(Big Hit Entertainment)

Ahead of making history at New York’s Citi Field Stadium, the bandmates of BTS shared their thoughts on their first-ever stateside stadium concert at a press conference before the show, which began Saturday at 7 p.m. there.

J-Hope

“Performing at Citi Field is really meaningful for us. Both in my musical career and my life as Jung Ho-seok, it is going to be one big (moment in) history. We’ve been climbing up each stair through numerous concert halls, and we feel like the peak is right in front of us. I would like to thank (the band’s fan group) Army for giving us such glory. As much as this marks our best opportunity and moment, we would like to make the best show.”

V

“We’ve finally came to Citi Field as we’ve been dreaming of. I thought we had performed on large stages during our world tours, but never thought we would perform at a bigger place. We will put on the best show for our Army, who are waiting for us outside. It’s going to be a great day.”

Jin

“It’s our great honor to perform in such a huge place not only in Korea but also in the US. Many of our fans sing along with us at our concerts, and just the thought of all those people singing our songs together gives me chills. It’s just so great.”

(Big Hit Entertainment)

Suga

“Our show at Citi Field has a great significance as much as our performance at Olympic Stadium in Seoul and dome concert in Japan. It’s even more touching not only because of its size, but also the stadium’s only allowed to a very small number of artists. I would like to show better performances to our fans, rather than being content with it. I hope Citi Field will become a new start.”

Jimin

“It’s our great honor and pleasure to perform in Citi Field. I still can’t believe it and I have nothing but gratitude for fans who always come to our concerts and support us. I’m excited with an anticipation that the stadium will be filled with our fans. With my gratitude, I will show everything I got at today’s show.”

RM

“I still can’t believe it and it feels like I’ve achieved one of my precious dreams. Many people have been waiting for us outside, and we will try to put on a show that lives up to their expectations.”

Jungkook

“It’s our first time having a stadium show in the US. It’s a great honor and a very special moment, even the best day of this year. I want to enjoy and play in front of fans on stage as soon as possible, and I’d like to thank Army a lot.”

The sold-out show, with more than 40,000 concertgoers, marks the end of the act’s North American leg of its “Love Yourself” world tour.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)