‘BTS Pilgrimage’: Fans walk in BTS’ footsteps, share Seoul moments ahead of concert

Ms Shakhrizoda is one of many international fans who have recently traveled to Seoul as anticipation builds around the group’s return. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SEOUL - From planned itineraries to chance encounters, global fans trace South Korean boyband BTS’ history across Seoul as anticipation builds

“It’s incredible. I can’t believe that I’m here,” said Sodikjonova Shakhrizoda in the middle of Gwanghwamun Square.

With her “Army Bomb,” BTS’ official light stick, in hand, she has been taking in the city she had only seen through screens for years.

In a few days, BTS will perform on the same ground she stands on. Ms Shakhrizoda had made the trip from Uzbekistan after multiple attempts to secure a visa, arriving just days before the long-awaited BTS comeback.

“They healed me,” she said, adding that being here, in the same time and place as BTS, felt deeply meaningful.

Ms Shakhrizoda is one of many international fans who have recently traveled to Seoul as anticipation builds around the group’s return. Parts of the capital have turned into informal gathering points for BTS fans, known collectively as Army, in what has quickly become a global movement.