Having gone through milestones of liberation, nation-building, and the кσяєαn War (6·25), South кσяєα once started out as one of the poorest countries in the world. As of 2026, South кσяєα is no longer a stateless nation or an unfamiliar, remote land. кσяєαn media describe it as: “A fully developed country, home to global corporations such as Samsung and SK Hynix, a cultural powerhouse represented by BTS and K-pop, with an economy ranked among the top 10 in the world and advanced technology.”

Meanwhile, on August 15 this year, South кσяєαns joyfully celebrated the 81st anniversary of the кσяєαn Peninsula’s liberation from 35 years of נαραиese colonial rule following the end of World War II. The day also marks the 78th anniversary of the establishment of the government of the Republic of кσяєα in 1948. National pride was felt across the country, and of course, global superstars BTS — even while traveling around the world to meet their fans — could not let such a special day pαѕѕ by.

BTS, in particular, are a group deeply rooted in their кσяєαn heritage and have consistently promoted traditional кσяєαn values through their music over the years. The group has also played an important role in raising кσяєα’s global profile and celebrating the country’s image, and has even been hailed as a national treasure of South кσяєα. Therefore, on such an important national holiday, it comes as no surprise that the members took the opportunity to express their national pride in their own subtle ways.

On the stage of the BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG' concert in Arlington, Jimin immediately caught the attention of fans around the world when he appeared with his long blonde hair braided to one side, adorned with red and blue accessories. The two colors directly evoke the Taegeuk, the iconic red-and-blue circle at the center of the South кσяєαn flag.

Notably, Jimin’s hairstylist also confirmed the special meaning behind the hairstyle by adding the South кσяєαn flag emoji to an Instagram Story featuring a portrait of Jimin.

And that wasn’t all! Another photo showed Jimin wearing a T-shirt intricately decorated with beads, forming patterns reminiscent of Geon-gon-gam-ri — the four black trigrams placed at the four corners of the Taegeukgi. Interestingly, Jimin was not the only member to embody this spirit. j-hope, RM, and SUGA were also seen on stage wearing performance outfits featuring Taegeuk patterns or similarly decorated trigrams.

These seemingly small details touched fans’ hearts, leaving them feeling both emotional and proud. In the heart of the United States, seven sons of кσяєα stood proudly on stage in front of tens of thousands of international fans, carrying symbols of their homeland with immense pride and love for their roots.

Notably, this year’s celebration also coincides with a period when BTS are fιgнтing for greater fairness for Asian music amid controversies surrounding the Grammy Awards. During several recent BTS concerts in the U.S., RM has repeatedly expressed his pride in his кσяєαn roots and identity through modified lyrics in his rap lines.

At the MetLife Stadium concert, RM changed the familiar line “Haters gon' hate, players gon' play” to: “Haters gonna hate and we players gonna play! Born in кσяєα. That's why they don't know 'bout us.” At the final concert in Foxborough, the leader once again changed the lyrics to: "Haters gonna hate and we players gonna play! We don't say 'Hello,' we say 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)."

For BTS, no matter how grand the stages they stand on around the world may be, кσяєα will always remain an inseparable part of their identity. Fans and netizens could not help but shower the superstars with praise and admiration for these subtle yet meaningful gestures: "Their кσяєαn pride is beautiful", "Seven kings representing their homeland", "They carry кσяєα with pride", "The details make this so meaningful", "BTS never forgets where they’re from", "This made my heart so full", "They’re proudly carrying кσяєα worldwide", "Their humility is truly admirable", "They’re truly admirable human beings. But I can't forget how govt treat them, they don't desever our boys",...