BTS 10th anniversary Festa draws estimated 400,000 fans to Seoul

Event to celebrate K-pop boy band was held at the Han River Park

Fans of the K-pop boy band BTS take photographs of a BTS history wall during BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA in Seoul, South Korea, June 17, 2023. REUTERS / Kim Soo-hyeon

BTS figurines at the event. Reuters

The event was held at the Han River Park in Seoul. Reuters

Handwritten messages were left for the K-pop group by their fans. Reuters

Seoul officials hope that the celebrations, which will continue for about two weeks, will boost tourism. AP Photo

Fans from around the globe commemorated the anniversary. Reuters

Fans participated in various events and explored the exhibits. Reuters

The BTS fan wall. Reuters

BTS fans known as the 'Army' at the event. AP Photo

The event drew tens of thousands of people. AP Photo

The event marks 10 years since the formation of the group, who are on hiatus owing to mandatory military service. Getty Images

The celebration ended with fireworks over the Han River. Getty Images

An estimated 400,000 fans attended. AFP

An estimated 400,000 people gathered in South Korea's capital Seoul on Saturday as fans from around the globe commemorated the 10th anniversary of K-pop boy band BTS.

The band are on temporary break as a group with two of its seven members currently doing mandatory military service, but that did not stop a host of celebratory events this week catering to a loyal fan base known as the "Army".

At the "BTS 10th Anniversary Festa" at the Han River Park in Seoul on Saturday, tens of thousands of fans wandered around the various exhibits including a BTS history wall, stage costumes and commemorative sculptures, many in the band's signature purple colour. The festivities are set to continue for about two weeks.

With hit songs playing in the background, fans danced under shady trees or bonded over their favourite band members.

"Through this event I think we can get experience [of] how we build up our connection with BTS and Army," said Audrey Lintner, 28, a master's degree student from Sri Lanka who was at the event.

BTS leader RM later read out fan messages, performed and received calls from fellow members Jungkook and V at the celebration.

"Time goes by so fast. Everything has changed, and I've changed a lot. I'm not sure what I'm going to be doing with what feelings on the 15th and 20th anniversaries, but my love for you won't change," RM told fans.

The festivities ended with a fireworks show on the Han River, with organisers, local police and fire authorities estimating that about 400,000 people were in attendance by 9pm, according to Yonhap news agency.

"Thank you so much for giving us great music and performances for the past 10 years," said Kim Hye-won, 30, who has been a fan since 2018.

"I'll continue to be an Army for 10, 20, 30 years, so I hope you as artists, singers, extend a lot of positive influence for a long, long time."