By Shim Sun-ah
With just hours until the 8 p.m. showtime, the globally renowned group BTS has revealed that their concert stage is meticulously designed to incorporate the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate as a central element, emphasizing its deep cultural significance in the heart of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul.
“To truly highlight the meaning of Gwanghwamun, we’ve constructed an open-frame cube stage that ensures an unobstructed view, allowing both the square and the stage to appear together in harmony,” explained leader RM through their agency, BigHit Music. “Our intention was for Gwanghwamun itself to become an integral part of the performance.”
J-Hope further elaborated on the stage design, describing it as “a frame containing Gwanghwamun.” He emphasized that seeing BTS perform within this frame would hold powerful symbolic meaning for both the group and their dedicated ARMY (fanbase).
This highly anticipated concert coincides with the release of BTS’s fifth studio album, “Arirang,” which dropped on Friday. Fans around the world can look forward to the premiere of new tracks, including the title track “Swim,” during the concert, which will be streamed globally on Netflix. This performance marks the band’s first time back on stage together since their “Yet to Come in Busan” concert in October 2022, preceding the members’ commencement of their mandatory military service.
RM, who sustained a minor ankle injury during rehearsals, assured fans that he would “adjust his performance according to his condition” but affirmed his commitment to “do my best within limits.”
V shared that the group had “prepared thoroughly and practiced every day” in anticipation of the performance, while Jungkook expressed his hope to deliver a performance “without regrets.”
Jimin highlighted the significance of singing the iconic Korean folk song “Arirang” at the historic venue, stating that it would beautifully capture “the moment when space and music come together.”
