[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Myung-ju] BTS successfully concluded their North American tour.

BTS held the finale of their North American performances as part of the world tour "Arirang" at Sofi Stadium in California, USA on September 1-2 and 5-6.

The tour drew approximately 1.92 million attendees. A total of 31 concerts were held across 12 regions and cities. All performances were completely sold out.

Fans who were unable to obtain tickets enjoyed the concert online. For the Los Angeles performance, it was livestreamed to 177 countries worldwide on Weverse.

BTS returned to Sofi Stadium for the first time in five years. As a global artist, they set various records. They drew a total of 282,000 people to the venue.

Combined with previous performances, the cumulative attendance reached 496,000. The group has earned a place as the group that drew the largest audience since the venue's opening.

Two special moments took place during the Los Angeles performances. September 1st was Jungkook's birthday. On the final day, the 6th, they celebrated RM's birthday (12th) in advance.

ARMY (fanbase name) sang happy birthday to them. They lit up the seating area in gold, symbolizing Jungkook's "Golden," and in blue reminiscent of RM's "Indigo."

During "Body to Body," a track on "Arirang," a surprise event was prepared. When the Korean folk song "Arirang" played, the audience simultaneously raised Taegeuk flags.

The members said, "It feels like we just started in Tampa, but it doesn't feel real that we're already saying goodbye at our final destination, Los Angeles."

They continued, "It feels like you're showing us the path forward, and we're grateful," and "We hope that no matter where we are, we can stay connected to each other forever."

Local media also took note of their North American tour. The American "Los Angeles Times" referred to BTS as "world-class pop artists."

"Forbes" highlighted the energy that expanded beyond the concert venue to all of Los Angeles. It stated, "People from diverse cultural backgrounds sang along to 'Arirang.'"

The media mentioned hanbok, Taegeuk fans, and norigae before introducing that "BTS reminded us how much they are contributing to Korean culture and economy."

The city level also welcomed their tour. Los Angeles designated and proclaimed September 1-8, the concert period, as "BTS WEEK."

This welcome continued across North America. Toronto, Canada also designated the performance period as "BTS Weekend" and temporarily renamed the street "BTS Avenue."

Illinois also made August 27-28, the days of the Chicago concert, "BTS Day." El Paso County, Texas presented a "Estimado Amigo" commendation.

In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore personally filmed a welcome video. He referred to BTS as "seven people connecting the world as one."

Meanwhile, BTS is heading to South America. They continue the "Arirang" tour starting October 2nd in Bogotá, Colombia.

RM

Jin

Suga

J-hope

Jimin

V

Jungkook

<Photo provided by Big Hit Music>