TORONTO — Fans of the Korean pop group BTS, known as the Army, began flocking to Rogers Stadium as early as 3 p.m. Saturday for the first of two shows the group is playing this weekend. Many donned Arirang world tour merch and jerseys with their favourite members’ name embroidered on them. Claudia Zanteno and Mai Shimla both wore sailor hats from the band’s 2026 “Swim” video, enthusiastic to see the boy band who they’ve followed for years — in Zanteno’s case since 2018, when she was 12. “Their lyrics are very personal and we don’t see that too much,” said Zanteno, who hoped to hear some of BTS’s older hits. Shimla hoped to hear “FYA.” “‘Cause that’s my dance pop,” she said. The sky darkened, however, and as thunder boomed and rain began falling at the outdoor venue in the city’s Downsview area, Rogers Stadium announced it was monitoring conditions. At one point it announced a weather delay and that everyone needed to exit the grandstands and proceed to the fan plaza. But just before 8 p.m., it said the show would continue and that everyone could return to their seats. BTS is touring its latest album with stops across North America, Europe and Latin America. Saturday night’s sold-out show marks the first time the K-pop group plays in the city in over a decade, after their 2020 show was cancelled due to the pandemic. The band went on hiatus in 2022 to allow members to focus on solo projects and fulfil mandatory military service in South Korea. Naiess Karkan, who travelled to the Toronto show on Saturday from Niagara Falls, said he became a fan the first time he heard one of their songs. Unity and diversity are what bring the BTS Army together, he said. “Our main goal is to, like, love ourselves,” he said. Narrin Roya said she’s been hooked since she heard “Boy In Love,” saying the band’s songs and videos have been “just a new world for me and it’s been non-stop since.” “I like that all seven of them are just really good role models,” Roya said. “It’s just nice to have some artists that are spreading positivity and love, and just all-around goodness.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 22, 2026.
