Four years ago, Sokvin Vann found herself stuck in a routine, feeling like her life lacked excitement. With the encouragement of her brother, she turned to her passion for K-pop and the globally renowned boy band, BTS, to create BTS Army Toronto. This local fan club, named after the broader BTS fan base known as the “army,” organizes events and meet-ups that unite fans through their shared love for the South Korean group.
Following the establishment of BTS Army Toronto, Vann faced the loss of her brother. Despite her sorrow, the 43-year-old persisted in expanding the organization into a vibrant community that arranges gatherings for hundreds of fans, initiates giveaways and charity events, and advocates for local Korean businesses.
Currently, the fan club is preparing for BTS’s highly anticipated return to Toronto after more than a decade. Vann, along with her 24-year-old son Jordan Vann and a dedicated team of around 10 individuals, has nurtured the fan community with a deep sense of connection and camaraderie.
As part of their Arirang World Tour, BTS is set to perform sold-out concerts at Rogers Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. The K-pop sensation, known for hits like “Swim,” “Permission to Dance,” and “Butter,” will entertain approximately 100,000 fans over two evenings.
Known for their passionate devotion, BTS fans possess extensive knowledge of the band’s history, members, and music catalog. They use terms like “army” and “bias” to describe their favorite BTS member.
Vann attributes fans’ unwavering dedication to BTS’s profound storytelling through their music, addressing themes such as mental health, self-love, and personal growth. She commends BTS for creating music that resonates deeply and makes a positive impact on society.
Before embarking on this tour, BTS took a hiatus as each of the seven members fulfilled mandatory military service obligations in South Korea. The Toronto stop marks the group’s sole Canadian appearance on their global tour, spanning 88 shows in 34 cities across 23 countries until March 2027.
Since their debut in 2013, BTS has risen from underdogs to global icons. Their album “ARIRANG,” which serves as the foundation for the ongoing tour, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S., selling 641,000 equivalent album units in its first week.
Vann, who has attended six BTS concerts in the U.S., is thrilled to finally witness her favorite band perform in her hometown after previous Toronto shows were canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. The upcoming concerts hold special significance for her.
The City of Toronto has embraced BTS’s return by temporarily renaming a section of Yonge Street “BTS Boulevard.” Concurrently, the official BTS merchandise pop-up store on Bloor Street has been attracting scores of fans daily.
As the excitement builds for the concerts, BTS Army Toronto will have a presence at the Toronto Korean Festival, offering photo ops and a craft station. Additionally, Vann plans to share a Toronto guide on the organization’s Instagram to help visiting fans navigate the city.
Looking ahead to the upcoming performances, Vann is eager to experience the intimate atmosphere of the concerts at Rogers Stadium, featuring BTS’s unique 360-degree stage setup. She is particularly excited about the surprise songs that BTS may perform in Toronto, sparking enthusiastic reactions from the audience.
Ultimately, Vann looks forward to immersing herself in the extraordinary concert experience alongside the BTS community, anticipating the post-concert euphoria and a sense of gratitude that follows.