BTS [Big Hit Music]
BTS [Big Hit Music]

Illinois has designated a "BTS Day" to mark BTS's upcoming concerts in Chicago.

According to Big Hit Music, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared Aug. 27-28 (local time) "BTS Day in Illinois" to honor the group's world tour concerts at Soldier Field in Chicago, part of BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN Chicago.

In an official proclamation, the state said BTS has contributed to spreading social values across a wide range of areas, including mental health awareness, self-love and charitable work, and that the group's core messages align closely with Illinois's civic values. The state added that BTS inspires "millions of fans (ARMY) around the world to participate in community service and charitable activities." It also encouraged Illinois residents to celebrate the unifying power of music, culture and community.

BTS has served as an example for its global fandom through its "Love Myself" campaign and uplifting lyrics. The group became the first K-pop act to form an official partnership with UNICEF Korea in 2017, sustaining the "Love Myself" campaign to support violence prevention and mental health programs for children and youth in 155 countries and regions. In 2020, the group donated $1 million to Live Nation's Crew Nation campaign, among other ongoing philanthropic efforts.

Illinois expects thousands of tourists and fans to visit Chicago during the concert period.

This is not the first time a local government has extended such a welcome to BTS on their tour. Toronto declared Aug. 22-23 (local time) "BTS Weekend" to coincide with the group's visit and temporarily renamed some city streets "BTS Boulevard." Maryland Gov. Wes Moore released a special welcome video with Korean subtitles ahead of the Baltimore shows, while El Paso County in Texas designated the concert period "El Paso BTS Weekend" and presented the group with an "Estimado Amigo" award.

BTS will perform at Soldier Field on Thursday and Friday. The Chicago stop marks their return to the venue for the first time in about seven years and three months, since their BTS World Tour 'Love Yourself: Speak Yourself' show there in May 2019.


shee@heraldcorp.com