U.S. State of Illinois Officially Designates 'BTS Day' Amid State-Level Welcome

SBS Star | By Kang Kyung-youn: The U.S. state of Illinois is rolling out a regional welcome ahead of BTS's upcoming concert in Chicago.

According to local media reports, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has designated the dates of the group's concert as "BTS Day in Illinois," ahead of the BTS WORLD TOUR "ARIRANG" IN Chicago, which will be held at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 27–28 (local time).

The official proclamation highlights BTS's contributions to spreading social values, such as raising awareness for mental health, promoting self-love, and engaging in philanthropic activities. It also notes that their message aligns with the civic values of Illinois and praised them for inspiring fans worldwide to participate in community service and charitable donations.

In 2017, BTS became the first K-pop artist to partner with the Korean Committee for UNICEF, working through the "LOVE MYSELF" campaign to support the prevention of violence against children and youth and provide psychological support across 155 countries and regions. In 2020, they also supported the concert industry by donating 1 million dollars to Live Nation's "Crew Nation" campaign.

Illinois anticipates that thousands of visitors will flock to Chicago during the concert period, expecting economic revitalization for the region alongside enhanced recognition as a cultural and artistic hub.

This is not the first time local governments have rolled out such a welcome. Toronto, Canada, designated August 22–23 as "BTS Weekend" and temporarily renamed a section of a road "BTS Boulevard." Maryland Governor Wes Moore released a welcome video featuring Korean subtitles ahead of their Baltimore concert, while El Paso County in Texas declared the concert period "El Paso BTS Weekend" and presented them with the "Estimado Amigo" award.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum met with BTS in person to present a government-issued commemorative plaque, and French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife attended their concert at the Stade de France.

BTS will continue their North American tour at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 27–28. This marks their return to Soldier Field in about 7 years and 3 months, following their BTS WORLD TOUR "LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF" in May 2019.

kykang@sbs.co.kr
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.