A massive gathering of BTS enthusiasts congregated at a stadium close to Seoul, South Korea, to witness the commencement of the K-pop sensation’s highly anticipated world tour. After a hiatus of nearly four years, RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook returned to the stage to deliver a performance featuring a mix of their previous hits and tracks from their latest album, “ARIRANG,” their fifth album post-completion of mandatory military service.
Despite the inclement weather with heavy rain, the stadium, accommodating over 40,000 attendees, was filled to capacity for the event. This marks their initial headline tour performance following the 2021-22 Permission to Dance on Stage tour. The series of concerts in South Korea, scheduled until April 12, serves as the launchpad for a global tour encompassing numerous dates across the United States, Europe, and Asia, expected to yield substantial revenues according to industry analysts.
In a recent event, BTS celebrated their return with a grand free concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, attracting a live audience of more than 20,000 fans along with numerous viewers tuning in via Netflix livestream. All seven band members fulfilled their mandatory military obligations, with Suga being the last to be discharged in June 2025, serving at non-military facilities due to a shoulder injury.
In South Korea, men aged between 18 and 28 are legally mandated to serve up to 21 months in the military to bolster national defense against North Korea. Their album “ARIRANG,” named after a traditional Korean folk song with deep cultural significance, debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. The track “Swim” also achieved chart-topping success.
The band, known as BTS or “Bulletproof Boy Scouts” in Korean, made their debut in June 2013 and gained prominence with their 2016 album “Wings” after releasing earlier works like “2 Cool 4 Skool.” They achieved global recognition in 2017 when their song “DNA” entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first Korean boy band to achieve this milestone. The subsequent performance at the American Music Awards further expanded their international fanbase.
Up next on their world tour itinerary is Tokyo, followed by stops in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, with planned performances in Australia in early 2027 and a concluding show in Manila, Philippines, the following March.