전 세계 '아미' 서울로…BTS 콜라보 제품 오픈런 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Anchor] With BTS's comeback concert just one day away, Incheon Airport is bustling with fans flocking from all over the world. Thanks to the "BTS effect," the number of foreign visitors to Korea this month has increased by over 30% compared to the same period last year. We will connect with our reporter for more details. Reporter Han Woong-hee. [Reporter] Yes, I am at Incheon International Airport. Foreign fans are arriving in Korea to see BTS's comeback concert, which will be held tomorrow in Gwanghwamun. Some fans even showed their excitement from the moment they arrived at the airport, wearing purple items, the symbol of the BTS fandom, "ARMY." The fans' faces were filled with bright smiles, filled with anticipation at the prospect of meeting the BTS members in person after a long wait. Let's hear directly from the fans. [Rebecca Scholz / German 'ARMY'] "I think this comeback holds great significance. Since it is a crucial moment for the members to return after completing their military service, I came here because I thought seeing the event live in person would be a symbolic experience." The number of foreign visitors to Korea this month has been tallied at approximately 1,099,000. This figure represents an increase of over 30% compared to the total for March of last year. In particular, the number of foreign visitors aged 20 and under has increased by about 40%. This is attributed to a large influx of young fans visiting Korea ahead of BTS's comeback concert. As data collection is still ongoing, the total number of foreign visitors this month is projected to increase by more than 50% compared to the previous year. By region, Asia accounted for the largest share with approximately 910,000 visitors, followed by North America with about 90,000, Europe with about 70,000, and Oceania with about 10,000. Incheon Airport is implementing special immigration screening measures in response to the influx of foreign tourists. They are focusing on reducing waiting times for immigration screening by increasing the number of screening counters and extending the working hours of immigration officers. This has been Han Woong-hee from Yonhap News TV at Incheon International Airport. [Anchor] Ahead of tomorrow's performance in Gwanghwamun, fans are visiting places related to BTS or purchasing merchandise. In particular, products featuring motifs of traditional Korean culture are reportedly capturing the hearts of "ARMYs" around the world. We connect now to our reporter at the National Museum of Korea. Reporter Shin Hyun-jung. [Reporter] Yes, I am at the National Museum of Korea. Since 1 p.m. today (the 20th), the so-called "BTS MUSEUS," released through a collaboration between BTS and the National Museum Foundation, has been on sale here. As this is a collaboration product commemorating BTS's comeback, interest from ARMYs around the world is extremely high. This collaboration product, consisting of a total of eight items ranging from hair accessories and skirts to keyrings, is being sold on a pre-order basis. Many ARMYs have gathered long before the pre-order time to wait for their merchandise. The pre-order stock for today (the 20th) sold out early. There were even some ARMYs who turned away because they were unaware of the pre-order system. Let's hear directly from them. [Kumiko Boadi & Satsuko Itsumura / Japan] "I am especially looking forward to the keyring and the poster. I came without knowing it was a pre-order system, so I made a reservation on the spot. I feel that (the product design) is traditional and holds significant meaning." [Anchor] Reporter Shin, please tell us what Korean elements are incorporated into this 'Music' collection. [Reporter] Yes, this 'BTS Music' collection was created inspired by the patterns engraved on the surface of the Great King Bell (National Treasure No. 29). This is a representative Buddhist bell of the Unified Silla Dynasty, also well-known as the Emille Bell. The image of the devotee and the cloud patterns engraved in the center have been incorporated into the merchandise. Offline, you can purchase these items here at the National Museum of Korea and at the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses the Great King Seongdeok Bell. 'Music' has enjoyed immense popularity with every release by reinterpreting Korean culture in a modern way. With the added popularity of BTS, it appears that these collaboration products will also sell out quickly. This has been Shin Hyun-jung from Yonhap News TV at the National Museum of Korea. [Live Connection: Lee Sang-hyeok, Jin Gyo-hoon] #BTS #IncheonAirport #ARMY #Goods #Music #Bangtan ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV's documentary channel 'Docu-Digging'    / @docu-digging   ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV YouTube Channel    / @yonhapnewstv23   ▣ The beginning of Korean news: Yonhap News TV http://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/