[Photo] BTS adds US$3.66 billion to S. Korean economy every year

Through their impact on the value chain in tourism, merchandise and related services, global K-pop sensation BTS adds around 4.14 trillion won (US$3.66 billion) annually to the South Korean economy, according to findings of the Hyundai Research Institute (HRI). The HRI also determined that BTS generates 1.42 trillion won (US$1.26 billion) annually in added value (something that makes a product or service more appealing, thus more valuable). Around 796,000 foreign tourists have visited Korea every year for a BTS-related reason since the group’s debut in 2013. The institute projected that 796,000 foreigners on average have visited Korea for BTS-related reasons every year since the group’s debut in 2013.