Sokvin Vann found herself stuck in a routine almost four years ago. Encouraged by her brother, she turned to her passion for K-pop and BTS, forming BTS Army Toronto. Despite her brother’s passing soon after, Vann, now 43, continued to expand the fan club, hosting events, giveaways, fundraisers, and promoting local Korean businesses. As BTS prepares to return to Toronto after over a decade, Vann, alongside her son Jordan and a team of 10, is excited about the community they have built.
BTS, as part of their Arirang World Tour, is set to perform two sold-out shows at Rogers Stadium, entertaining around 100,000 fans over the weekend. The devoted BTS Army, known for their deep knowledge of the band, eagerly awaits the performances. Vann attributes fans’ dedication to BTS’s meaningful music, addressing themes like mental health and self-love.
Before this tour, BTS took a hiatus as its members fulfilled mandatory military service. The Toronto stop is the only Canadian destination on their global tour spanning 88 shows across 34 cities in 23 countries. BTS’s impact has been immense, with their album “ARIRANG” debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Fans like Aira Uy, who missed the 2020 show, are excited about BTS’s return. The City of Toronto has even agreed to temporarily rename a section of Yonge Street as “BTS Boulevard” in honor of the group’s visit. Meanwhile, the official BTS merchandise pop-up store on Bloor Street is drawing fans daily.
As the excitement builds for the concerts, BTS Army Toronto is gearing up with activities at the Toronto Korean Festival and near the concert venue. Vann is eager to experience the concerts at Rogers Stadium, featuring a 360-degree stage setup. She looks forward to the unique concert experience and the post-concert gratitude that follows.