By Shim Sun-ah
Seoul transformed into a vibrant purple haven as the city celebrated the highly anticipated comeback of K-pop sensation BTS with their new album, “Arirang.” The 600-year-old Sungnyemun gate, a cherished national treasure, served as a breathtaking canvas for a stunning light projection show, alternating between the iconic BTS logo and the album’s name in a dazzling display of red and white. As the silhouettes of the seven members emerged in a burst of light, fans eagerly captured the moment with their phone cameras.
The familiar melody of “Arirang,” a beloved Korean folk song, resonated through the air, played on the traditional “taepyeongso.” Cheers erupted as the video transitioned to scenes of the BTS members holding traditional lanterns, a nod to Korean culture and heritage. Fans were quick to document every moment of the spectacular show.
This spectacular light projection was part of “BTS The City Arirang Seoul,” a joint project between Hybe, BTS’s management agency, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The initiative aimed to celebrate BTS’s comeback in a uniquely Korean way. Approximately 600 pre-registered fans were granted access to view the event, with organizers ensuring safety and crowd control throughout the night.
Foreign members of the ARMY, BTS’s global fanbase, expressed their excitement about the event and the group’s long-awaited return.
Rayane, a 29-year-old Brazilian student studying Korean, shared, “I think it’s important and it’s so cool because, of course, I live in Korea, but it can make other people know more about Korea.” She added, “I waited around four years for its return. So I’m so happy now.”
Anna, a 30-year-old exchange student from Germany, thoroughly enjoyed the light show. “I’m really happy that my exchange student time is at the same time as the BTS comeback.”
The festivities kicked off just hours after BTS released “Arirang,” their fifth studio album, marking their return to group activities after a three-year and nine-month hiatus due to the members’ military service.
Claudia, a Spanish university graduate, lauded the new release as “a really ambitious project” and “something completely new that has never been done before.” She expressed her anticipation for the upcoming concert at Gwanghwamun Square.
“What I really want to see is what it came up with for the dancers and also the costumes because its styling team is next level.”
Across Seoul, iconic landmarks joined the celebration, bathed in crimson light, the album’s signature color. N Seoul Tower, Cheonggye Stream, and the Sebitseom islands all participated in the city-wide tribute.
Further east along the Han River, 2,000 drones took flight above Ttukseom Park, performing a mesmerizing choreographed light show. The drones formed the Taegeuk pattern, transforming into the Korean national flag, all synchronized to a track from “Arirang,” before finally spelling out the album’s name in Korean.
An hour before the drone show, the riverside was already teeming with fans. Swaying to BTS’s new music, their voices grew louder as the drones formed the faces of each member. When the refrain of “Arirang” filled the air, fans from around the world joined in a massive sing-along.
At Gwanghwamun Square, where the comeback concert will be held, digital billboards displayed footage marking BTS’s return, drawing crowds of locals and tourists eager to capture selfies under the vibrant glow of the screens.
The celebration will continue throughout the weekend, featuring a BTS-themed musical fountain show at Banpo Bridge, along with fan lounges and exhibitions planned across Seoul throughout the coming month.
