Toronto city councillors Lily Cheng and James Pasternak have introduced a motion to temporarily rename a section of Yonge Street to “BTS Boulevard” as part of the South Korean pop band’s upcoming stop on the BTS Arirang World Tour. According to the agenda item summary, the proposal aims to welcome the group and their fanbase, known as ARMY, to Korea Town North.
Proposed Yonge Street Renaming Details
The motion calls for temporary street signs to be installed along a specific stretch of Yonge Street, running from North York Boulevard to Finch Avenue. According to the document, the initiative serves as a nod to the band’s song “You Never Walk Alone” and aims to celebrate the cultural connections fostered by the group.
In addition to the temporary signage, the motion requests that the signs be illuminated in purple when the band performs in Toronto on August 22 and 23.
Did you know? The BTS Arirang World Tour marks the group’s first concert tour in four years, following a hiatus while all seven members completed their mandatory South Korean military service.
Precedent for Temporary Street Renaming in Toronto
This proposal follows a similar civic initiative from 2024. According to city records, former Scarborough–Rouge Park city councillor Jennifer McKelvie successfully introduced a motion to temporarily rename sections of Queen Street West and John Street—between Nathan Phillips Square and the Rogers Centre—to “Taylor Swift Way” during the artist’s Eras Tour.
City council is scheduled to vote on the BTS Boulevard motion at the end of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Toronto City Council vote on the BTS Boulevard motion?
Which section of Yonge Street would be renamed?
The proposal designates the stretch of Yonge Street from North York Boulevard to Finch Avenue for the temporary “BTS Boulevard” signs.
When is BTS performing in Toronto?
The band is scheduled to perform in Toronto on August 22 and 23 during the BTS Arirang World Tour.
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