Over the next few weeks, one of Toronto’s most famous streets could look a little more Dynamite (sorry, we couldn’t help it). BTS is bringing its massive Arirang World Tour to Rogers Stadium on Aug. 22 and 23, and as they’re the world’s biggest K-pop group, Toronto has something special planned for their arrival that could potentially rival Taylor Swift’s Eras welcome.
Last month, City Council adopted a motion (with amendments) brought forward by Ward 18 Willowdale Councillor Lily Cheng, titled “Toronto Goes Dynamite! Welcoming BTS on BTS Boulevard,” proposing that a stretch of Yonge Street be temporarily co-named “BTS Boulevard” in honour of the group.
Under the plan, temporary honorary street signs will transform Yonge from North York Boulevard to Finch Ave into BTS Boulevard from around Aug. 21 until Sept. 23, meaning any ARMY members heading to the concerts can make their way through North York, snap photos with the BTS Boulevard signs and check out the area’s Korean restaurants while celebrating the group’s TO stop. Again, it’s giving us serious flashbacks to T-Swift’s sold-out 2024 Eras Tour shows at the Rogers Centre, when the city temporarily designated an honorary downtown route called “Taylor Swift Way.”
And the celebrations won’t stop there! BTS fans will be right in the heart of Koreatown North as the area hosts the Korean Festival at Mel Lastman Square this weekend. Council also directed the city to light the Toronto sign purple on Aug. 22 and 23 and requested that the mayor proclaim the dates “BTS Weekend” in Toronto, with ARMY members encouraged to wear purple for the occasion (for those who aren’t stans, purple holds special significance in the BTS universe, symbolizing lasting love and trust between the group and its fans).
Once BTS Boulevard disappears in September, the honorary street signs are set to be donated to NeighbourLink North York and auctioned off, with proceeds going toward the 415 Food Hub.