BTS Day declared in Illinois as group returns after seven years

ARIRANG Tour comes to Soldier Field on the 27th and 28th, capping an unprecedented wave of welcomes across North America

The U.S. state of Illinois has given global artists BTS an official welcome to mark the group’s Chicago concerts. BigHit Music said on the 24th that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker had officially proclaimed the concert dates for the group’s world tour, ARIRANG, at Chicago’s Soldier Field — the 27th and 28th, local time — as BTS Day in Illinois. The proclamation delivers a full-throated welcome from the state government to the group, which is returning after seven years.

Proof of positive influence: A global icon bringing communities together

In an official proclamation, Gov. Pritzker said BTS had made significant contributions to spreading positive social values, including mental health awareness, self-love and charitable work. He also stressed that “the group’s core philosophy aligns perfectly with the civic values of Illinois and is powerfully inspiring millions of fans around the world to take part in community service and charitable giving.” The move goes beyond a simple recognition of pop music’s popularity. It is an unusual effort to encourage the local community to embrace the unifying power of music and culture.

A wave of welcomes sweeps North America as K-pop makes history again

BTS’s return to the stage at Chicago’s Soldier Field comes about seven years and three months after the group’s LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF world tour in May 2019. The group, which became the first K-pop act to hold a solo concert at the venue, is once again demonstrating its overwhelming stature with its return.

The unprecedented welcomes extend beyond Illinois to stops across the North American tour. Toronto has named the weekend of the concerts BTS Weekend and taken the extraordinary step of temporarily designating part of a road as BTS Boulevard. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore also sent a welcome message in a video with Korean subtitles ahead of the Baltimore concert, while El Paso County, Texas, proclaimed the concert period El Paso BTS Weekend and presented the members with Estimado Amigo awards, meaning “dear friend,” demonstrating solidarity that transcends borders.