitement, wearing T-shirts, hats, masks, bags, etc. of the color purple, color of BTS.
The waiting line went beyond the event hall to the elevator in the corner of the first basement floor, and the photos designed by RM and the earrings Jimin participated in creating were already sold out. Popular items such as purple hooded t-shirts are limited to only two per person.
While BTS' latest song "Yet To Come" was playing in the background. fans took photo in a photo zone located on the one side of the sales counter and tried putting on T-shirts in front of a mirror. Some people told friends who had not yet arrived the stock situation over the phone.
Fans picked lyrics and messages of BTS as the reason they are special to them.
Rebecca said, "Usually, artists sing about love or relationship between lovers, but they talk more about universal love," adding, "There are songs about lovers, but they tell us to love me and the people."
Poerani Rousseau, who came from Paris, succeeded in picking up a lot of souvenirs because she visited the venue early.
A sugar fan, he said, "I've been a fan since 'DNA' in 2017." BTS showed their own continuation story through their music video. So to understand them, you have to watch all the music videos. "I felt like I was participating in the narrative," he said.
He added, "Through this process, we can always feel connected with BTS."
Mel and Sidney from Maryland and Hawaii, USA, went to the department store after 11 am and got a seat after a long line.
Fan of SUGA said, "I've been a fan since 'DNA' in 2017," adding, "BTS showed continuing story through music video. So to understand them, you have to watch all the music videos. This felt like ARMYs are participating in their stories."
She added, "This allowed us to feel connected to BTS."
Mel and Sidney from Maryland and Hawaii, USA, were waiting at the end of long line because they arrived at the department store after 11 am.
They said, "We don't know when we will be able to get inside," adding, "Watching BTS perform is very fun. How they also have interest in social and international issues other than just singing is so amusing."
They said, "Unfortunately, we couldn't get tickets. So we will go to live play site in Haeundae," adding, "I really want to hear the hit songs 'Blood Sweat & Tears' and 'Poems for Small Things' tonight. I hope Song '0:00' also is played because the message 'You can be happy too' touched my heart."
On that day, KTX from Seoul to Busan was also fully booked from early in the morning. From 6 a.m., ARMYs wearing purple hats and masks began to gather at Seoul Station one by one.
Fans spent time looking at BTS photos and videos on their phones or compared photos of each member.
Busan Asiad Main Stadium, where the concert is to be held, was already crowded with fans six hours before the start of the concert. There was an elementary school-age ARMY holding her father's hand to an elderly middle-aged couple/
A fan even joked saying 'Should I even get a rug?' when she knew that the concert was a standing concert.
Laraine, who visited with her husband who works as a teacher in Jinju, said, "The effort, love, and positive songs that BTS put out to communicate with their fans made me become a fan," adding, " I was a fan kf K-drama at first, but now I fell in love with BTS."
BTS members also expressed their anticipation through their agency, Big Hit Music.
Jin said, "My heart is on fire sine it's a concert in a long time," adding, "We prepared a song that everyone knows, so I hope you guys enjoy it."
J-Hope said, "I plan to show all my energy, wanting to have fun with many people," adding, "The point of the concert is to send all our energies to fans."
V said, "I want to make a concert that I won't regret, and I hope that everyone who watches us receive positive energy from us." adding, "Get excited because we also have new performances."
(This article is translated from Korean to English by Jiwon Woo.)
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