By Shim Sun-ah
Outside the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, a buzz of excitement filled the air as visitors snapped photos with giant “BTS” billboards showcasing concert teasers. Fans, proudly displaying purple balloons – the iconic color of the ARMY fandom – erupted in cheers whenever the seven members appeared on the screens.
Laetitia Levasseur, a French student visiting Seoul, was among the excited fans. “I love this place – the palace, the gate and the happy mood,” she exclaimed, capturing photos in the spring sunshine. Despite not securing a concert ticket, she had already visited the location multiple times and planned to return throughout her trip, demonstrating her dedication as a three-year ARMY member.
On the other side of the steps, Park Hee-sun, 48, and Woo Yeon-joo, 44, two housewives from Guri, expressed their elation at having tickets. “It’s a mix of excitement and anxiety, but mostly joy,” said Park, sporting a lavender BTS hoodie. “This is their first comeback since completing military service, making it a highly anticipated event for all ARMYs.”
Woo added, “I can’t sleep! We’ve waited so long for the full lineup to return. I think I’ll cry when I see them,” revealing a black BTS T-shirt beneath her jacket.
The excitement surrounding the BTS concert reached international levels. Nina, a 29-year-old retail worker from Australia, had initially planned her trip around Seoul Fashion Week. “I booked flight tickets before they announced they’re coming back in March, so it was almost like I missed out on something.”
But she then realized the timing was perfect. “It was pure coincidence,” she admitted.
During her stay, Nina made sure to visit significant BTS landmarks, including Hybe’s new headquarters and the group’s former agency building, adorned with fan tributes.
“Standing and seeing where they started their career felt very surreal. We don’t have anything like that in Australia.”
Miral Koradia, 28, a small business owner from India, travelled to Seoul to experience the atmosphere despite not obtaining concert tickets.
“We tried to get the tickets, but we didn’t get the chance,” she explained. “We’re just happy to be here to feel the energy. It’s amazing that BTS are holding such a big concert for free for fans around the world. I’m excited but also a little sad that I can’t attend tomorrow.” She expressed her hope that BTS would include India in their next world tour, recognizing its large and dedicated fanbase.
For countless fans, the Saturday concert symbolized more than just a performance; it represented BTS’s reunion as a complete group following years of solo projects and military service.
“It’s weird because it doesn’t feel like it’s been so long since they’ve promoted as a whole group,” Nina observed. “Especially with how they planned all their solo albums and promotions, it feels as though time has flown by pretty quick.”
Numerous fans shared how BTS’s music had been a source of strength during challenging times. “When I’m sad, their songs lift me up,” Koradia said. Park explained that BTS were the first idols to ignite genuine excitement within her, while Woo emphasized that they provided her with much-needed joy during overwhelming periods. “Because of them, I could forget my worries for a while,” she concluded.
