Of course, a major reason why these ARMYs are flying out for these shows – some for weeks at a time – is their admiration for BTS.
When asked about her reasons for liking BTS, Coco recounted how a friend of hers “was going through a hard time” and eventually “found solace” in BTS’s songs.
“It made me decide to take a closer listen, having heard a couple of their songs previously,” said Coco.
“I took the time to listen to their discography and realised their lyricism and storytelling was beautiful and their songs for their fans were so heartfelt…It was so incredibly fun, and it had been a long time since a music group really enlivened and inspired me.”
Lee-Zhang, on the other hand, said that she is “very impressed by people who really put a lot of effort into their work and those who hone their craft.”
Calling BTS “incredible” on stage, she added: “The amount of physical discipline and training you have to do to [sing and dance simultaneously on stage]. And then they’re writing songs too.”
HOW ARE FANS PLANNING THEIR TRIPS?
For many fans, BTS’ upcoming tour stops are as much about travel as they are about the music.
Zhang shared that she saw the situation as “a vacation opportunity where BTS is the highlight of the trip”.
She added: “For London and Paris, it will be a two-week trip where we’re likely to explore local attractions, catch some shows and musicals and if possible, other concerts happening that period.”
Others will incorporate BTS-esque activities into their itinerary.
Coco, for instance, will be visiting Jeju as part of her trip to Busan, where she’ll also “hit some of the places that Jimin and Jungkook headed to” in the Disney+ reality series Are You Sure?!
In Europe, she plans to partake in “Namjooning” – the act of living like BTS leader RM. This usually involves visiting museums and enjoying nature.