How BTS’s return to in-person concerts is bittersweet for Army in Hong Kong, with the K-pop stars’ Los Angeles shows sparking feelings of joy, sadness and envy
- Hong Kong fans watched online as BTS performed and met US fans last week, not knowing when they will see them live again given the city’s travel restrictions
- Some fans admit they’re not sure they’re ready to attend a concert surrounded by 50,000 others, especially with the new Omicron variant taking hold worldwide
As recently as 2019, BTS’s fans in Hong Kong could see the South Korean septet perform in the city multiple times a year, with concert tour dates and appearances at K-pop events like the MAMA awards bringing them to local stages. But those fans don’t know when they’ll see the superstars live again.
“When I first heard that they will be starting to hold offline, in-person concerts again, I felt so happy,” says Geraldine Grace Gabriel, an admin of the BTS Army Hongkong fan base who watched virtually. “It was so nice to watch them interact with live audiences again, but I have to admit I felt a bit of jealousy because some Army can watch them in person, but we’re just here.”
“Everyone is so excited, but of course there’s a sadness that we can’t be there,” says Fhebie Lou, one of the organisers of the local fan-focused charity group BTS Army Focus On. “But we’re happy to see them have fun with Army, and see how much fun Army are having with them.”
