After a hiatus of four years, the renowned K-pop group BTS made a grand return on Saturday with a massive free concert in Seoul. The event, exclusively available on Netflix, saw thousands of police securing a central boulevard to accommodate the tens of thousands of fans who gathered for the spectacle.
RM, the band’s leader, greeted the excited crowd with “Annyeonghaseyo!” meaning “hello” in Korean, as BTS kicked off the concert with their performance of “Body to Body.” The seven members of the group, including RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, had recently completed their mandatory military service in South Korea and are aiming to reclaim their position as one of the world’s leading pop acts.
The concert at Gwanghwamun Square marked the beginning of a global tour spanning various countries such as the United States, Europe, and Asia. Analysts predict that this tour could potentially generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each quarter.
The hour-long concert followed the release of BTS’s fifth album, “ARIRANG,” which sold nearly four million copies on its debut day, as reported by HYBE, the band’s management company. Despite RM sustaining an ankle injury during rehearsals, he still performed with adjusted choreography.
The concert, starting at 8 p.m. local time, attracted tens of thousands of attendees to the Gwanghwamun area, with 22,000 fans securing free seats in the designated viewing zone. The show was also live-streamed on Netflix.
Fans eagerly anticipated BTS’s return, with one fan from Italy, Dallila Di Tullio, describing it as a rare and special event. BTS, known for their dedicated global fanbase called the “Army,” made history in 2020 by becoming the first K-pop group to top Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with their English song “Dynamite.”
The impact of BTS’s comeback as a complete group is expected to be significant in the current climate of increasing global interest in K-pop culture. The group’s performance coincided with the success of Netflix’s animated series “KPop Demon Hunters.”
The concert featured songs from their latest album, including “SWIM,” along with fan favorites like “Dynamite” and “Butter.” The members expressed gratitude towards fans who braved the cold weather, with some visibly emotional during the show’s conclusion.
Stringent crowd control measures were implemented in the area, with a heavy police presence ensuring safety and security. The concert venue was tightly secured, and nearby streets and buildings were closed off to accommodate the event.
The new BTS album, “ARIRANG,” draws inspiration from a traditional folk song with deep cultural significance in Korea. The choice of performing at Gwanghwamun and the album’s title reflect the group’s commitment to their identity and heritage.
During the concert, Suga and RM emphasized the importance of showcasing their true selves through their music and performances, highlighting their unity and authenticity to the audience.
