Local fans gathered around the Dubai Fountain Tuesday night to watch BTS member V light up the Dubai skyline in honor of his birthday (December 30).
The façade of Burj Khalifa showcased video montages of the multi-faceted K-Pop artist, alongside a compilation of his various roles, including a ‘singer’, ‘actor’, ‘dancer’, and ‘producer’.
The visual three-minute spectacle also displayed congratulatory message “Happy V Day” and fans’ long-lasting love for V with phrase “We Purple U”, while water streams from the world’s largest choreographed fountain system danced in symphony to his warm, moving English-language ballad ‘Winter Bear’ as fans or ARMYs cheered on in the background.
Born as Kim Taehyung, the member was gifted the LED projection and water show as a birthday gift from his Chinese fans, China Baidu V Bar, who announced the news of their successful project ahead of the event.
ARMYs took to Twitter to share their birthday wishes and love for V, tweeting #HappyBirthdayTaehyung, #TaehyungOnBurjKhalifa, #WinterPrinceTaehyung and #Taehyungbirthday, all seen as top trending hashtags in the country.
His appearance on Burj Khalifa’s giant facade seemingly makes him the first K-Pop idol to be featured on the skyscraper and the second in Dubai overall, following Baekhyun.
The EXO member was honoured with a laser and light show ‘Imagine’ at Dubai Festival City also for his birthday last year. His bandmates alongside himself have also had their own customized EXO-themed light and sound show on Burj Khalifa in 2018.
Additionally, V is surely the first K-Pop artist to have a solo song played at the country’s iconic choreographed fountain show.
The special-themed LED projection and fountain show for BTS’ talented member is no doubt a great gift or way to ring off 2020, providing much-needed light amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused the postponement of much-anticipated shows ‘Music Bank in Dubai’ and ‘K-Pop Super Concert’ earlier this year.
‘Winter bear’ is also a fitting choice to end the new year on a new note, given V’s deep, emotive voice and the tracks’ lyrical warmth.
On December 31, BTS including Big Hit Labels other artists — LEE HYUN, BUMZU, NU’EST, GFRIEND, TOMORROW X TOGETHER and ENHYPEN— will be holding their first joint concert in South Korea. Artists Halsey, Lauv, and Steve Aoki will also be featured for a special collaboration on ‘Global Connect Stage’.
