BTS ARIRANG World Tour Brussels: Céline Simonis Shares Her VIP Experience at the Brussels Concert

Hello Céline! First of all, what made you become a BTS fan?

I became a fan in November 2022. It all started with their music. Then I began exploring their albums in greater depth, followed by their content like In the SOOP and Run BTS!. Little by little, without even realizing it, they become part of your daily life... and then part of your heart.

Beyond their music, it was their personalities that truly touched me. Their friendship, the bond they share, and the love and respect they show ARMY. I admire the values they promote: always positive messages, humility, kindness, and deep respect despite their immense success. They have remained true to themselves.

And then there's the joyful chaos that defines them whenever they're together. They're funny, lovable, authentic... Add their exceptional talent to the mix, and you have a combination that's simply irresistible.

How did you find out they would be performing in your country, in Brussels?

Like many fans, I had been eagerly waiting for the tour announcement.As soon as the dates were released, I looked for Paris... then London... and suddenly I saw Brussels. I think there must have been a dozen exclamation marks next to the city because it was so unexpected.I read it once, then twice, just to make sure I wasn't dreaming. When I realized Brussels was actually part of the tour, I could hardly believe my eyes.

I simply thought, "Wow... it's really happening."

How did buying your VIP ticket go?

It was incredibly stressful.

Actually, a friend managed to buy my ticket for me. At the time, it seemed that transferring VIP tickets was either forbidden or would cause you to lose the VIP benefits, such as the soundcheck and exclusive gifts.

So we anxiously waited for the email from the organizers, which arrived two or three days before the concert. When it confirmed that the ticket could indeed be transferred with all the VIP benefits intact, it was an enormous relief.

What advice would you give someone hoping to get a VIP ticket?

The first piece of advice is simple: start saving. Although the ticket prices were much lower than many people expected, they still represent a significant expense for some. That said, I truly believe the experience is worth every penny.

Secondly, never give up. Even when a concert is officially sold out, tickets can reappear on Ticketmaster because of expired shopping carts or cancellations. As long as ticket sales haven't officially closed, anything is possible.

And, of course, you also have to accept that luck always plays a part.

How did you prepare for the day? Did you plan a special outfit?

Honestly, I don't think you can ever be fully prepared for an experience like this. And to be completely honest, I'm still not sure I've fully processed everything I experienced.

My outfit, however, required a lot of thought. I wanted to take inspiration from the ARIRANG concept, using a black and red color palette. I designed a base outfit with several interchangeable pieces so I could adapt it for each concert I was attending: Madrid, Brussels, and then Paris.

I think preparing your outfit is an important part of the experience. Many ARMY enjoy imagining what they'll wear, hunting for the perfect pieces, and creating something that reflects who they are. It's not about attracting attention—it's about feeling comfortable, gaining confidence, and fully embracing a moment you've sometimes waited years to experience.

In the end, the concert doesn't begin when the lights go out. It begins long before that, with the very first preparations.

How was the welcome for VIP ticket holders?

It was excellent. I didn't encounter any problems. The check-in process was quick: I received my wristband and gift bag before heading to the waiting area until the doors opened for the soundcheck.

How was the wait before entering the stadium?

The atmosphere was calm, probably because it was raining. ARMY were exchanging freebies, and some had already started singing. Since I was on my own, I experienced the wait differently from those who had come with friends.

People often talk about ARMY's kindness. Did you experience it yourself?

Absolutely.

I attended both concerts. On the second night, I had a seated VIP ticket. After waiting for several hours, my feet were really hurting, so I sat down for a moment. The person next to me immediately asked if I was okay.

For me, ARMY's kindness isn't just a stereotype—it's something I genuinely experienced.

Was the VIP ticket worth the price?

Yes, without any hesitation.

A few aspects of the stadium could have been improved. The walkways were quite narrow, we were standing in direct sunlight, and there wasn't a nearby place to buy drinks. But those were infrastructure issues rather than problems with the concert organization itself.

The soundcheck, on the other hand, is a truly unique experience. The members are more relaxed and less polished than during the actual performance. They joke around, interact with the audience, and show a more spontaneous side of themselves.

I had a Seated VIP ticket and, looking back, I think I would have preferred standing in the pit to be closer to the stage. Even so, if I had the chance to do it again, I'd buy a VIP ticket without a second thought.

                                                                                    Stage before the soundcheck – BTS Concert in Brussels, July 2, 2026. Photo credit: Céline Simonis.

