BTS Fans Celebrate ‘Arirang’ Comeback

Seoul was electric with excitement on Saturday as fans flocked to the city center for the highly anticipated comeback concert of global K-pop sensation, BTS. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as concert-goers celebrated the group’s return, with some even singing “Arirang,” the iconic Korean folk song that shares its name with the septet’s new album.

Gwanghwamun Square was already buzzing with activity in the morning, as fans gathered ahead of BTS’s return to the stage after a four-year hiatus due to the members’ mandatory military service.

The ARMY (BTS’s fanbase) expressed their elation at the group’s comeback with their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” released on Friday. According to their agency, the album embodies BTS’s identity as a group rooted in Korea, paying homage to the beloved folk song.

“It’s a very impressive album,” shared Sevgi Kanat, a 25-year-old fan who traveled from Turkey for the concert. “BTS always lives up to their name.”

A 55-year-old fan from Australia, who arrived the previous night with her daughter, expressed her excitement for the comeback show while humming “Arirang.”

She described BTS as a cultural symbol of South Korea, adding that she plans to visit Busan, the hometown of BTS member Jungkook, during her trip.

Fans were spotted taking selfies around Gwanghwamun Square, some proudly displaying newspapers specially printed to commemorate BTS’s comeback.

Sarah Amadori, an Italian student studying in South Korea, expressed her joy at finally seeing BTS perform live after four years.

“They got me into Korean culture and everything, and now I’m here, living here, studying here,” the 23-year-old said, mentioning that her favorite member is RM, the group’s leader.

The free concert is expected to draw a massive crowd of 260,000 people, including 22,000 ticket holders.

Many fans at the square didn’t have tickets for an up-close view, but they were content simply to hear BTS’s voices live.

“I probably can’t see them because I don’t have tickets, but I will try my best to hear their voice. It will be enough for now,” Kanat said. (Yonhap)