Tens of thousands of fans filled Chicago’s Soldier Field on Thursday night for K-pop supergroup BTS, marking the band’s first concert in the city in seven years. More than 60,000 members of the fan base, widely known as the BTS Army, attended the opening night of the group’s “Arirang” world tour, prompting stadium management to open venue gates half an hour early.
Soldier Field Shows Launch Long-Awaited Return
The Thursday concert kicked off a two-night sold-out run at Soldier Field. The South Korean boy band has not toured together since before the pandemic, as the group’s seven members—Jimin, J-Hope, SUGA, V, Jin, RM, and Jung Kook—subsequently completed their staggered mandatory South Korean military service. Billboard columnist and K-pop reporter Jeff Benjamin said that fans can expect massive LED screens featuring distinct art and music video effects during the performances.
Ahead of the Thursday show, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker declared August 27 and 28 as “BTS Day” in the state following a petition by the Chicago BTS Army and the HANA Center, an immigrant advocacy nonprofit based in Irving Park. Fans also gathered for a Tuesday trivia night at Lincoln Park’s Replay, hosted by KPOP Merch by Choc Choc, and held a meetup at Buckingham Fountain on Thursday to trade bracelets, stickers, and keychains.
Fans Travel Long Distances and Overcome Obstacles to Attend
Attendees traveled from across the country to witness the group’s return. Fans journeyed from states including Oregon, Ohio, and Michigan to fill the stadium. Some audience members navigated severe logistical hurdles to reach the venue; one family from Michigan said that their sister postponed surgery required after a car accident to attend the Chicago performance.
Local community building remains a central pillar of the fan experience. Megan Herrera, a 25-year-old fan from Pilsen who started a craft club for the BTS Army, said that she established a national network of friends through attending shows in Chicago and Los Angeles since the group’s 2015 U.S. tour debut.
Music Evolution and Cultural Impact
Fans noted that the new tour material bridges the group’s early work with their recent solo projects. Concertgoers noted stylistic echoes of the band’s 2014 debut album, “Dark & Wild,” within the new “Arirang” tracks, alongside influences from 1990s American R&B. Billboard columnist Jeff Benjamin said that the band has challenged traditional boy band expectations by addressing social justice, mental health, and politics in their music.
The group’s next Chicago performance takes place Friday evening at Soldier Field, concluding the local stop of the “Arirang” world tour.
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