Nearly four years ago, Sokvin Vann found herself stuck in a routine. Encouraged by her brother, she channeled her passion for K-pop and BTS into creating BTS Army Toronto. The group organizes fan meet-ups and events, supporting local Korean businesses and fostering connections among fans of the South Korean band.
Despite facing personal loss when her brother passed away shortly after founding the club, Vann persevered and expanded BTS Army Toronto into a thriving community. As BTS prepares to return to Toronto after more than a decade, the fan club, now with a dedicated team of about 10 people led by Vann and her son Jordan, is gearing up for the highly anticipated concerts at Rogers Stadium.
The City of Toronto recently unveiled BTS Boulevard on Yonge Street to commemorate the occasion, featuring a design inspired by the tour branding. The street renaming and other city initiatives, including declaring BTS Weekend in Toronto, reflect the excitement surrounding BTS’s return to the city.
Known for their passionate fandom, BTS fans, known as the “army,” have a deep connection with the group’s music and message. BTS’s meaningful lyrics addressing mental health, self-love, and personal growth have endeared them to fans worldwide.
BTS’s current tour, part of their Arirang World Tour, includes sold-out shows in Toronto, where they will perform for around 100,000 fans over two nights. The group’s influence extends beyond music, with initiatives like the temporary renaming of Yonge Street to BTS Boulevard and the lighting up of the Toronto sign in purple to honor the occasion.
Vann, who has attended multiple BTS concerts in the U.S., is excited to see her favorite band perform in her hometown after previous cancellations due to the pandemic. The tour, spanning 88 shows across 34 cities in 23 countries, marks BTS’s first visit to Canada since 2018.
As fans eagerly anticipate the Toronto concerts, Vann’s BTS Army Toronto is actively involved in organizing activities, providing guides for traveling fans, and creating opportunities for fan engagement around the city. The concert experience promises to be special, with BTS’s unique stage setup and potential surprises for the fans to enjoy.