By Honorary Reporter Oshini Jayamuni From Sri Lanka
Photos = Marian Dimaculangan, Kelly Albers

K-pop sensation BTS from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 held its first in-person concerts in two years, "Permission to Dance On Stage -- LA" at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Army fans from all over the world traveled to the Southern California city to attend this long-awaited reunion with the boy band.

Two Army fans in the U.S. who attended the concert shared their experiences in the event.

       The first BTS in-person concerts in two years were held from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Marian Dimaculangan joined Army in 2014 and saw BTS in a live performance for the first time in 2016 when it headlined the annual Hallyu convention KCON in Los Angeles. She said she has made it a tradition to see BTS once a year whenever it holds a concert in California to reward herself "for working hard throughout the year." 

Marian Dimaculangan and her friends take photos at SoFi Stadium, the venue of this year's BTS concerts, in Los Angeles.

"Ticket buying was very difficult and stressful but expected since Army has seen the number of members quadruple over the last few years. I fortunately got tickets," she said. "Two other Army friends and I drove on the first day of the concert from Sacramento at 3 a.m. and arrived in Inglewood at 10 a.m. When we entered our hotel's lobby, it was filled with fellow Armys. At the concert venue, there were Armys from all over the world. Some gave dance performances while others gave and exchanged little freebies. I arranged about 50 bags of freebies to give at the concert to fellow fans."

"I ordered my concert souvenirs online since the lines at merchandise booths in the stadium were crazy long. We waited in line in front of our entry gate. Staff first checked our vaccine cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test along with our IDs, checked our clear bags and scanned our tickets. We entered the stadium, and the lights started to dim and music came on. I got excited and felt so connected to the 50,000 other fans at the stadium." 

She added, "The performance was mind blowing and the fan chants amazing, with Army bombs lighting up in coordination with the performance. I also marveled over how handsome each BTS member was and how happy they looked on stage. We all needed this after a rough couple of years. I felt alive again and needed this moment."

A scene from the first of four BTS concerts in Los Angeles on Nov. 27

Kelly Albers, 25, is a resident of California who discovered BTS through her sister in early 2017. They stumbled on the music video for "Save Me" on YouTube and spent the rest of that year learning the names of members and binge-watching the group's content. 

"BTS came into my life at a time when I needed it the most. College was tough and I was struggling with my mental health," she said. "I've found so much love and light through BTS, and my life has changed in the best way possible since discovering the boys and their music." 

Kelly Albers spent two evenings at the concert venue of BTS in Los Angeles.

"I was lucky enough to attend the Live Play at YouTube Theater on the first night and sit in the VIP section at SoFi Stadium on the second. The last time I saw the group live was at the Rose Bowl during the 'Speak Yourself' tour, and since Army has significantly increased in size, I was initially a bit nervous." 

She added, "More than anything, I was so excited to finally see BTS in person again after two long years. The group's music released during the pandemic helped me get through some of the toughest moments of my life, so seeing them in person was an emotional experience. I cried a few times and screamed with excitement when I heard my favorite songs live for the first time. I hope that the group goes on a world tour soon because I miss them already."

kalhong617@korea.kr 

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.