BTS’s two concerts at Sol∂ιєr Field in Chicago as part of their “ARIRANG” World Tour have come to an end, but the afterglow of these special days still seems impossible to shake. Even before the concerts began, tens of thousands of ARMYs had covered the city in purple, continuously organizing welcoming events and creating an unprecedentedly vibrant atmosphere together. When BTS finally took the stage, the cheers and fanchants never seemed to stop, showing that Chicago fans’ love for the group has remained just as strong after years of waiting.

In particular, this was more than just another stop on the tour. More than seven years after BTS first performed at Sol∂ιєr Field, the group returned on a much larger scale and received a special welcome from the state of Illinois. August 27 and 28 were even officially declared “BTS Day in Illinois.”

Perhaps because old memories were brought back to life alongside the overwhelming love from fans, the BTS members also became especially emotional when it was time to say goodbye to Chicago.

During his ending ment on the final night, RM confidently declared that Chicago was “the most beautiful town out of the whole αмєяι¢α” and said he would not take those words back because he was truly serious about it. The leader thanked fans for giving BTS the chance to see them again after such a long time, sing along with them, and dance together on this special night.

RM also touched ARMY’s hearts when he shared that he wanted to “get old even more from now on” — wanting to continue growing older alongside fans and share many more years together. Before wrapping up, he thanked Chicago and promised to see the city again in the future.

Meanwhile, Jungkook could hardly hide his reluctance to leave. After letting out a sigh, the Golden Maknae said, “Chicago, I don’t wanna leave!” He even wished that if he could turn back time, he would go back to yesterday. Jungkook remarked that Chicago fans really knew how to have fun, while admitting that he was very sad to leave.

Notably, this was not the first time Jungkook had expressed his affection for Chicago during the two-night shows. On the first night, he recalled the memory of BTS performing in the rain in the city and said that he only had happy memories of being there. So, before leaving Chicago this year, he promised: “I’ll be back very very soon. Until next time please stay healthy, body and mind, and we’ll do the same, thank you. We’ll be back! Thank you and I love you!”

j-hope also shared some deeply emotional words. He said that Chicago brought back many memories, but this return felt different because he himself had changed. “I feel what’s different this time is me, back then I’m always focused on moving forward, now I feel like I can look back, remember those moments and really appreciate how far I’ve come. So this time Chicago feels a little more emotional. I’m proud of how much I’ve grown", he said. 

Finally, he concluded by saying, “Honestly, I know I won’t be that j-hope today without you guys,” and thanked ARMY for becoming such an important part of his journey.

The idols’ simple yet heartfelt words made BTS’s farewell to Chicago more special than ever. For ARMY, perhaps the most memorable part of the two-night shows was not just the spectacular performances, but also the feeling that they were truly seen and appreciated by BTS, and that they were able to create new memories together. Fans expressed just as much emotion as the idols:

- They're so sweet. All your lovers want to grow old with you too. BTS ARMY FOREVER

- My place of birth being the most beautiful to our Namu makes me so very happy

- Jungkook saying “I don’t wanna leave” and wishing he could go back to yesterday actually broke my heart. You could really feel how much this Chicago trip meant to him

- The way all three of them talked with so much sincerity makes me feel like these concerts were just as meaningful to BTS as they were to ARMY. We really made another beautiful memory together

- The love between BTS and ARMY during these two nights was so obvious, and I hope they know how deeply loved they are every single time they step on that stage

- I'm literally in tears right now. Hearing them speak with so much sincerity before leaving Chicago broke me. We don't deserve their pure hearts

- The way they always make sure we know how much we are loved before they say goodbye... Chicago ARMYs, how are you guys even holding up after this?

- I was already sad the Chicago shows were over, but their final message just completely wrecked me in the most beautiful way possible