BTS delivered performances on both August 15 and 16 at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, continuing their ARIRANG World Tour.
The first night’s concert held special significance, not only as the group’s return to the state after three months but also because it coincided with Korea Liberation Day, or Gwangbokjeol, commemorating Korea’s independence from Japanese rule in 1945. This date also marks the formation of the South Korean government in 1948.
Even though the group was not in Korea for the Liberation Day, Jimin celebrated the occasion on stage by wearing red and blue hair clips that represented the Taegeuk, the circle on the Korean flag.
Jimin also sported a pale t-shirt featuring four beaded designs styled as Geon-gon-gam-ri, representing the black trigrams on the flag’s corners.
Jimin’s attire, honoring Liberation Day, captivated the ARMYs. Here are some reactions from netizens on X:
“Omg, Jimin is the pride of Korea and he looked so beautiful with his braided hairstyle”
Some netizens applauded the BTS member for being a source of national pride.
Meanwhile, others admired his ingenuity. Some users also praised his costume and hair artists for their creativity.
For those unaware, both North and South Korea observe the same Liberation Day.
Arlington was colored in purple to welcome BTS to the city
The recent concerts marked BTS’s debut performance in Arlington, and the city warmly welcomed the group by decorating with purple-themed elements to amplify the excitement.
Landmarks around the venue, such as the Collins Street water tower, City Hall, and Rotary Dream Park, were illuminated in purple. Additionally, numerous BTS-themed photo spots were set up throughout the city, featuring large finger hearts, BTS ARMY logos, purple welcome posters, balloon arches, and ARIRANG tour logos.
Arlington is the third-to-last US stop for the Bangtan Boys on their current tour. Their next concerts in the US are scheduled for Chicago’s Soldier Field on August 27 and 28, followed by performances at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium on September 1, 2, 5, and 6.
Edited by Akanksha Mishra
