BTS returns to SoFi Stadium after nearly 5 years as LA declares 'BTS Week'

Los Angeles has entered "BTS Week."

According to Big Hit Music, the group's agency, BTS will hold its world tour "Arirang in Los Angeles" at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Saturday and Sunday (all local time).

To mark the occasion, the city of Los Angeles officially declared Tuesday through the following Tuesday "BTS Week," and will illuminate the exterior of City Hall in red — the key color of BTS's fifth studio album "Arirang" — as a symbol of solidarity and welcome for the group and the global fans traveling to the city.

A proclamation ceremony was held at Los Angeles City Hall on Monday, attended by members of the City Council, the tourism bureau and Big Hit Music. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the declaration reflects "a belief that art and culture have the power to deepen mutual understanding and bring communities together." She added that she was "incredibly proud to honor BTS's significant contributions to global culture and to celebrate their special bond with our city alongside people from around the world."

A proclamation ceremony for BTS Week [Los Angeles Tourism]

Los Angeles City Council member John Lee said the proclamation "honors, at the city level, the remarkable mark BTS has left on global culture." He added that it also carries "pride in celebrating the longstanding ties and cultural exchange between Los Angeles, Korea and the Korean American community."

Don Yoo, executive director of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, said BTS "has connected people across different cultures, generations and corners of the world, going far beyond music." He said he was delighted the group was performing in Los Angeles again. "Through 'BTS Week,' we want to honor their positive influence and their enduring relationship with Los Angeles," he said.

In a resolution, the City Council described BTS as having "established themselves as one of the most influential artists of their generation since their debut in 2013," crediting the group with opening the door for Asian artists in the global pop music industry.

The resolution highlighted how BTS's music, performances and messages of self-love and hope have connected people worldwide across languages, cultures and generations, while helping to spread Korean culture globally.

The four shows mark BTS's return to SoFi Stadium for the first time in nearly five years, since their "Permission to Dance on Stage" concerts in Los Angeles in December 2021. All four performances sold out well in advance.

shee@heraldcorp.com