Jungkook's 27th Birthday: Seoul Fans Create Massive Celebration Despite BTS Star's Military Service
Fan groups transform Seoul with advertisements, photo zones, and charitable donations to honor the BTS member's September 1st birthday
Seoul transformed into a celebration hub for BTS member Jungkook's 27th birthday on September 1, 2024, with international fan groups coordinating massive tributes across the city despite the artist being unable to participate due to his mandatory military service.
HYBE Building Becomes Fan Celebration Central
The most concentrated celebrations occurred around HYBE Corporation's headquarters in Yongsan, where multiple fan organizations created an extensive birthday display. Japanese fanbase "Jungkook Japan" led several major initiatives, running birthday advertisements from August 26 to September 1 on digital billboards at the nearby Seven-Eleven store.
The group also constructed an elaborate photo zone in Hangang-ro Street Park adjacent to the HYBE building from August 25 to September 2. The installation featured life-sized Jungkook cutouts, decorative street lamps, gift sculptures, and a phone booth inspired by his solo single "3D," complete with speech bubbles reading "We want to see you in 3D."
International fanbase "Golden JK Universe" operated birthday advertisements at the taxi stand directly in front of HYBE from August 2 to September 1, while fan account "Sorte" extended their campaign through September 25 at the same location.
Chinese Fans Launch Citywide Subway Campaign
Jungkook's Chinese fanbase "Jungkook China" executed the most extensive advertising campaign, broadcasting birthday messages over 180 times daily on digital posters throughout Seoul's subway system from August 22 to September 5. The campaign covered major stations including Sinchon, Jamsil, Sadang, Konkuk University, and Myeongdong on Line 2.
Fan "Amina" contributed additional subway advertisements from August 28 to September 3, placing colorful birthday displays on four electronic billboards in the transfer corridor from Hongik University Station to Airport Railroad.
Global Celebrations and Light Shows
International fans organized the "Golden Lights Event" to illuminate major landmarks in the United States and United Kingdom with gold and green colors, matching Jungkook's solo album "GOLDEN" theme. The illuminations took place at Capital Wheel in National Harbor and Morrison Bridge in Portland.
Over 2,400 LED screens at Olive Young stores across South Korea displayed birthday messages, while prominent advertising appeared at locations including Incheon Airport.
Charitable Giving Honors Jungkook's Philanthropy
Jungkook Japan donated 10 million won ($7,550) to Seoul National University Children's Hospital for medical treatment of children from low-income families. This gesture followed Jungkook's own 1 billion won ($758,000) donation to the same hospital in April 2023 to support children with rare diseases, cancer, and leukemia.
The original Korean article also mentioned that Jungkook Japan had previously partnered with the Korea Pork Checkoff and Green Umbrella Children's Foundation to donate 15 million won worth of Korean pork to children in need for Jungkook's previous birthday celebration.
Both Jungkook and his Japanese fanbase will have their names permanently displayed on the hospital's donor wall in recognition of their contributions.
Military Service Doesn't Dampen Fan Enthusiasm
Jungkook enlisted for mandatory military service on December 12, 2023, alongside fellow BTS member Jimin, and is scheduled for discharge on June 11, 2025. Despite his absence, the BTS member thanked fans through Weverse on his birthday, writing: "Thank you, ARMY, for the birthday wishes. I'm doing well. I will make sure to complete the remainder of my military service well".
The celebrations demonstrated remarkable organization, with fans creating what many called "Jungkookland" throughout Seoul. Despite sweltering heat, fans lined up at photo zones and gathered at various celebration sites across the city.
The coordinated fan efforts showcased both the global reach of K-pop fandom and the meaningful charitable spirit that Jungkook has inspired among his supporters worldwide. The celebrations served as both a birthday tribute and a continuation of the philanthropic legacy that the BTS member established through his own generous donations to children's causes.
