BTS fever sweeps Europe as Swedish fans gear up for comeback tour
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Swedish fans are preparing to attend the European leg of K-pop group BTS's comeback tour, "Arirang."
- The tour, which began in South Korea in April, has seen all 88 concert dates sell out rapidly, reflecting the group's global popularity.
- Fans like Elin Hammarqvist express immense excitement and fulfillment at the prospect of seeing BTS perform live, highlighting the group's cultural impact and the dedication of their fanbase.
The fervent enthusiasm for K-pop phenomenon BTS is sweeping across Europe, with dedicated Swedish fans gearing up to witness the group's highly anticipated comeback tour, "Arirang." Hailed as the world's biggest band, BTS recently reunited and launched their extensive tour, which has already seen all 88 scheduled dates sell out at lightning speed.
Swedish fan Elin Hammarqvist is among the fortunate few who secured tickets for BTS's upcoming concerts in Munich. She described the impending experience as the fulfillment of her biggest dream, expressing that she would be overjoyed even if the band made mistakes. Hammarqvist has been a devoted fan for seven years, even getting a tattoo of member Suga's eyes as a testament to her admiration.
The group's hiatus in 2022, prompted by the mandatory military service of all seven members in South Korea, was a period of sorrow for their fanbase, known as "Army." During this time, members pursued solo projects before reuniting in March of this year. Their comeback included the release of their fifth studio album, "Arirang," and a free concert in Seoul, celebrating Korean culture throughout the album and the ongoing world tour.
I become teary just thinking about seeing them live, because it is my biggest dream come true.
The European leg of the tour commenced in late June, with stops in Madrid and Brussels, followed by dates in London, Munich, and Paris. Fans often dress in elaborate outfits to match the band's aesthetic, with some emulating music video costumes or color-coordinating with album themes. Hammarqvist has custom-ordered outfits and plans to incorporate the band's signature purple color, a symbol of their dedicated fanbase.
Concert reviews have lauded the shows as spectacular, with Forbes describing them as a "spectacular sight" and NME awarding them 4.5 out of 5 stars. The "Arirang" tour continues to showcase BTS's immense global appeal and the powerful connection they share with their devoted Army.
That I will be at a BTS concert is the absolute most fantastic thing ever. They could make any number of mistakes and I know I will still be very satisfied and have a lot of fun.
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.