                                                                                                                     Jimin during the soundcheck – BTS Concert in Brussels, July 2, 2026. Photo credit: Céline Simonis.

                                                                                                     The image quality has been intentionally reduced out of respect for fans who have not yet attended the tour.

What did you feel during the soundcheck?

Pure happiness.

After waiting for so long, finally seeing BTS in front of you feels almost unreal. It's difficult to believe that the moment is actually happening.

They radiate a very special kind of energy. They're incredibly professional while remaining natural, relaxed, and playful. You can tell they're genuinely enjoying themselves, and that joy is contagious.

Even though I wish I'd been closer to the stage, that first encounter will remain an unforgettable memory.

What did you think of the VIP gift bag?

I felt a slight disappointment because some of the VIP packages offered at other stops on the tour seemed a little more complete.

On the other hand, the merchandise stores were the same for every spectator. VIP ticket holders didn't receive any priority access when it came to shopping.

                                                                        VIP gift bag offered to Belgian VIP ticket holders for both Brussels concerts on July 1 and 2. Photo credit: Naoual Serouane.

How did you spend the time between the soundcheck and the concert?

This was probably the aspect that disappointed me the most. Once you had collected your wristband and the soundcheck was over, there wasn't really much to do. Apart from the food trucks, there were no official BTS-related activities.I would have loved to see a proper ARMY Zone, similar to those organized in other cities, with entertainment, dedicated spaces, and special events for fans. A few partner brands organized small activities, but nothing was directly connected to the concert organizers. I sincerely hope this aspect will be expanded the next time BTS comes to Belgium.

A word about Belgium's visibility to BigHit?

Just one word: charts.

Album sales and streaming numbers demonstrate a country's interest in an artist. They probably play a role in determining which cities are included on a tour. So whether you're ARMY or not... you know what you have to do.

What does it feel like when the concert finally begins? Do you remember those first few seconds?

Yes, very clearly. It begins with the traditional music building anticipation. Then the dancer appears carrying a smoke flare. The first notes echo through the stadium... and suddenly everything becomes real. When Hooligan starts, all those months of waiting disappear instantly. The adrenaline rushes in. You finally realize that the moment you've imagined for so long is actually happening. From then on, there's only one thing you want to do: sing, enjoy every second, and never forget a single moment.

What was your reaction when the members appeared on stage?

My first reaction wasn't to scream—it was disbelief. I looked around at the other ARMY, almost as if I needed to confirm that we were all witnessing the same thing. I was shaking, covering my mouth with my hand, repeating to myself, "This can't be real... they're actually here."

Then the stadium's energy completely took over. Everyone started screaming, I began singing along with the crowd, and I let myself be carried away by the concert.

The tears came later, during some particularly emotional moments. But when they first appeared, what I felt above all was amazement—and a great deal of disbelief.

Which song left the biggest impression on you?

It's impossible to choose just one.

If I absolutely had to answer, I'd say For Youth and Into the Sun. The first was an incredible surprise. Nobody expected to hear it, and from the very first notes, emotion spread throughout the entire stadium. It felt like time had stopped. Into the Sun holds a special place in my heart. It's already one of my favorite songs from the ARIRANG album, but experiencing it live was something entirely different. On the night of the VIP concert, the show started a little earlier. As the song began, the sun was setting. Watching the ARMY Bombs light up the stadium with warm orange reflections while Into the Sun played was simply magical. Those are the two songs that gave me the biggest goosebumps.

What was the most emotional moment?

Without a doubt, the speeches from all seven members. They seemed genuinely happy and deeply touched by the reception they received in Belgium. I had the feeling they weren't expecting to discover such an incredible atmosphere. Seeing them so emotional made us emotional as well. As both a fan and a Belgian, I felt proud that our audience had managed to leave such a lasting impression on them. It's a moment I'll remember for a very long time.

How long did it take you to come down emotionally after the concert?

Honestly... I still haven't. I still feel like I'm walking on clouds. I think I'll fully process everything I've experienced once the final concert of the tour is over. That's probably when the famous "post-concert depression," as we call it within the fandom, will finally hit. And I think it's going to be quite difficult.

If you had to sum up the experience in three words?

I'm going to cheat a little. Instead of three words, I'll choose three syllables: Apobangpo.

ARMY Forever, Bangtan Forever.

                                                                 The seven members greet the audience after performing the final song during the Brussels concert on July 2. Photo credit: Naoual Serouane.

Featured on Honorary.Reporter of Koreanet on 8 July 2026