An promotional image for the “BTS Online Concert Weekend” set for April 18-19, 2020, provided by Big Hit Entertainment
SEOUL, April 20 (Korea Bizwire) — K-pop super band BTS is releasing content tailored to the needs of fans amid the expansion of ‘untact’ culture across the globe following the coronavirus outbreak.
The group has used YouTube broadcasts to share recent news, make a surprise announcement on plans for a new album, and hold online concerts for fans to wave their cheering light sticks at home.
“As many of you might’ve expected, our new album is coming up. We just began preparing,” said RM, the leader of BTS, during a live YouTube broadcast on the group’s official YouTube channel, BANGTANTV, on April 17.
“We will share with you the updates on our preparations.” he said.
“While we have nothing sorted out in particular as for the release date and what songs will be included in the album, we plan on doing our best to make it work.”
RM made the surprise announcement at his studio, wearing comfortable clothes.
“We are thinking of starting a weekly Vlog,” RM added, explaining that he was the first host of the new video series.
RM made the surprise announcement at his studio, wearing comfortable clothes. (image: Big Hit Entertainment)
BTS members have been sharing trivial events in their daily life with ARMY, the official BTS fan club, talking about their pet plants, the recent general elections, music they’re listening to, exercise, and games, under the hashtag #BTS_OF_THE_DAY on social media.
On Saturday and Sunday, BTS held a special streaming festival for online fans free-of-charge, screening eight videos of previous concerts and fan meetings for 24 hours.
More than 2.1 million online fans tuned in as soon as the festival opened on Saturday, while 1.9 million fans were still watching on Sunday.
“We would like to thank the ARMY for showing up to our concert. Here are some instructions,” said BTS member Jin. “You may drink and eat during the performance. Also, please feel free to move to a different seat at anytime.”
“It is more than okay to stand up during the performance and start dancing,” another member J-Hope added.
BTS has already cancelled its ‘BTS Map of the Soul’ tour dates in Seoul and the U.S. due to the coronavirus outbreak.
While the group has missed the chance to meet with their fans in person, BTS continues to make an effort to connect with them through online channels.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
