- BTS Celebrates ‘2024 FESTA’ with Jin’s First Post-Military Appearance

BTS (방탄소년단) and their fans, known as ARMY (아미), celebrated a vibrant and memorable ‘2024 FESTA’ event, with a special appearance by Jin(진) marking his return from military service.

On June 13, BTS hosted the '2024 FESTA' around the Jamsil area in Seoul. The annual event commemorates their debut anniversary (June 13) and  includes various fan activities. This year’s festivities featured interactive booths, photo zones, and a fan event graced by Jin.

Even before the official opening, the venue buzzed with excitement as ARMY from all over the world gathered, many adorned with purple items, a color symbolic of BTS and their fans. The photo zones were particularly popular, with fans eager to capture special memories. Handwritten letters from the BTS members displayed on large screens deeply moved attendees.

Jin's appearance significantly enhanced the event's appeal. Having been discharged from the military on June 12, he chose to reconnect with fans as his first public activity. During the first part of the event, ‘Jin’s Greetings,’ he personally interacted with 1,000 fans, sharing warm hugs and eye contact. The second part, titled ‘Seokjin on June 13, 2024, Weather: Clear,’ saw him engaging with 4,000 fans.

The second event kicked off with fans energetically chanting “Kim Seokjin.” Jin made a grand entrance, riding a bicycle to the main stage, reminiscent of a scene from his 2022 solo single 'The Astronaut' music video. Jin expressed, “It feels like I'm redebuting. Just seeing ARMY gives me all the energy I need.”

Jin debuted a live performance of his 2021 song ‘Super Tuna,’ which he extended to include a second verse created especially for the occasion. Jin also performed solo tracks ‘The Astronaut’ and ‘Moon,’ participated in trending challenges, including Jungkook’s ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’ dance challenge, and engaged fans with a mukbang segment inspired by his nickname ‘EATJIN.’ Midway through, heartfelt letters from the other six BTS members were shared, touching the hearts of fans.

In his closing remarks, Jin shared, “I prepared diligently for this FESTA. Thank you for waiting for me with unwavering patience. I promise to always stay close to ARMY, being your guiding light.” Jin left fans with a lasting impression by gifting them purple flower bouquets as they departed.

Additionally, the second part of the event, ‘Seokjin on June 13, 2024, Weather: Clear,’ was live-streamed on Weverse for ARMY membership holders, allowing fans from 177 countries and regions to join in the celebration, further proving Jin's global popularity.