BTS Comeback Live: Band Surprises Crowd at Gwanghwamun, Expresses Excitement and Reunion

Global superstars BTS made a spectacular return after a 3-year and 9-month hiatus. Their comeback concert in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, drew a crowd of over 200,000 fans, marking a truly historic moment.

On March 21st at 8 PM KST, BTS held the ‘BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG’ (BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG) at Gwanghwamun Square. Following their period of individual activities, the members reunited to release their 5th full-length album, “Arirang,” and its title track, “SWIM,” along with 14 other tracks on March 20th, marking their long-awaited return to fans.

BTS’s 5th full album, “Arirang,” features a total of 14 songs, including the title track “SWIM,” as well as “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “FYA,” “2.0,” “No. 29,” “Merry Go Round,” “NORMAL,” “Like Animals,” “they don’t know ’bout us,” “One More Night,” “Please,” and “Into the Sun.”

The comeback performance was broadcast live to over 190 countries via the global OTT platform Netflix. The group debuted performances of their new songs, including “SWIM,” in front of a live audience for the first time.

The opening scene was a breathtaking spectacle as Gwanghwamun Square overflowed with an estimated 200,000 people. ARMY (BTS’s fandom) and numerous other fans waved their ARMY Bombs (light sticks), cheering wildly as the members appeared on stage.

Accompanied by background music infused with traditional Korean melodies, all seven members of BTS appeared on stage. They kicked off the concert with performances of “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” and “2.0” from their new album.

The members donned matching black outfits, exuding charisma. RM, who sustained a leg injury, remained seated on a chair positioned to the side of the stage, maintaining his connection with the other members. RM was diagnosed with “accessory navicular syndrome sprain and partial ligament rupture, and talus contusion (ligament damage and inflammation)” during rehearsal on March 19th.

Jin expressed his gratitude, saying, “I vividly remember telling you to wait for us at the last Busan concert, and I’m thankful that you waited.” He continued, “I had many worries before standing here, but I’m grateful and happy to be able to face you all again.”

Jimin shared his heartfelt emotions: “ARMY, we finally met. I’m so overwhelmed and grateful to be able to speak in front of you like this. I’m happy that the seven of us have reunited. I missed you all.” He added, “I didn’t expect you to fill Gwanghwamun like this, so thank you so much.”

Suga commented, “I’m delighted to perform in Gwanghwamun, a historical place in Korea. We prepared ‘Arirang’ for this album to capture our identity, and we are performing on stage in Gwanghwamun.”

V remarked, “I feel refreshed that we are performing in such a special place. To the ARMY who came all the way to Gwanghwamun and the fans watching around the world through Netflix, we have been waiting a lot too. I hope our hearts are conveyed to the world.”

J-Hope, Jungkook, and RM led the crowd with enthusiastic cheers, saying, “You’ve waited a long time, right? We’re going to show you a lot for today,” “We’re going to pour everything out,” and “We’re finally here.”

BTS continued their performance with the hit songs “Butter” and “MIC Drop,” electrifying the crowd.