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| Photo courtesy of BigHit Music |
BTS FESTA celebrations were extra special this year with all members either nearing or discharged from their military service. The offline event, ‘2025 BTS FESTA’took place on June 13th and 14th at KINTEX Exhibition Centre 2 in Goyang, South Korea. The special occasion, which is always an exciting time for ARMY, brought fans together from around the world to once again join in the fun and celebrate the group's journey since their debut in 2013.
With J-Hope's final two nights at the Goyang stadium taking place right next door that very night, the excitement was on another level. We had the chance to attend both FESTA and HOTS, and the experience can only be described as an ARMY's playground of fun with countless activities to get involved in.
The event itself unfolded over approximately two weeks through a mix of online and offline programming that reflected on the journey shared between BTS and ARMY over the past 12 years. Jin and J-Hope took the lead with content such as new concept photos and ARMY Time, which included a Q&A session based on 12 prompts previously sent to fans. These included fun and thoughtful questions like which songs they’d use to introduce BTS to newcomers, which ones they want to gatekeep, and their favourite catchphrase, to name a few.
The total number of visitors surpasses 60,000. This year's FESTA not only celebrated BTS's debut anniversary but also served as a heartfelt tribute to ARMY in recognition of their continuous love and dedication.
This year, the offline event expanded in both scale and diverse programming, with roughly 20 booths set up across the exhibition halls of KINTEX Exhibition Centre. Standout installations included a giant ‘ARMY BOMB PHOTO SPOT’ that, every hour, would sync up with people’s ARMY Bombs, creating waves of light synced to fan-loved songs such as Mikrokosmos. Screens would feature montages from memorable moments from past concerts. Another photo spot was the ‘WHALE PHOTO SPOT’, inspired by one of BTS’ signature motifs.
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| Photo courtesy of BigHit Music |
Fans were treated to a deeply immersive experience as they explored FESTA-themed installations throughout the venue. At the ‘VOICE ZONE’, fans paused to listen to telephone booths that were equipped with heartfelt audio messages personally recorded by each BTS member, discussing the upcoming festa and the wait that has finally come to a close. It offered a rare and emotional connection.
Fans also enjoyed ‘BTS LOCKER’, carefully curated with items and visuals representing the members’ unique tastes and character. It explored each member's Chapter Two solo debut album with motifs and recognisable objects from their era. At the ‘TROPHY ZONE’, visitors had the opportunity to revisit more than 50 prestigious trophies, which represent key milestones shared by both BTS and ARMY. Showing that together, unity, connection, and joy are all that matters.
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| Photo courtesy of BigHit Music |
The offline event’s lineup of interactive, hands-on programmes offered fans unique ways to craft unforgettable memories. At the ‘DIY ZONE’, fans made and personalised their own sachets (scent pouches) inspired by a choice of their favourite BTS songs and scents. At the ‘COLOURING WALL’, a large-scale album artwork served as a communal canvas where visitors could colour and leave heartfelt messages. The wall quickly filled with vibrant messages of love, gratitude, and excitement, with many reflecting the overwhelming joy surrounding the group’s reunion in June.
On the same day, BTS-themed photo zones were set up throughout Ilsan Lake Park, drawing large public crowds who gathered to enjoy the photo zones and fully immersed themselves in the festive ‘BTS FESTA’ atmosphere.
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| Photo courtesy of BigHit Music |
2025 BTS FESTA drew worldwide excitement as it signalled BTS's long-awaited reunion and the start of a new era for the group. That new chapter began when all seven members were in attendance for the special date during ‘j-hope Tour HOPE ON THE STAGE’ FINAL, the encore concert marking the conclusion of j-hope’s first solo tour, HOPE ON THE STAGE. When their surprise attendance appeared on the big screen on stage, the screams and cries of joy to see all seven in the same room were, as predicted, incredibly emotional.
Seeing the presence of all seven members transformed what was already an emotionally charged night into an unforgettable moment. BTS member Jung Kook also appeared as a special guest and performed on stage to the hit I Wonder, further elevating the festive atmosphere. In addition to that, he performed Seven, in which J-Hope rapped Latto’s parts. Seeing both together onstage letting loose and falling back into what they are so clearly made for was joyous, to say the least.
Later, Jin joined on stage, joining j-hope for a very emotional moment singing Spring Day together. After he serenaded with his gorgeous new single, Don’t say you love me. During their enlistment, it has been said time and time again that soon spring will be here and we can be together. To perform in such a massive moment signalled that the clouds have parted and the boys are back, determined more than ever. As evident on the HYBE building, which proudly adorns the same slogan in glaring white writing – it doesn't say who, but we all know.
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| Photo courtesy of BigHit Music |
Another treat came with the performance of the beloved song BTS song Jamais Vu, delivering a deeply cathartic moment for fans. Seeing J-Hope, Jungkook, and Jin back together excelling at the vocals and just in general camaraderie onstage, the concert served as a reminder of not only the special bond between the members themselves but also between BTS and ARMY.
You can see all about our FESTA coverage via our socials. Also, check out our From Fan to Creative series where we shine a spotlight on the voices of ARMY here.