A large sculpture in the shape of a light stick has been installed at the ‘BTS Festa.’ (Image courtesyof Yonhap)
GOYANG, June 13 (Korea Bizwire) — In a sea of purple, the signature color of global pop sensation BTS, fans from around the world gathered on Friday at Kintex Exhibition Center in Goyang to celebrate the group’s 12th debut anniversary at the 2025 BTS FESTA.
This year’s event holds special significance: it marks the long-awaited return of all seven members from military service, setting the stage for a full-group comeback.
Hosted annually on June 13 — the date of BTS’s debut in 2013 — the FESTA transformed two halls of Kintex into a sprawling celebration space featuring some 20 booths, interactive installations, and commemorative displays.
The venue buzzed with excitement from early morning, as fans dressed in purple formed lines that stretched across the plaza, many waving flags and carrying light sticks known as “ARMY bombs.”
The “2025 BTS FESTA,” a festival celebrating the 12th anniversary of BTS’s debut, is taking place on June 13 at KINTEX in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
A large sculpture modeled after the ARMY bomb greeted fans at the entrance, where attendees posed for photos with photo cards and light sticks in hand. Inside, fans explored zones showcasing BTS’s major achievements, including a trophy exhibit tracing their meteoric rise — from their 2013 Melon Music Awards rookie trophy to their 2017 Billboard Music Awards breakthrough.
The event also featured immersive fan experiences, such as a Voice Zone where visitors could listen to members’ audio messages, and a DIY Zone where fans crafted personalized sachets.
Emotional messages of support and celebration echoed throughout the halls, as fans expressed joy over the group’s impending return and gratitude for their music during difficult times.
“I became a fan during a very hard time in my life, listening to ‘00:00 (Zero O’Clock),’” said Moon Soo-young, a 42-year-old office worker who took leave to attend the event. “Now that the members are returning, I feel both joy and relief.”
Malika, a 22-year-old fan from France, broke into song with friends when BTS’s hit track Dynamite played inside the hall. “We’ve waited through two years of military service. We can wait a little longer if they need rest,” she said, expressing anticipation for a new full-group album and concert tour.
The FESTA runs through June 14. That evening, BTS member J-Hope will headline the encore of his solo world tour, Hope on the Stage Final, at the Goyang Sports Complex main stadium.
As of now, six members have completed their mandatory military service. The final member, SUGA, currently serving as a public service worker, is scheduled to be discharged on June 21 — clearing the path for BTS’s full return to the spotlight.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
