BTS, the Most Popular Boy Band in the World Perform in Saudi Arabia

posted on: Dec 30, 2019

By: Ala Abed-Rabbo/Arab America Contributing Writer

Known as the Bangtan Boys, Bullet Proof Boy Scouts, BTS is a seven-member South Korean boy band established in Seoul. They are a K-pop (part of the Korean pop) group and include seven members – Their Stage Names are Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. They began in 2013 and have since rocketed to global fame.

BTS began their career through the Big Hit Entertainment label, at the time it was a small agency. Their songs were mainly based on the challenges of society and following one’s dreams. They started with the song “No More Dream,” and since has been gradually climbing the ladder of triumph.

Moreover, they have accomplished an astonishing level of universal recognition, with thousands of dedicated fans that follow the group’s every move. People enjoy the boy bands’ videos because of the bright use of color, remarkable dance choreography, catchy melodies, amazing special effects, and eye-popping style. Also, their songs always share a strong message concerning social issues, love, freedom, and hope.

Also, they have won the iHeartRadio Music Award for “Best Fan Army,” the Billboard Music Award for “Top Social Artist,” and the Seoul Music Awards for “Best New Artist.” The group is presently on an international tour, performing arts hits, such as “Idol,” and “Boy with Luv.”

BTS’ Fan-base in Saudi Arabia

On October 11, 2019, the K-pop band BTS performed in Saudi Arabia despite any condemnation about the country’s humanitarian, women, and justice rights. The superstars performed in Riyadh, at the King Fahd International Stadium. They made history to become the first foreign artists to play a solo stadium show in Saudi Arabia.

RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, and the band’s leader, mentioned that they were officially invited and were excited to perform since it had been a while since they had a concert in the Middle East. “If there’s a place where people want to see us, we’ll go there. That’s really how we feel,” added 23-year-old singer Jimin, whose real name is Park Ji-min.”

The BTS’ fandom, known as Army, always shares their happiness for band’s international triumph. Particularly for fans living in Saudi Arabia, the BTS fan-base conveyed their love for each other and the boy band, expressing on Twitter, “tell hotels and restaurants and public transport services to be prepared, sir. A troop of Army from all over the world will be there too.”

BTS Speaking in Arabic

The King Fahd International Stadium was packed with 60,000 people. Also, the seven members pleased Saudi fans by speaking in Arabic at moments throughout the performances. A video has appeared on Twitter displaying several members of the band using Arabic words when intermingling with the crowd between songs.

The band members also chanted a “happy birthday song” to Jimin as they asked their fans to sing along and used Arabic words. He then ran happily through the stage and thanked everyone for the sincere wishes. Later, the Bangtan Boys thanked their fans in Arabic; they expressed their love, greeted them, and asked their fans to sing along with their tracks.

“Aww they really took their time learning Arabic – that’s our boys,” wrote one fan. Another added, “Their Arabic pronunciation is better than mine”.

The Seven Members and their Saudi Fans

The band consists of three rappers and four vocalists. Their rapper line-up includes Kim Nam-joon, known as Rap Monster, Jung Hosoek (J-Hope), and Min Yoongi (Suga). The singers are Kin Seokjin (Jin), Park Jimin, Jeon Jungkook, and Kim Taehyung (V).

The Saudi fans arrived at the concert equipped with their BTS light sticks, fan items, and BTS-themed outfits and makeup to enjoy the times of their lives. Many fans met and bonded with each other for the first time, as if they were not strangers. They also helped one another, giving light sticks and merchandise to those who could not pay for it. The entire stadium felt like a crowd of friends, sharing their BTS love and connection.

The fans filled the stadium and lighted their sticks to the central control, as BTS emerged on the stage in what appeared like a sea of lights. It was a magnificent entrance, and the fans demonstrated their excitement by shouting each member’s names and the entire first number, “Dionysus.” Their first song performance created an emotional journey for the fans, who smiled, cried, yelled, and sang along with the boys.

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