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BTS' Los Angeles show on Day 1 (September 1) turned into a global celebration dedicated to the boy band's youngest member, Jungkook. The Golden Maknae,
who turned 29, couldn't hold back his smile as he chuckled, seeing the immense love pouring in for him live on stage, not just from his fellow bandmates and the audience sitting in the sold-out SoFi Stadium, but even from the fans across the world who were watching the concert online. BTS chose to livestream the show, and it became a pure, beautiful, and emotional memory JK took home.
BTS Week in LA
The special concert, which streamed in India early on September 2, followed after Los Angeles had recently officially proclaimed September 1 to 8 as 'BTS Week' to celebrate the pop supergroup's four chock-a-bloc concerts. The news was confirmed by the band's agency BigHit Music. The citywide tribute coincided with BTS' ongoing ARIRANG World Tour, with the group scheduled to perform for four back-to-back days. The honour added LA to the growing list of cities worldwide that have recognised BTS with special commemorative events and proclamations.
The concert on its opening night was all about Jungkook. From his six Hyungs making sure their youngest one remains under absolute limelight with regular birthday shoutouts, dedications, and mentions to the stadium embracing what came to be called the golden lights project, the entire show was laden with adorable moments.
1. BTS non-stop wishes for JK
BTS made sure they plugged in wishing Jungkook whenever they got a chance. In the middle of the Mic Drop, RM kept his customary change of lyrics, but this time brought in a "Happy birthday, JK" before Jin continued the singing with a broad grin. This was repeated during the FYA act when Taehyung screamed "Saengil chukhahamnida!"
2. ARMY sang Happy Birthday song
As 'Happy Birthday Jung Kook' was displayed on the massive LED screens, Jungkook was made to wear a crown, and in absolute unison, the band and the stadium audience erupted into a loud birthday song, leaving him blushing and gushing!
3. Golden lights project
Often called the golden voice of BTS, Jungkook received the perfect treatment as precious as gold. The organisers switched off the stadium lights, and ARMY turned off their bombs as a golden light filled every nook and corner of the venue. It was a sight to behold that left Jungkook emotional.
4. Jungkook's special gift to a fan
Wearing glasses, a rare practice, Jungkook sported a nerdy look. His customised T-shirt with the print 'HBD JK' was the highlight of the day. But the clothing soon landed with a lucky fan. Jungkook got down from the stage and gifted the T-shirt along with his birthday crown to a disabled girl fan who was rooting for him from a wheelchair. While the gesture left everyone in awe, it brought a huge smile to the girl's face.
5. Bejewelled cake
A cake that's now the hottest-selling item in the US rose from Jungkook's birthday celebration. Just before the show, J-Hope had posted a photo of a cake with a bedazzling theme for JK, and it began trending in the United States. The specially created cake had gemstones stuck to it, highlighting the precious member of BTS. Before the concert, Jungkook had done a special birthday Weverse live where he expressed gratitude towards his parents for bringing him in the world, and the fans for their continued support.
Maknae Line ensured all spotlight fell on JK
The idol ended his day with a heartfelt bow to the ARMY across the world at SoFi Stadium. The beauty of the moment was how Jimin reiterated V's gesture. V had previously pushed JK into the centre when they entered the stage so that he could grab all the attention. After the show ended, Jimin repeated it and asked Jungkook to stay at the venue for a few more seconds and be the last one to exit, thoroughly turning the spotlight on him.
