From Skeptic to Fan: A Korean American's Journey into BTS Fandom
A Korean American writer recounts her transformative experience attending BTS's Arirang tour at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in May 2026, shifting from skepticism to deep fascination. Initially wary of BTS as manufactured pop, she was moved by the sense of community and representation, seeing Asian faces in every direction. Post-concert, she immersed herself in BTS content, particularly drawn to Jimin and the group's portrayal of friendship and belonging. The article reflects on K-pop's appropriation of Black culture, the global spread of Korean pop, and the personal significance of BTS's Korean identity, including the album title Arirang referencing a 600-year-old folk song. The writer acknowledges the manufactured nature of K-pop but finds hope in fandom as a rehearsal for connection.
Key facts
- BTS performed at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in May 2026 as part of their Arirang tour.
- The concert drew a crowd of 60,000.
- The band had a four-year hiatus due to mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Army.
- The writer is a Korean American whose sonic taste was shaped by Atlanta and Houston rap.
- The album title Arirang references a 600-year-old Korean folk anthem from colonial resistance.
- BTS is managed by HYBE Corporation.
- Members include RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jungkook, Jin, V, and Jimin.
- The article questions K-pop's appropriation of Black culture.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- HYBE Corporation
- The Paris Review
- Disney+
- Republic of Korea Army
- Vogue
Locations
- Las Vegas
- Allegiant Stadium
- Atlanta
- Houston
- Georgia
- Korea
- Ohio