BTS FESTA gathered over 60,000 fans in Goyang to mark the group’s 12th anniversary with emotional and interactive experiences. Voice messages, personal memorabilia, and global exhibits created a heartfelt connection between BTS and their worldwide ARMY. Despite some online backlash, international support for BTS stayed firm and enthusiastic.
Global Fans Gather for BTS FESTA Celebration
On June 13, 2025, more than 60,000 fans gathered in Goyang, South Korea, to celebrate BTS’s 12th debut anniversary. They filled KINTEX with excitement during the “2025 BTS FESTA,” a large-scale event full of exhibitions and emotion. Fans began arriving a day before the official start, lining the streets and expressing love and support for BTS. Their early presence highlighted the group’s incredible global reach and the unwavering devotion of ARMY. People from every continent traveled for the occasion, proving how deeply BTS connects individuals across cultures and borders.
Voice Messages and FESTA Exhibits Strengthen BTS Bond
The Voice Zone quickly became one of the most emotional spaces, with each member’s recorded message filling the room with warmth. These messages, written by the members themselves, spoke of longing, love, and hope. RM shared how deeply they missed ARMY, while Jin promised to bring renewed strength and smiles with the team. Suga expressed heartfelt love, and j-hope thanked fans for their consistent support through the years. Jimin, V, and Jungkook echoed these feelings with words full of excitement and gratitude. Fans responded emotionally, leaving notes on the Coloring Wall in dozens of languages, turning it into a vibrant symbol of their collective love and support.
Personal Items and Trophies Make BTS FESTA Truly Special
Inside the BTS Locker, fans discovered each member’s unique tastes and lifestyle through carefully curated items like snacks, books, and memorabilia. Favorite foods, old photographs, personal mics, and vinyl records gave intimate glimpses into their personalities. The Trophy Zone displayed dozens of accolades that BTS and ARMY earned together over the years. Trophies from the iHeartRadio Music Awards and MTV EMA, awarded to ARMY, were shown for the first time. These exhibits went beyond success—they reminded everyone of the shared journey, the obstacles, and the moments of joy that defined more than a decade of history together.
FESTA Programs Fill Goyang with Energy and Global Inclusion
The 2025 BTS FESTA featured more than 20 interactive programs that immersed fans in the world of BTS. To support the global audience, multilingual staff—fluent in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean Sign Language—assisted visitors on-site. Official brochures and the event website were available in four languages to ensure accessibility for everyone. Fans could also check real-time booth congestion online, making it easier to enjoy the space comfortably. Beyond the venue, the spirit of BTS spread across Goyang with banners, themed signs, and photo walls in parks, public offices, and tourism centers, turning the city into a true celebration ground.
Mixed Reactions Online, But BTS Stays Strong Globally
On the group’s anniversary, j-hope held the final show of his solo tour “Hope on the Stage” at Goyang Sports Complex. All BTS members reunited for the event—Jin and Jungkook appeared on stage while the rest cheered from the audience. The moment marked a powerful reunion and raised anticipation for the group’s new album later this year. However, reactions online were mixed, especially on Korean community forums. Some criticized Jungkook for previously wearing a cap with controversial text and brought up Suga’s scooter incident. Still, these critical voices represented only a small minority, and overseas fans remained steady in their support. The strength of BTS’s global fanbase continues to outweigh temporary controversies, and their shared journey with ARMY shows no sign of slowing down.
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Back in winter 2022 when Jin enlisted, I seriously thought this day would never happen. Then Jungkook’s enlistment day, I just buried my face in my blanket and cried alone. Oh my god, the fact that this day is here now makes me so, so happy!