BTS Reunites at 2025 FESTA, Marking a New Chapter
Words by Emma Vurdien
June 20, 2025
Jin, j-hope, & Jung Kook, BIGHIT MUSIC
In a moment fans had eagerly anticipated for years, BTS successfully concluded their 2025 BTS FESTA with a two-day offline event at the KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, South Korea, on June 13 and 14. The annual celebration, which honors BTS’ debut anniversary and their deep connection with ARMY, reached new emotional and historical heights this year, as all seven members reunited for the first time since beginning their military service.
Drawing over 60,000 fans from around the world, this year’s FESTA was an exciting celebration that felt like a heartfelt love letter to the fans who have supported the group through every chapter. Spanning nearly two weeks of immersive online and offline events, FESTA 2025 reflected on BTS’ journey over the past year while also setting the stage for their next era.
The KINTEX venue was transformed into a BTS wonderland, featuring roughly 20 themed booths and installations celebrating the group’s artistry, legacy, and enduring bond with ARMY. Highlights included the ‘ARMY BOMB PHOTO SPOT,’ ‘WHALE PHOTO SPOT,’ and the heartfelt ‘VOICE ZONE,’ where fans listened to personal messages from each BTS member. The ‘TROPHY ZONE’ showcased over 50 awards, highlighting the monumental achievements BTS and ARMY have accomplished together. Interactive experiences like the ‘DIY ZONE’ and ‘COLORING WALL’ allowed attendees to contribute their creativity, filling the venue with messages of love and excitement for the future.
BTS FESTA, BIGHIT MUSIC
BTS FESTA, BIGHIT MUSIC
Beyond the exhibition halls, the FESTA spirit extended to Ilsan Lake Park, where BTS-themed photo zones united fans in moments of shared joy and nostalgia.
An emotional highpoint of the weekend came on June 13, when all seven members of BTS made a surprise appearance at the encore concert of j-hope's solo tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’. What was already a significant finale to j-hope’s solo tour turned into a historic reunion, with the crowd erupting in cheers as the group appeared on screen. Jin and Jung Kook took to the stage as special guests, performing their solo tracks, Jin performing “Don’t Say You Love Me” and Jung Kook performing “Seven (feat. Latto)”, before joining j-hope for a moving performance of the group’s song “Jamais Vu.” The performance spotlighted their musical synergy and served as a powerful symbol of BTS’ unity and the emotional ties that bind them to each other and their fans.
As all seven members complete their military service this June, FESTA 2025 signals a much anticipated reunion and a new era for BTS. The weekend’s events were a potent reminder of the group’s unmatched global influence as well as the unwavering devotion of ARMY, who continue to walk alongside them on every step of their journey.
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Photos courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC