Sokvin Vann found herself stuck in a rut almost four years ago. Encouraged by her brother, she channeled her love for K-pop and the globally renowned boy band, BTS, into creating BTS Army Toronto. Despite facing personal tragedy with her brother’s passing shortly after, Vann, now 43, transformed the fan club into a thriving community in Toronto. This community organizes various events, giveaways, fundraisers, and supports local Korean businesses, all centered around their shared admiration for the South Korean band.
Currently, BTS Army Toronto is preparing for BTS’s highly anticipated return to Toronto after over a decade. Vann, along with her 24-year-old son Jordan and a team of around 10 individuals, is excited about the upcoming concerts at Rogers Stadium where BTS will perform for two nights, entertaining approximately 100,000 fans.
The fervent fandom of BTS, known as the Army, is characterized by their deep knowledge of the band’s history, members, and music catalog. Fans use terms like “army” and “bias” to express their affection for their favorite BTS member.
Vann attributes fans’ intense devotion to BTS’s music, which delves into themes such as mental health, self-love, and personal growth. She commends the band for infusing meaning and intention into every aspect of their work, from lyrics to visual art.
Prior to this tour, BTS took a hiatus as each member fulfilled mandatory military service obligations in South Korea. Their visit to Toronto is part of the Arirang World Tour, spanning 88 shows in 23 countries until March 2027.
The excitement surrounding BTS’s return has permeated Toronto, evident from the temporary co-naming of a section of Yonge Street as “BTS Boulevard” by the city council. The official BTS merchandise pop-up store on Bloor Street has been a hub of activity, drawing in hundreds of fans daily.
As the anticipation mounts for the concerts, BTS Army Toronto led by Vann will be actively engaged in the Toronto Korean Festival. They will also facilitate community events near the concert venue for fans to connect, enjoy food, and capture memories before the shows.
Looking ahead to the performances at Rogers Stadium, Vann is eager to experience the unique concert setup and anticipates the surprise elements that BTS often incorporates into their live shows. Despite the inevitable post-concert depression, Vann believes the concert experience will leave a lasting sense of gratitude and connection within the BTS community.