The Han River in Seoul transformed into a vibrant celebration of music and fandom as BTS’ new track “Swim” resonated through the air. A cruise ship, adorned with BTS imagery, became the focal point of an exclusive fan experience, uniting music, stunning visuals, and unforgettable shared moments under the enchanting Seoul spring night.
Following the successful “Spotify X BTS Swimside” fan campaign event in New York on March 23rd, Spotify continued the celebration in Seoul. Approximately 2,000 lucky Spotify Premium users were invited to the Han River near Yeouido Hangang Park from March 27th to 29th for this special event. Designed to commemorate BTS’ highly anticipated comeback, the “Spotify X BTS Swimside” experience aimed to amplify the way fans connect with music, transforming solitary listening into a collective and immersive experience.
At Yeouido Hangang Park, an immersive pop-up space inspired by BTS’ latest LP, “Arirang,” was created. The Spotify Lighthouse pop-up event provided a dedicated area for visitors to express their admiration for BTS, leaving heartfelt messages congratulating the group on their new album and professing their unwavering support. The melodic sounds of all 14 tracks from “Arirang” filled the park, allowing attendees to fully embrace the new music.
The cruise ship itself was entirely transformed into a BTS sanctuary, complete with massive LED screens showcasing captivating visuals, photos of the seven members, and ambient purple lighting, the iconic color synonymous with the BTS ARMY fandom. Enthusiastic fans captured memories with their albums and ARMY Bombs (the group’s official light stick), while many danced and passionately sang along to the chart-topping hits blasting from the speakers.
Throughout the hour-long cruise, attendees actively participated in a range of interactive experiences, including a collective sing-along to “Swim,” the album’s leading track, where fans gathered around a screen to watch the music video while illuminating the space with their Army Bombs. Another popular activity was the “Sound Wave Bar,” where attendees who completed Spotify’s BTS music quiz were rewarded with unique drinks inspired by the visual elements of “Arirang.”
A major highlight of the evening was the projection of captivating media art synchronized to BTS’ latest songs, illuminating the Han River as the cruise sailed along. Spectacular fireworks displays coordinated with three tracks from the new album – “Swim,” “Hooligan,” and “Normal” – left the crowd in awe, creating unforgettable memories.
“I applied because I was eager to listen to the new album through high-quality speakers. Being able to enjoy that while taking in the beautiful views of the Han River is amazing,” said Yasmin Machado Dias, a fan who traveled from Brazil, to The Korea Herald. “I planned my trip to Korea from Brazil specifically to celebrate BTS’ comeback, and being part of this event makes it even more extraordinary.”
