Leading South Korean newspapers, including the Chosun Ilbo and Donga Ilbo, published special editions dedicated to BTS. These editions highlighted the seven members, details about their new album, information about the Gwanghwamun Square concert venue, and interviews with global fans.
Even newspapers that typically don’t publish Saturday editions, such as the Kyunghyang Shinmun, Hankyoreh, Seoul Shinmun, and Segye Times, participated in the special print run. The Kyunghyang Shinmun featured the lyrics of “Swim,” the title track from BTS’s new album “Arirang,” along with details on the unique ways the BTS fandom cheers for the group at concerts. The Seoul Shinmun started distributing its special edition in the Gwanghwamun area on Friday.
Business dailies and English-language publications, including the Korea Herald, also released their own BTS-themed editions.
Publishers stated that these limited-edition newspapers were designed as collectible merchandise, appealing to BTS’s passionate and financially supportive fanbase, also known as the ARMY.
Near the Gwanghwamun Square concert venue, both Korean and international fans lined up at newsstands to purchase a 12-page special edition of Ilgan Sports, priced at 1,000 won (approximately $0.66 USD).
BTS released their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” on Friday. A free open-air concert is scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square at 8 p.m. to celebrate the album’s release and their highly anticipated comeback. Police anticipate approximately 260,000 people will gather in the area for the event, including 22,000 ticket holders.
