K-pop superstars Jimin and Jung Kook of BTS met hundreds of fans at a public sports ground in Yeoncheon, South Korea, on Wednesday morning after being discharged from military service. The two members greeted their fans wearing military uniforms during the meet-and-greet event, saluting and addressing the crowd that had assembled to see them.
Expressions of Gratitude
"I’m so grateful," Jimin said. "I’m so happy." Jung Kook also expressed his gratitude to supporters who traveled from around the world for the event, stating, "I want to thank you all for coming here today. It’s really great that you’re here."
Fan Stories
Among those who attended was Anaesi, a fan from Portugal who spent 20 hours traveling to see BTS. She believes the group “saved” her during a difficult time with depression.
- “I believe BTS saved me,” Anaesi said. “BTS is my angel.”
- She showcased a colorful upper arm tattoo featuring an eagle above a golden shield emblazoned with ‘ARMY’ and Korean text listing BTS members’ names alongside those of her friends.
- “BTS is our king,” Anaesi remarked about her country’s perception of the group. “Portugal is a small country, but inside Portugal, [BTS] is our king.”
BTS’s Impact on Culture and Tourism
Jimin and Jung Kook are part of one of South Korea’s most successful cultural exports in recent years, alongside other popular groups like Blackpink and NewJeans, as well as solo artists such as IU and (G)I-DLE’s Minnie. Their influence has significantly boosted tourism revenue in South Korea by millions each year since their debut around 2010-2012.
Their music videos often feature scenes shot at popular tourist destinations, such as:
- Seoul’s Myeong-dong shopping district
- Busan’s Haeundae Beach
However, some artists have faced criticism for how they portray these locations without permission or compensation for local residents affected by increased tourism following exposure through these videos.
Looking Ahead
With their military service now complete, Jimin and Jung Kook can focus on creating new music, marking an exciting new chapter for both the artists and their fans.
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