Fans celebrate as BTS turns 12

On Friday, a convention hall at Kintex in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, turned into a vibrant sea of purple, as fans gathered to celebrate the 12th anniversary of BTS.

In the early hours, fans from around the world began queuing near the exhibition hall entrance, excited for the 2025 BTS Festa, held every June by BTS' agency, BigHit Music.

The K-pop septet, which debuted on June 13, 2013, has celebrated its anniversary each year with the special festival for Army — the group’s official global fandom — enjoys various exhibitions and interactive booths.

From T-shirts and bags to even fingernails, fans were dressed head to toe in BTS’ iconic color, purple.

This year’s event was especially meaningful to them, as the group is expected to reunite after Suga, who is serving as a social service agent due to health issues, completes his military duty on June 21. In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve at least 18 months in the military.

Jin and J-Hope returned to civilian life last year, and earlier this week, RM, V, Jungkook, and Jimin have also been discharged from the military.

At the venue, a giant replica of a BTS light stick lit up every hour on the hour from noon. Each time a BTS member’s face appeared on the screen embedded in the sculpture, fans erupted in cheers and applause.

Special booths, including the “Voice Zone” featuring pre-recorded messages from BTS members and the “Trophy Zone,” where 50 trophies celebrated the group’s career, captivated fans, who eagerly snapped photos and videos to capture the moment.

The festival is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no advance reservation required.

Meanwhile, J-Hope, who released his new single “Killin’ It Girl” at 1 p.m. the same day, is set to hold an encore concert for his world tour at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex. Eyes are on whether any other BTS members might make a surprise appearance during the event.