Sokvin Vann found herself stuck in a routine almost four years ago until her brother suggested she channel her love for K-pop and BTS into something positive. Taking his advice, Vann established BTS Army Toronto, a local fan club that organizes events, meet-ups, giveaways, fundraisers, and supports Korean businesses. Despite facing personal loss when her brother passed away shortly after founding the club, Vann, now 43, has grown the community, eagerly awaiting BTS’s return to Toronto after more than a decade.
BTS, known for hit songs like “Swim,” “Permission to Dance,” and “Butter,” is set to perform two sold-out shows at Rogers Stadium as part of their Arirang World Tour. The City of Toronto recently renamed a section of Yonge Street as BTS Boulevard to honor the group’s visit, with the city also declaring BTS Weekend and illuminating the Toronto sign in purple, the color associated with BTS and its fans.
Devoted fans like Vann attribute their loyalty to BTS’s meaningful music that touches on themes like mental health, self-love, and personal growth. Vann, a real estate agent who co-manages BTS Army Toronto with her son, has expanded her involvement into a new business called Idol Konnect, offering services to K-pop artists. BTS’s current tour, their only Canadian stop, follows a hiatus as members fulfilled mandatory military service, illustrating the group’s journey from underdogs to global sensations.
Fans eagerly await the Toronto concerts, with excitement palpable at the official BTS merchandise pop-up store on Bloor Street. Attendees like Nicole Chau, 21, who has been a fan since 2016, are thrilled about the upcoming shows after securing tickets through pre-sale. As anticipation builds, BTS Army Toronto plans to engage fans at the Toronto Korean Festival and host pre-concert events for attendees to connect and enjoy the experience together.
Looking forward to the concerts, Vann is excited about the unique setup at Rogers Stadium, where BTS will perform on a 360-degree stage. She anticipates the thrill of hearing a surprise track and sharing the experience with the BTS community. Post-concert, Vann expects a mix of emotions, from the initial post-concert blues to a sense of gratitude and connection that will resonate long after the event.