BTS successfully concluded the opening leg of their ‘BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG” at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium on the 9th, 11th, and 12th. Across three electrifying shows, approximately 132,000 fans gathered. ‘Live Viewing’ events were simultaneously broadcast in cinemas across major countries/regions worldwide, while audiences from 194 countries/regions joined through online streaming via the global superfan platform, Weverse.
The venue featured a breathtaking 360-degree open stage, with each show drawing an overflowing crowd of approximately 44,000 spectators, creating a magnificent spectacle. Performances of tracks from BTS’s 5th full album, ‘ARIRANG,’ which embodies the group’s roots and identity, were brought to life as works of art, blending seamlessly with traditional Korean aesthetics. A pavilion reinterpreting Gyeonghoeru was erected at the center of the stage, and an extended stage designed with motifs from the Taegeukgi’s (Korean flag) ‘Geon-Gon-Gam-Ri’ (Heaven, Earth, Water, Fire) symbols further minimized the distance with the audience.
The concert overwhelmed the audience with unconventional staging that surpassed all expectations. The opening itself was extraordinary. BTS emerged from a masked entourage, wielding smoke bombs, and instantly transformed the stadium into a festival ground with performances of new album tracks ‘Hooligan’ and ‘Aliens.’ During the ‘Run BTS’ stage, member Jungkook caught a flying drone camera by hand, sweeping it across the stage from a first-person perspective, delivering the raw energy of the scene directly to online viewers. After the opening, the members, with emotional voices, announced the start of the show, saying, “It’s been about four years since we released an album called ‘ARIRANG’ and embarked on a tour. We can truly hear your voices tonight, ARMY (fandom name).”
Stages beautifully blending Korean sentiment with modern sensibilities also stood out. For ‘they don’t know ’bout us,’ dancers held video equipment displaying reinterpreted images of traditional Korean masks, adding an air of mystique. The new title track ‘SWIM’ utilized large fabrics to create wave-like effects, while ‘Merry Go Round’ captivated eyes with its splendid display reminiscent of Seungmu (a traditional Korean Buddhist dance). In ‘NORMAL,’ the members’ silhouettes on the LED screens spread out like an ink wash painting, culminating in a showcase of exquisite Korean beauty.
The stages, created in synergy with tens of thousands of cheering fans, were a magnificent sight. During ‘FAKE LOVE,’ overwhelming fanchants resonated, engulfing the stadium and sending shivers down spines. The concert atmosphere reached its peak as ‘Not Today,’ ‘MIC Drop,’ ‘FYA,’ and ‘FIRE’ were performed back-to-back. Notably, when the powerful intro of ‘MIC Drop’ blared, over 40,000 spectators erupted in explosive cheers. The performance of the new song ‘Body to Body,’ which incorporated the folk song ‘Arirang,’ was also a highlight. The choreography, reminiscent of Ganggangsullae (a traditional Korean circle dance), combined with a global audience singing ‘Arirang’ in unison and a dazzling wave of lightsticks, created a truly spectacular scene. For ‘IDOL,’ members traversed the entire stadium track, making eye contact with individual audience members, and continued the high energy with global hit songs like ‘Butter’ and ‘Dynamite.’ Colorful fireworks continuously lit up the night sky, completing a fantastic festival.
Towards the end of the concert, BTS shared moving sentiments, saying, “Thank you sincerely for your support. We are showing many changes under the name ‘BTS 2.0,’ but the most important things have not changed: the fact that seven of us decided to do this work together, and our sincerity towards you. We will never take for granted the passion that filled this space, and we will always proceed with humility, so please trust us and watch over us with generosity.” Following this, they performed a deep bow, adding, “We have many more stages to show you in the future. We will become artists who repay you with diverse and wonderful performances.”
The concert drew to a close with ‘Please’ and ‘Into the Sun,’ leaving a profound impression. Having successfully launched their tour, BTS will continue with 85 shows across 34 cities, including Tokyo, Japan, on April 17-18, as well as locations in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.
