BTS on their US tour [Big Hit Music]
BTS on their US tour [Big Hit Music]

With each stop on their world tour, global superstars BTS are cementing their status as transcultural diplomats and a full-blown cultural phenomenon.

Toronto City Council voted to rename a stretch of city road "BTS Boulevard" from Aug. 21 through Sept. 23, timed to the group's concerts at Rogers Stadium on Aug. 22 and 23. The council also asked city authorities to officially declare the concert weekend "BTS Weekend."

The group's agency, Big Hit Music, said it is "in discussions with local authorities regarding approval for the use of intellectual property rights."

The state of Maryland is equally enthusiastic ahead of the band's upcoming shows there. Gov. Wes Moore posted a 30-second welcome video on his official social media accounts, complete with hangul subtitles.

In the video, Moore praised the group, saying "seven people united by one goal — bringing the world together across different cultures, regions and languages — is pretty dope."

He then called out each of the seven members by name, from RM to Jungkook, and added, "Welcome to Baltimore. All you ARMY, make some noise!"

The state government's care in producing hangul subtitles reflects respect for the local Korean-American community and aligns with BTS's own artistic mission of breaking down barriers of language and race.

The Arirang tour has sparked an unusual phenomenon at every destination: heads of state personally stepping forward to welcome the group.

Earlier, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the members with commemorative plaques at their Mexico City concert, while French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife attended the Paris show. El Paso County in Texas also honored the group with an "Estimado Amigo" award and declared an "El Paso BTS Weekend."


shee@heraldcorp.com