
Seoul officers hope that the celebrations, which can proceed for round two weeks, will enhance tourism.
By:
Mohnish Singh
Skyscrapers, bridges, and different landmarks in South Korea’s capital lit up in purple on Monday because the nation begins celebrating the tenth anniversary of Okay-pop band BTS, whose world 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 obligatory 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 typically used for visible artwork – will likely be bathed in purple, a color 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 put up places of work beginning Tuesday.
Seoul officers hope that the celebrations, which can proceed for round two weeks, will enhance tourism. The 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 evening, hours after one of many BTS singers, RM, holds a stay speak with followers that will likely be broadcast on-line.
Rapidly 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 music that made it the primary Okay-pop act to prime Billboard’s Scorching 100. BTS has since carried out in sold-out arenas all over the world and was invited to talk at United Nations conferences, supported by a legion of world followers who name themselves the “Military.”
BTS’ actions as a full group are at the moment 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 comply with within the coming months, which doubtless means the group will reconvene round 2025. In South Korea, all able-bodied males are required to serve in uniform for 18-21 months below a system meant to discourage aggression from rival North Korea.
As South Korea celebrates 10 years of BTS, listed below are some thrilling issues to know in regards to the seven members of the group.
Jin
Born on Dec. 4, 1992, in Gwacheon, South Korea, Jin is the oldest member of BTS. His actual identify is Kim Seok Jin. The singer and songwriter was initially an aspiring actor however future had different plans in retailer for him. He joined the group in 2013 as one of many 4 principal vocalists. He’s additionally the primary member to start obligatory army service in South Korea.
Suga
Earlier than becoming a member of BTS, Suga labored with many worldwide artists. His actual identify is Min Yoongi. Aside from being a member of BTS, Suga performs as a solo rapper below the alias Agust D. He’s additionally a industrial producer below the identify “By Suga.” Suga was born on March 9, 1993, in Daegu, South Korea.
J-Hope
Jung Ho-Seok, higher recognized by his stage identify J-Hope, is the richest BTS member. Born on February 18, 1994, in Gwangju, South Korea. J-Hope was recruited by Huge Hit Leisure in 2010 and commenced coaching as a rapper. Now, he’s one among three rappers within the group, in addition to a dancer, songwriter, and producer. He was additionally the primary BTS member to start out a solo profession.
RM
RM, whose full identify is Kim Namjoon, is the chief and principal rapper of the favored band. Born on September 12, 1994, RM grew up in Ilsan, South Korea, and commenced rapping at a younger age. After performing below numerous names, he finally caught the attention of Huge Hit Leisure, who shaped BTS and recruited him to be the primary official member of the group in 2010. He’s fluent in each English and Korean.
Jimin
Park Ji-min, common as Jimin of BTS, is the group’s lead vocalist and dancer. Born on Oct. 13, 1995, in Busan, South Korea, he was the final to hitch BTS, changing into a member of the group in 2013. Like J-Hope, Jimin is thought for his dance strikes. He studied up to date dance whereas he was in class.
V
A singer with a decrease vocal vary, Kim Tae Hyung, common as V, is without doubt one of the youthful BTS members, having been born on December 30, 1995, in Daegu, South Korea. He joined BTS after auditioning for Huge Hit Leisure in 2013.
Jungkook
Jungkook (whose full identify is Jeon Jung-kook) is the youngest member of BTS. ARMY affectionately calls him “Kookie” or “Golden Maknae,” which interprets to “golden youngest.” He was born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea.