Entertainment

Giant dolls, subway ads and more: How are fans celebrating BTS V’s 30th birthday in Seoul?

By Samira Vishwas

BTS V 30th birthday: BTS member V turned 30 on Tuesday (December 30), and fans in South Korea marked the milestone with one of the most elaborate birthday celebrations ever seen for a K-pop star. The celebrations unfolded across Seoul, transforming public spaces, transport hubs and cafés into vibrant fan-driven tributes for the global icon.

This birthday carried special meaning for fans, as it marked V’s first birthday outside the military after completing his 18-month enlistment in 2022. The return to civilian life was celebrated on a grand scale, reflecting both relief and renewed excitement among the fandom.

How are fans celebrating V’s birthday in South Korea?

One of the biggest attractions stood at Hangang Cruise Terminal, one of the busiest spots at Hangang Park. A towering six-metre-tall giant doll of V drew massive crowds. The figure wore a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, a nod to the moment when V threw the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium in August 2025. Locals and tourists alike gathered around the installation, making it a focal point of the birthday festivities.

Close to the HYBE headquarters, fans created a dedicated photo zone featuring a three-metre-tall Christmas tree. The display celebrated the fourth anniversary of V’s solo song Christmas Tree and included life-sized standees of the singer. Fans lined up to click pictures, while another nearby installation across from Seongsu XYZ turned into a popular meeting point throughout the day.

BTS V’s birthday celebration

The celebrations extended across the city. Subway stations lit up with birthday advertisements for V, reaching more than a million commuters daily. Outside the HYBE building, buses wrapped in celebratory messages added to the buzz. Six massive digital screens, covering more than 1,500 square metres in total, flashed birthday visuals in Gangnam, Hongdae, Sinchon, Myeongdong and Seoul Station.

Seongsu-dong witnessed another first. Fans installed the city’s first-ever lapping advertisement at AK Valley, an area that sees over 100,000 visitors every day. The display ensured that the birthday celebrations reached one of Seoul’s most fashionable neighbourhoods.

More than 30 themed café events also popped up across the city. Each café offered custom décor, special menus and exclusive fan experiences. These spaces allowed fans to gather, share stories and celebrate their connection to the artist in a warm, communal setting.

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