Approximately 73% of foreign tourists visited key attractions, including Sungnyemun.
This project offered a great opportunity for BTS's global influence to highlight Seoul's cultural assets.
[TV Daily Reporter Hwang Seoyeon] BTS' 'BTS The City Arirang Seoul' has successfully concluded. This project was designed to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album 'Arirang' and the start of their world tour, turning Seoul's landmarks into a festival that invited both locals and international visitors. Notably, the media facade at Sungnyemun reported that about 73% of the audience were foreign tourists, showcasing BTS's global appeal once again.
The 'Army Madang' at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) allowed around 86% of its visitors to participate, creating a unique communication space for BTS fans. Visitors engaged in various activities related to the new album, allowing them to express their creativity while enjoying shared experiences.
During the project period, the city also operated a city tour bus themed around BTS, leading to a reported 20% increase in tourist numbers. Tiger Bus highlighted how visitors enjoyed a unique experience touring Seoul in specially designed vehicles, all accompanied by BTS's music, linking this tourism boom with the cultural heritage of the city.
BTS has dismantled musical boundaries, creating a global fandom that transcends borders. The 'The City Seoul' project highlights how their music can merge with Seoul's cultural assets, yielding tangible tourism revenue. Global fans experience Korea's history and culture through BTS, directly translating into tourism activation.
The expansion of fan-participation spaces like 'Army Madang' is contributing to BTS's establishment as cultural icons rather than just artists. Fans desire to connect with BTS, which enhances their appreciation for the group's music and messages. This type of interactive engagement will lay the groundwork for BTS to maintain their influence on the global stage.
Furthermore, BTS's journey through Asia, America, and Europe redefines the global map, offering opportunities for cultural exchange. They respect each country’s unique culture, fostering mutual understanding. These elements have a positive impact not just on their fandom but also on the broader music industry.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Big Hit Music