Illinois Declares 'BTS Day' for K-Pop Group's Chicago Concerts

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. state of Illinois has designated the dates of K-pop supergroup BTS' upcoming Chicago concerts as "BTS Day in Illinois," the group's agency said Monday. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker proclaimed Aug. 27 and 28 (U.S. time) as "BTS Day in Illinois," coinciding with BTS' performances at Soldier Field in Chicago on its "Arirang" world tour. "BTS has transcended international borders and utilizes their platform to champion social causes, including mental health awareness, self-love, and global philanthropy," Pritzker said in an official proclamation. This core messaging of BTS "heavily aligns with the civic values of Illinois, inspiring millions of individuals worldwide -- collectively known as the BTS ARMY -- to engage in grassroots community service and match global charitable giving." The governor also encouraged local residents to embrace "the unifying values of music, culture and community advocacy." BTS became the first K-pop act to hold a standalone concert at Soldier Field in May 2019, during its "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" world tour. The upcoming shows will mark the band's first performance there in seven years and three months. Other North American cities hosting the group's tour have also staged events in its honor. Toronto designated the weekend of BTS' concerts as "BTS Weekend" and temporarily renamed part of a road "BTS Boulevard." Maryland Gov. Wes Moore released a video with Korean subtitles welcoming the group ahead of its Baltimore concert, while El Paso County in Texas proclaimed the concert period "El Paso BTS Weekend" and presented the members with its "Estimado Amigo" (Dear Friend) award.