From 'BTS Boulevard' to U.S. governor's praise: BTS sweeps N. America on 'Arirang' tour

South Korean boy band BTS is currently on a North American leg of their Arirang world tour, captivating audiences and garnering high-profile tributes from local governments. Toronto's Toronto City Council recently approved naming a stretch of Yonge Street as BTS Boulevard from August 21 to September 23, coinciding with the group's concerts there on August 22-23. The city also intends to declare BTS Weekend during the concert dates.

The band's North American tour follows a European stretch that included performances in London, Paris, and Munich. In Baltimore, Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed his welcome for BTS in a video post, praising the seven-member group for their mission to bring the world together and transcend cultural, geographical, and language barriers. The video featured Korean subtitles and English captions, and included Korean translations of the governor's remarks.

BTS's tour has received similar welcome in other North American cities. In Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the band members with commemorative plaques, while French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife attended a concert in Paris. El Paso County, Texas, awarded BTS an "Estimado Amigo" (Dear Friend) award and declared the day of their concert as El Paso BTS Weekend.