BUSAN — Global K-pop sensation BTS concluded a momentous two-day concert in Busan on Saturday, marking a significant homecoming for the beloved group. Part of their ongoing “Arirang” world tour, these Busan performances resonated deeply, feeling like a long-awaited return for both the members and their devoted ARMY fanbase.
The spectacular second and final night, held at the iconic Busan Asiad Main Stadium on June 13 – coinciding with the K-pop group’s highly anticipated 13th debut anniversary – captivated approximately 110,000 fans. This sold-out two-day concert series, a key event on the BTS Arirang tour schedule, collectively drew an impressive audience of about 220,000 enthusiastic attendees.
These memorable BTS concerts marked the septet’s first return to Busan since 2022’s “Yet To Come in Busan,” a poignant performance remembered as the group’s final concert before all seven members enlisted for mandatory military service.
The Saturday night show was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. but faced a delay of about 20 minutes due to unforeseen technical issues. As loyal BTS fans waited patiently, they filled the massive stadium with vibrant chants of the members’ names and mesmerizing waves of purple Army Bomb light sticks. This delay followed Friday’s opening concert, which had experienced a one-hour-and-40-minute postponement due to initial crowd management challenges.
The highly anticipated Busan concert opened dramatically with masked performers carrying torches onto the field, setting an enthralling atmosphere before BTS members emerged to ignite the stage with powerful performances of “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” and fan-favorite “Run BTS.”
“Busan, make some noise!” group leader RM passionately shouted, eliciting an explosive roar from the dedicated crowd.
The profound significance of returning to Busan, a city holding deep personal meaning, was evident among the BTS members. Jimin, a native of Busan, expressed his joy at singing, dancing, and sharing precious moments with fans in his cherished hometown. Meanwhile, V reflected warmly on the many indelible memories BTS had created there throughout their remarkable journey.
“June 13 only comes once,” RM reminded the ecstatic crowd, emphasizing the uniqueness of the occasion. “I hope you enjoy this 13th anniversary celebration with us.”
The meticulously curated BTS setlist for the Busan concerts perfectly balanced dynamic tracks from their acclaimed fifth LP, “Arirang,” with beloved fan favorites and global hits spanning the group’s extensive and iconic catalog. Songs such as “They don’t know ’bout us,” “Like Animals,” “Fake Love,” “Swim,” “Merry Go Round,” and “2.0” powerfully showcased a group comfortably embracing its global stature while remaining profoundly connected to its rich Korean roots.
Throughout the spectacular production, traditional Korean imagery was intricately woven into the fabric of the show. Reimagined traditional masks made striking appearances during “They don’t know ’bout us,” while breathtaking visuals inspired by classic ink wash paintings beautifully accompanied “Normal.” The energetic performance of “Not Today” incorporated the iconic red-and-blue colors of the taegeuk symbol, and “Body to Body” featured captivating choreography reminiscent of the traditional folk dance “Ganggangsullae.”
One of the night’s most anticipated highlights came with the inaugural performance of the Korean version of “Normal,” which J-Hope proudly introduced as a special stage prepared exclusively for the Busan concerts, making it a unique treat for the local ARMY.
Fans enthusiastically sang along loudly to global chart-toppers like “Mic Drop,” “Butter,” “Dynamite,” and “Idol,” while the entire stadium united in a powerful rendition of the “Arirang” refrain during “Body to Body,” creating one of the evening’s most universally memorable and emotionally charged moments.
The emotional peak of the evening arrived during the BTS members’ heartfelt closing remarks, as they reflected on their incredible 13 years together and sincerely thanked their unwavering ARMY for helping BTS endure, grow, and reach such unprecedented global heights.
“I think we’ve been able to make it this far because of you,” Jin shared with the devoted fans. “I’m sincerely grateful to Army, and to the members as well, for everything.”
Jungkook, the group’s youngest member, expressed his profound gratitude to fans for dedicating their precious time to the group, expressing his earnest hope that BTS and Army could remain together for countless years to come. Jimin, reflecting on the personal significance of the Busan concert, shared that several of his former teachers were in attendance, extending his heartfelt thanks to both them and the fans for their immense role in shaping him into the artist he is today.
The spectacular BTS Busan concert ultimately concluded with the evocative performances of “One More Night” and “Into the Sun,” bringing to a triumphant close a night that celebrated not only BTS’ latest thrilling chapter on their Arirang tour but also a deeply symbolic return to the cherished city where one chapter of their inspiring story gracefully ended, and another exhilarating one began.
