The imminent arrival of pop idols BTS in Brussels has sparked an outpouring of activities for the first edition of Brussels x Seoul: Korean Culture & Stories. More than 30 locations in the capital adopt a Korean theme to promote the culture of the Asian country from 26 June to 2 July. Restaurants, cafes, bookstores, galleries and museums are among the addresses participating in the initiative organised by non-profit Blending. The centrepiece of the week is of course the performances by BTS at King Baudouin
Stadium in Heysel on 1 and 2 July. The K-pop band are currently on a 79-country global tour to promote their latest album Arirang. It is named after a Korean folk song dating back hundreds of years and presented with the tagline “born in Korea, playing for the world”. A series of off events surround the sold-out concerts, including an open-air photo studio in Cinquantenaire Park. Among other activities are special menus at Korean restaurants in Brussels that have been grooving in number in recent
years. Culinary treats continue at Palais des Thés, which is proposing a selection of Korean teas, while some bars are offering Korean-style cocktails. South Korea also boasts a flourishing skincare scene. The downtown store specialising in K-beauty, Cosmeticary, presents special products and offers this coming week. On the cultural front, galleries and boutiques are showcasing work by Korean artists and designers. Bookstores also invite customers to explore Korean literature, which has attracted a growing international reputation since Han Kang won the Nobel prize for literature
in 2024. There are also workshops inviting the public to learn more about the country riding the wave of cultural influence for some years now. The terrace of Jeux d’éte hosts an introduction into Bojagi, the ancient art of wrapping objects in paper. The week is designed as a free-form tour of Brussels that serves as a gateway to the thriving Korean cultural scene, while also promoting local stores. BTS kicked off their widely-acclaimed tour in South Korea in April before performing 360° shows in
stadiums across Asia, Europe and America. After debuting in 2013, the act spearheaded the popularity of K-pop in the west thanks to slick performances and unusually introspective lyrics. Their dedicated fanbase, known as the Army, have propelled their global superstar status. A previous world tour by the Grammy winners in 1922 was the highest-earning for a K-pop act with takings of $246m. This latest multi-concert trek follows the band’s four-year hiatus from performing due to their mandatory military service in Korea. BTS stands for Bangtan
Boys, Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene”, and consists of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, who co-write and co-produce their material. Photos: BTS ©Live Nation; Brussels x Seoul Instagram account; ©BTS/BIGHIT MUSIC
Brussels x Seoul, Korean culture, BTS, King Baudouin Stadium, Heysel, Blending, K-pop, Arirang, Cinquantenaire Park photo studio, Palais des Thés, Bojagi, Han Kang, K-beauty