TAIPEI (TVBS News) — K-pop fans are turning to Tainan's Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple (台南祀典武廟), a historic Taoist temple in southern Taiwan, for divine help in securing concert tickets. The trend has intensified as BTS (방탄소년단, 防彈少年團), the globally renowned South Korean boy band, plans to perform in Kaohsiung (高雄) for the first time, marking their return to Taiwan after seven years. The concerts will take place on Wednesday (Nov. 19), Friday (Nov. 21), and Saturday (Nov. 22).
A longtime fan surnamed Chen compared the experience of being a fan to romance, noting that praying to the temple's matchmaking deity, Yue Lao (月老), the Taoist god of love and marriage, might help secure tickets. Chen said, "Chasing stars is like falling in love, and after paying respects to Yue Lao, fans generally believe they'll successfully snag tickets to their idol's concert."
Fans have filled the temple's altar with idol merchandise, including photocards, dolls, light sticks, and concert seating charts. One fan explained, "I'm scrambling for concert tickets next week – the form lets you write the show's name and member names, and handwriting is more sincere. I'll bring instant noodles endorsed by members and pay my respect with Kuai Kuai, a popular Taiwanese corn puff snack often used as a good luck charm, and pudding."
Lin Pei-huo (林培火), the temple's chairman, welcomes these fans and suggests they provide detailed information about their idols during prayers, which he believes could help fulfill their wishes. Fans have shared stories of success, claiming that after praying, "No ticket is beyond securing." The phenomenon highlights how Taiwan's traditional religious practices intersect with modern K-pop fandom culture.