(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with concert; ADDS photos)
By Shim Sun-ah
Global K-pop sensation BTS delivered an electrifying performance at Gwanghwamun Square, marking their highly anticipated comeback with the first live showcase of tracks from their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” released on Friday.
This release marks the group’s first official activity together in three years and nine months, following “Proof” in June 2022. The members had previously taken a break from group projects, promising a reunion after completing their mandatory military service.
The spectacular one-hour show commenced with a captivating display by approximately 50 traditional Korean dancers, clad in black costumes, lining the “woldae,” a ceremonial stage located in front of Gyeongbok Palace’s main gate. As the dancers parted, the seven BTS members emerged on a stage at the northern end of the square, greeted by thunderous cheers from thousands of devoted fans.
According to their agency, BigHit Music, the group donned attire inspired by the armor of Korean generals from the early Joseon era (1392-1910), adding a historical touch to the modern performance.
Described by BigHit Music as a fusion of Korean heritage and contemporary sound, the performance masterfully incorporated Gwanghwamun gate as a central element. The album “Arirang” is meant to reflect BTS’s roots as a group originating from Korea.
The iconic gate served as a backdrop behind an open, cube-shaped stage that was designed to emulate a picture frame.
A highlight of the event was the synchronized display of the group’s official light stick, the “ARMY Bomb,” which moved in perfect harmony with the stage visuals. The venue was bathed in coordinated waves of color as LED screens, a light projection show on the stage and Gwanghwamun gate, and the ARMY Bombs created a mesmerizing visual spectacle.
The concert, streamed live globally on Netflix, featured a dynamic 12-song setlist. This included mega-hits such as “Butter” and “Dynamite,” as well as eight tracks from their new “Arirang” album. They concluded the night with an encore performance of “Mikrokosmos.”
The return to the stage held deep emotional significance for the members.
“It still doesn’t feel real that we’re back together as a group,” V shared with the enthusiastic crowd following a performance of “MIC Drop.”
Jungkook confessed to feeling the pressure of the comeback, saying, “I definitely felt some pressure, but being here in front of you all, it feels great.”
Other members also spoke openly about the challenges of the hiatus.
J-Hope admitted to worrying that the group “might be slightly forgotten” during their time apart, while Suga noted the band dedicated considerable time “thinking about what we should hold onto, and what we need to change.”
“We are still not completely sure and still feel anxious at times, but I think even those emotions are a part of who we are right now,” Suga elaborated.
Group leader RM, who performed much of the show seated due to an ankle injury sustained during rehearsals, reflected on the significance of the moment. “It’s been a long journey, but we’ve finally made it here,” he proclaimed.
While police initially anticipated a crowd of around 260,000, including 22,000 ticket holders, authorities later estimated the attendance at 80,000. Hybe, BigHit’s parent company, placed the crowd estimate at 104,000.
