K-pop takes over Gulistan-e-Johar: BTS fan plasters Jungkook's posters in Karachi

ARMY member promoted singer's solo

KARACHI:

In a testament to the unwavering dedication of BTS fans, an ARMY member from Karachi named Alina H took the initiative to put up posters of Seven across the city to promote the solo debut of Jungkook, the youngest member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group.

Alina's efforts were met with enthusiasm and excitement from fellow Pakistani ARMYs, reflecting the group's immense popularity in the region. A passionate BTS fan and member of the ARMY for six years, Alina spearheaded the initiative to promote Jungkook's solo debut by putting up Seven posters across Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi. Supported by her father, Alina successfully plastered the posters in prominent locations, including the Pedestal Bridge Opposite Karachi University, Universal Medicos, near Continental Bakery, beside Stylo at Kamran Chowrangi, Dar ul Sehat, and Rufi Lake Drive gate Perfume Chowk.

Jungkook’s SEVEN posters are up in Gulistan e Johar Karachi Pakistan
📍 Pedestal Bridge Opposite Karachi University
📍 Universal Medicos (behind one of the fridges) near Continental Bakery
📍 beside Stylo, Kamran Chowrangi
📍 Dar ul Sehat
📍 Rufi Lake Drive gate Perfume Chowk pic.twitter.com/gLwHIQCEkg

— alina⁷ ᵇʸ ʲᵏ jugnu's luvrr 🥰 (@KIMKTNAM) July 12, 2023

"Seven posters were seen all around the world in different countries," Alina explained in a conversation with The Express Tribune. "Some were officially [distributed] by their company (Hybe, a South Korean multinational established by Bang Si-hyuk as Big Hit Entertainment Co in 2005) and some were solely [put up] by ARMYs [for] the love of Jungkook. However, Pakistan had not done it yet. [Thus,] I got the urge to go ahead and put a few around in my city, Karachi, as well." She thanked her father for helping her out with the otherwise arduous task.

"There were obviously some curious faces thinking [about] what we were actually putting up on the walls and even asking us about them, but they were not judging [us] at all," added the young BTS fan. She further stated that her intention in doing so was to "make Pakistani ARMYs feel happy and heard."

SPOTTED THEMMM YAYYYYY. People were side-eyeing us because we were screaming at a poster lmaoo. https://t.co/rygOZrIPpI pic.twitter.com/MvF1GmPzD2

— btstatsreminder⁷ by jk is coming! 7️⃣ (@btstatsreminder) July 12, 2023

look who i found today in karachi after crossing a pedestrian bridge for The second time (ever) in my life it was all SO worth i made a beautiful memory today thank u so much for putting these up @KIMKTNAM 🥹💓 jaykay is in perfect condition for a poster !!! pic.twitter.com/IIna285Y4U

— ynmn’s gf⁷🥢 (@pjmnyoon) July 13, 2023

While Alina initially did not anticipate a massive response, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Seven posters in Karachi surpassed her expectations. The Gulistan-e-Johar area, chosen based on suggestions from local ARMYs, seemed to have embraced the campaign wholeheartedly. Alina witnessed an outpouring of support and enthusiasm as fans shared pictures of the posters on social media platforms. She shared an anecdote on Twitter about a man coming up to her and her father, inquiring about the posters, and recommending they be placed near the Millennium Mall area to capture a greater audience.

Local ARMY members have often tried to support their favourite K-pop group, all while asking for nothing in return. "We, as a fandom, are really huge and [are] known to be dedicated fans [globally], but as Pakistani ARMYs, we have been [putting in] a lot of effort, like celebrating BTS' anniversary, and birthdays of members. We also wish the members well on their birthdays by putting up LED ads in malls or just billboards around different cities, and by making many donations in their names," said Alina.

JungKook — ‘Seven’ Promotional Posters are now up at the famous restaurant in Karachi, Pakistan 🇵🇰

📍 Soul Spice, Prime Beach Appartments Block 4

Thank you so much to the restaurant staff for accepting the request! #JungKook_Seven pic.twitter.com/jEwek54nVH

— BTS Pakistan Streaming 🇵🇰 (@btspkstreaming) July 13, 2023

Continuing further, she stated, "All of this is recognised around the world and Korean magazines have mentioned some of our events that happened all across Pakistan. Spotify, which is a very important platform for us to be noticed by BTS, has had a good success rate on the charts, like charting new releases at No. 1 with a huge number of streams. BTS is mostly in the top listened-to artist charts in Pakistan. Our ranking on YouTube grew as well in recent years. Music videos trend within the top five, while we try to contribute as many views as we can."

Alina explained how local fans get to witness BTS concert screenings and documentaries in cinemas, which are no less than celebrations for ARMY members. This is, according to the young BTS fan, a rarity, given that fans from many countries do not get to witness this at times. "We might not have [received] proper recognition from them for now, but they know about us Pakistani ARMYs. Honestly, we don’t do these events to only get attention from BTS members, although obviously, we do want that, but it's also due to our unconditional love for them just to make ourselves happy."

Unfazed by naysayers and any kind of backlash, Alina stated, "There was a time when we felt hesitant in promoting BTS, but now, we are loud and proud about it and ignore what non-ARMYs actually say [about] and feel towards them."

Seven is Jungkook's highly anticipated first major solo single, which features a surprise collaboration with renowned female rapper Latto. While the lyrics allude to the sizzling chemistry between the artists, the music itself exudes a chill and high-energy vibe, positioning it as a strong contender for the "songs of the summer" category. In an email interview with Variety, Jungkook expressed his surprise at the potential hit status of the track and his ecstatic response to such a reception. “I honestly didn’t have a huge goal in mind, but since you said that, I’d be ecstatic if it becomes a ‘hit,'” said the singer.

BTS, short for Bangtan Sonyeondan or Beyond the Scene, is a South Korean group that burst onto the music scene in June 2013. Since their debut, they have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide and gained Grammy nomination status.

Comprising seven talented members—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—BTS has garnered recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, captivating performances, and their genuine interactions with fans. They have solidified their status as "21st-century Pop Icons" by breaking numerous world records and achieving unparalleled success.

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