(Twitter @BTS_twt)

BTS is big in North Korea, according to North Korean defector Kang Nara, a regular panelist on the talk show “Joint Studying Area (JSA).”

The K-pop phenomenon’s 2017 hit “Spring Day” is also a beloved song in North Korea.

“North Korean teenagers hum along to the song in the streets,” she said. “That’s how popular BTS is up there (in North Korea.)”

(Twitter @BTS_twt)

“Had BTS been part of the South Korean art troupe at the recent summit, they would have been received with a lot of enthusiasm,” Kang said. “I mean, the reaction would have been explosive.”

A South Korean journalist who also appeared on the show said that while BTS was among the bands chosen to take part in the performance in Pyongyang, it couldn’t attend due to prior commitments.

“Joint Studying Area (JSA)” is a talk show featuring a panel consisting of South and North Korean television personalities. The show airs Tuesdays at 9:55 p.m. on the E Channel.

Watch the segment at https://www.vlive.tv/video/94081.

Naver’s real-time broadcasting app V allows fans to interact with their favorite K-pop stars through live broadcasts. The app is available for Android and iOS. For more information, visit http://www.vlive.tv.

By The Korea Herald (khnews@heraldcorp.com)

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.naver.vapp
Apple App Store https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1019447011?mt=8