BTS Army descends on Rogers Stadium ahead of K-pop band’s Toronto show on Saturday

TORONTO — The BTS Army, or the Korean pop group's fanbase, started arriving at Rogers Stadium as early as 3 p.m. Saturday for the first of two shows the group is performing this weekend. Many attendees donned Arirang world tour merchandise and jerseys showcasing their favorite members' names. Claudia Zanteno and Mai Shimla, both die-hard fans, had been following the band since 2018 and 2016, respectively, and were eager to see BTS once again after a decade-long absence due to the pandemic.

The sky grew darker as thunder rumbled and rain started falling at the outdoor venue in Downsview, prompting Rogers Stadium to announce a weather delay and instruct fans to exit the grandstands and head to the fan plaza. However, just before 8 p.m., the stadium announced that the show would continue, and fans were allowed to return to their seats.

BTS is on tour promoting its latest album, which includes performances in North America, Europe, and Latin America. The sold-out show marked the first time the K-pop group has played in Toronto since 2020, when their appearance was canceled due to the pandemic. Naiess Karkan, who traveled from Niagara Falls for the show, said he became a fan the moment he heard one of BTS's songs.

Unity and diversity are what bring the BTS Army together, Karkan said, emphasizing the band's goal of loving oneself. Narrin Roya, another fan, described the band's songs and videos as a "new world" that has been "non-stop" since she first heard "Boy In Love." Roya highlighted the band's seven members as positive role models, appreciating the positivity and love they spread through their music and performances.