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| ▲This photo show one of the segment within the pop-up store. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL April 26 (Yonhap) -- In the early hours of the 26th, a studio building near Seoul's Seongdong-gu Elementary School was bustling with people. What would typically be filled with the chatter of students was now crowded with various individuals, ranging from groups carrying travel bags to what appeared to be families and friends.
The common thread among them? The presence of purple-colored items everywhere: hair dyed purple, dolls and accessories hanging from bags, and purple shirts worn under jackets.
These were fans of BTS, known as "ARMY," from around the world who gathered to visit the BTS pop-up event called 'MONOCHROME.'
With all members currently fulfilling their military service, the pop-up operates in what's called a "military service hiatus" status.
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| ▲This photo shows segment within the pop-up store of BTS. (Yonhap) |
The pop-up event, themed around the concept of "Memory Cloud," which stores precious memories of BTS and ARMY, attracted fans from the early hours of the morning.
"Memory Cloud" first appeared at a BTS fan meeting in 2018. At the pop-up event, previously unreleased black-and-white photoshoots, posters, accessories, and clothing are unveiled.
Though the pop-up officially starts at 11 a.m., by 9:30 a.m., the waiting number for entry had exceeded 530.
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| ▲This photo shows fans of BTS (ARMY) waiting in line to get into the pop-up store. (Yonhap) |
Considering that registration can be done individually via mobile phones or email, it's estimated that hundreds had already gathered before registration began at 6 a.m., according to on-site staff.
While waiting for their turn, fans enjoyed taking photos of the members' pictures hung on one side of the wall. Fans who had not seen each other for a long time exchanged stories and even shared photo cards.
Hong Ji-young, a working professional who took a leave of absence from work to attend from Sejong City, said, "I felt like they (the members) had prepared a lot to fill the void. It's even more enjoyable to meet ARMY after such a long time."
Many foreign ARMYs who traveled far for BTS were also present.
Emily from Florida, USA, expressed regret, saying, "I tried to come at 7 a.m., but I arrived a bit late and became number 425." Although she particularly likes Jimin, she smiled, saying, "Jimin is great, but BTS, with all seven members, is the best."
Kay, who recently visited J-Hope's pop-up exhibition after coming to Korea earlier this month, described BTS as a "wonderful" group that spreads positive energy and messages. She expressed her hope to reunite with them.
The BTS pop-up store will continue until May 12.
According to Big Hit Music, BTS's agency, pop-up events are also scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan; Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Los Angeles, USA; and Manila, Philippines, among other locations.
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