| A commemorative medal to mark K-pop juggernaut BTS' 10th year since its debut for 2023, is on display at the flagship store of the Korea Minting, Security Printing and ID Card Operating Corp. in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap |
By Kim Rahn
A commemorative medal and a postage stamp for K-pop giant BTS will be issued in the first half of 2023, according to the Korea Minting, Security Printing and ID Card Operating Corp. (Komsco) and Korea Post, respectively.
On Friday, Komsco showcased a medal celebrating the boy band's 10th anniversary since its debut next year.
On one side of the medal are inscribed the group's and members' names as well as the logo of BTS. On the other side are the number 10 and star-like patterns.
The medal has been made into three versions in gold and one version in silver. Only a limited number of the 87,777 pieces will be sold across the world. Reservations for purchase will be made on a first-come-first-served basis until Dec. 25 on Komsco's online mall, Weverse Shop, Shinhan Bank and Gmarket's global site. Delivery of the medals will begin in March.
"Marking the 10th anniversary of BTS' debut next year, we used up-to-date coining technology to create the commemorative medal that meets the top artist's global status," a Komsco official said in the press release.
| K-pop boy band BTS / Courtesy of Big Hit Music |
Korea Post also plans to issue a BTS stamp as one of 23 commemorative stamps for 2023. The postal service office issues around 20 kinds of stamps every year to mark historically important and meaningful figures and events as well as to promote government projects.
The BTS postage stamp will be released under the theme of "record of youth" on June 13, the date when the now-megastar group debuted. The design will be decided through discussions with the group's agency, HYBE.
"Delivering hope and comfort to the world through its lyrics, BTS has been evaluated as a pop icon representing the 21st century," the office said in a press release. "During the pandemic, BTS has healed the minds of global citizens, and clinched numerous accolades at renowned music awards, including the Billboard Music Awards and American Music awards."
Another star to be shown on the commemorative stamps is Pororo.
The animation, "Pororo the Little Penguin," has been very popular among children all around the world since its debut in 2003. The theme for the character will be "gratitude and celebration."