Sokvin Vann found herself stuck in a rut almost four years ago. Encouraged by her brother, she channeled her love for K-pop and the globally renowned boy band BTS into creating BTS Army Toronto. Despite the loss of her brother shortly after the inception of the fan club, Vann persevered and expanded the community, organizing events, giveaways, fundraisers, and advocating for local Korean businesses.
The fan club is now preparing for BTS’s highly anticipated return to Toronto after more than a decade. Vann, along with her 24-year-old son Jordan and a team of around 10 individuals, has nurtured friendships and connections within the community that revolve around a shared passion for music.
BTS is set to perform sold-out concerts at Rogers Stadium as part of their Arirang World Tour, entertaining over 100,000 fans across two nights with hit songs like “Swim,” “Permission to Dance,” and “Butter.” The City of Toronto has renamed a section of Yonge Street as BTS Boulevard to commemorate the concerts, adorned in red hues inspired by the tour’s branding.
The group’s meaningful lyrics and artistic intentions have fostered a devoted fan base, with supporters lauding BTS for addressing themes like mental health, self-love, and personal growth through their music. Vann, who has attended multiple BTS concerts in the U.S., is excited to witness the band perform in her hometown, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming shows.
As fans eagerly anticipate the concerts, BTS Army Toronto is actively participating in the Toronto Korean Festival and organizing pre-show events for members. Vann is particularly intrigued by the unique concert setup at Rogers Stadium, featuring a 360-degree stage, and looks forward to experiencing the band’s surprise song choice for the Toronto shows.
Above all, Vann is eager to share the concert experience with the BTS community, expecting a mix of emotions post-concert but ultimately feeling grateful for the connection forged through music and shared experiences.