"ARMY" from all over the world, Yeouido BTS Festa..

About 100,000 people (estimated by police) participated in the "purple wave" at the Han River Park in Yeouido, Seoul, even in the midday heat.

On the afternoon of the 17th, the Hangang Park in Yeouido, Seoul, was crowded with fan club "Army" who came from home and abroad to see the festa marking the 10th anniversary of BTS's debut. From Yeouido Hangang Park from Yeouido to Wonhyo Bridge, BTS' hit songs "Not Today" and "Butter" were played.

April T (40), a seven-year-old "Army" who flew from the Philippines to participate in the event, said, "I usually come to Korea only in winter, spring, and autumn to avoid the heat in the Philippines, but this time I flew after taking a vacation." "I've been visiting many landmarks since Wednesday," he said. Joey Mirasol (40), who came with him, said, "It's too hot, but there's no problem. "I can do the event I want to do even if I wait an hour or two," he said, boasting the paper he received after waiting in line at the booth (brinder list) where he receives the list of songs recommended by BTS members.

Manuela (21, Colombia), who came in February as an exchange student at a university in Seoul, said, "I originally liked BTS, but I didn't know this event would be held while I came to Korea and studied, but I like BTS overall, but the biggest reason I like BTS is because the lyrics are echoing."

The events that fans are most waiting for are "5 p.m., I'm Kim Nam-joon" by RM, the leader of the BTS group, and a fireworks show that starts at 8:30 p.m. Seo Song-yi (31), an office worker who became a fan of BTS's "Blood, Sweat, Tears" in 2016, said, "I'm so happy to be among 3,000 people who can participate in the "I'm Kim Nam-joon" program. Recently, BTS has not been active as a group and there are few big offline events, so I'm looking forward to getting close to ARMY today." Thousands of fans were waiting in line in the experience zone wearing parasols or laying mats and tents under the shade of trees and waiting for the event to begin in earnest.

Some participants fell in the heat while standing in a long line in the scorching sun. At 2:50 p.m. that day, a middle-aged woman from Japan was waiting in front of the tattoo sticker experience booth and collapsed without overcoming the heat. Kang Woo-seon, head of the inspection guidance team at Yeongdeungpo Fire Station, said, "I'm standing in line under the strong sunlight without eating breakfast "I collapsed due to dizziness, but my blood pressure is not high, so I will take a rest in an emergency car," he said adding, "Now, participants are lining up in the hot sun for a long time, so I am waiting all afternoon expecting this to happen." As of 3 p.m., 14 participants visited the medical center installed near Yeouido Station, mostly due to abrasions and heat.

Police deployed about 630 traffic police and traffic management personnel to prepare for emergencies. In addition, the organizer also deployed more than 2,000 safety personnel to maintain order. The police will flexibly control the road in front of the 63 Building, Yeouido Interchange, and Kukje Financial Road at the southern end of Mapo Bridge until 10 p.m. on the same day, and deploy five broadcasting cars after the event to disperse crowds. The police believe that up to 300,000 people and 700,000 people could be gathered on the day.

SEE THE ORIGINAL https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/1096372.html?_ns=r2 

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