After a hiatus of four years, the K-pop sensation BTS made a grand return with a massive free concert in Seoul. The event, exclusively available on Netflix, saw a significant police presence securing the central boulevard as tens of thousands of fans gathered to witness the spectacle.
RM, the leader of the seven-member group, greeted the crowd in Korean as they kicked off the concert with their song “Body to Body,” eliciting ecstatic cheers from fans waving purple-and-red light sticks and capturing the moment on their smartphones. Having completed their mandatory military service, the band members aim to regain their status as one of the world’s top pop acts.
The concert at Gwanghwamun Square marks the beginning of a global tour spanning multiple shows in the United States, Europe, and Asia, with projections indicating potential revenue in the hundreds of millions per quarter. Despite RM sustaining an ankle injury during rehearsals, the show went on with adjusted choreography.
The hour-long performance followed the release of their fifth album, “ARIRANG,” which sold nearly four million copies on its debut day, according to HYBE, the band’s management company. The concert, starting at 8 p.m. local time, attracted tens of thousands of fans to the Gwanghwamun area, including 22,000 who secured free seats in the designated viewing zone, while others watched on screens nearby and via the live stream on Netflix.
Fans from around the world eagerly anticipated BTS’s return, with one supporter calling it a once-in-a-century event. Since their debut in 2013, BTS has amassed a global following known as the “Army,” achieving milestones like topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Dynamite” in 2020.
The concert, featuring new tracks from their latest album alongside hits like “Dynamite” and “Butter,” concluded with emotional expressions of gratitude towards the dedicated fans who braved the chilly night. The stringent crowd controls and security measures enforced by authorities underscored the significance of the event, with streets closed, transportation services halted, and a heavy police presence ensuring safety and order.
The new album’s title, “ARIRANG,” pays homage to a traditional folk song with deep cultural significance in Korea, reflecting themes of separation and resilience that resonate across generations. Against the historic backdrop of Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace, BTS emphasized their identity and unity through their music, aiming to authentically represent themselves to the world.