Global sensation BTS painted Gwanghwamun Square purple in celebration of their highly anticipated comeback!
On March 21st at 8 PM KST, BTS (RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook) held their fifth full-length album ‘Arirang’ release 기념 show, “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang” at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
This performance marked their first full-group stage in 3 years and 5 months since “Yet to Come in BUSAN” held in Busan in October 2022, following the completion of mandatory military service by all members. With their new album titled ‘Arirang,’ BTS chose Gwanghwamun Square, the heart of Seoul, as the backdrop for their comeback performance.
The Gwanghwamun performance lasted approximately one hour. Interestingly, the setlist was comprised of 12 songs, with 8 tracks from their new album ‘Arirang.’ The remaining four were major hits: “Butter,” “MIC DROP,” “Dynamite,” and “Mikrokosmos.”
The opening performance was a spectacle. BTS, along with 50 dancers, took to a cube-shaped stage reminiscent of a picture frame with Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace as a backdrop. They unveiled the performance of new songs from the album, heating up the atmosphere of the square. During the encore stage of “Mikrokosmos,” starlight began to emanate from the LED screen, gradually spreading throughout Gwanghwamun, and finally, the Big Dipper was displayed, delighting the audience.
The members’ stage outfits were also a highlight. Inspired by Korea’s past, present, and future, BTS presented a modern twist on traditional Korean attire, resembling the armor of a Joseon Dynasty general. The outfits were designed to effectively showcase Korean beauty and the group’s dynamic movements.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government initially estimated that 260,000 people would gather in Gwanghwamun to see BTS. However, police unofficially estimated the crowd at around 42,000. HYBE stated, “According to our own estimates and those of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the total number of concert attendees, both inside and outside, is estimated at 104,000.” The official seating capacity in Gwanghwamun Square was 22,000. Fans who couldn’t secure tickets watched the performance from the surrounding areas and nearby streets.
Following the opening performance, BTS started with “Body to Body” from ‘Arirang.’ After performing “Hooligan” and “2.0,” the members greeted ARMY (BTS‘s fandom) who filled Gwanghwamun Square. Jin said, “I vividly remember waiting for you at the last Busan concert a few years ago. Thank you for coming like this. I had a lot of worries before standing here. I am grateful and happy to be able to meet you again.”
Jimin added, “ARMY, we finally met! I’m overwhelmed to be able to speak in front of you, and I’m so happy to be able to meet as seven members. I didn’t know you would fill Gwanghwamun Square like this. I’m truly happy and grateful.” Jungkook boasted, “We prepared a lot of special things for today. We will pour everything we have into it,” expressing his love for the fans.
BTS then performed “Butter,” released in May 2021, and “MIC DROP,” released in September 2017. Jungkook shared, “Don’t get a cold. It’s been a long time, I guess. I will never forget tonight. I think I had some pressure and fear about the comeback, but I’m just happy to be standing in front of you. I’m just happy,” revealing his feelings about performing in Gwanghwamun Square.
V said, “I still can’t believe we’re back together as a group,” while Jimin added, “Everyone, aren’t you too cold? Are you okay? I thought the weather would be warmer, but it’s colder than I thought. We have to do well. Seeing you happy makes us happy on stage.”
Towards the end of the show, Jimin opened up, “As you all know, we are not that special. Like you, we are afraid every time, but if we keep swimming together with that feeling, I believe we will find the answer someday.” V added, “What we can do is to keep moving forward step by step, keep making music, keep performing, and keep showing ARMY a beautiful image.” Jungkook said, “Are you having fun? We are too. We’re showing you the new songs for the first time today, and I’m nervous but also excited and have a new feeling. It’s so exhilarating after so long.”
Jimin also mentioned RM’s injury. During the show, he said, “Thank you to ARMY for filling Gwanghwamun like this. Thank you to everyone who helped us to do this live in such a special place. We prepared Gwanghwamun like this, but we are working hard to prepare for the concert every day. You can look forward to it. But then, that’s how our hyung got like this…” pointing to RM’s ankle with a cast.
RM sustained an ankle injury during rehearsal for the Gwanghwamun performance on March 19 and was taken to the hospital for examination and treatment. As a result of the examination, RM was diagnosed with ‘accessory navicular sprain and partial ligament tear and talus contusion (ligament damage and inflammation)’ and was advised by medical staff to minimize movement for at least two weeks after putting on a leg cast and focus on recovery.
In this regard, Big Hit Music said, “Prioritizing the opinion of the medical staff and to prevent the worsening of the injured area, we have decided with the artist himself to minimize RM’s movement at ‘BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG.’ Although there are limitations in the performance, RM will participate in the stage to the extent possible to interact with ARMY and the audience. As you have waited for this stage for a long time, we will do our best to show a sincere performance.”
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