By Chae Yun-hwan, Kim Hyun-soo and Kim Seong-hun
A massive crowd gathered at Gwanghwamun Square this morning, eagerly anticipating the return of global superstars BTS after a four-year hiatus while members fulfilled their mandatory military service.
Fans celebrated the group’s highly anticipated comeback with their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” released on Friday. According to their agency, the album embodies BTS’s identity as a group rooted in Korea, paying homage to the traditional Korean folk song.
“It’s a very impressive album,” said Sevgi Kanat, a 25-year-old who traveled from Turkey specifically for the concert. “BTS always lives up to their name.”
A 55-year-old fan who arrived from Australia the night before with her daughter expressed her excitement for the comeback show, humming the familiar tune of “Arirang.”
She described BTS as a symbol of South Korea and mentioned her plans to visit Busan, the hometown of BTS member Jungkook, during her trip.
Fans were spotted taking selfies around the square, many proudly displaying newspapers printed especially to commemorate the group’s return.
Sarah Amadori, an Italian student studying in South Korea, shared her excitement about finally seeing BTS after four years.
“They got me into Korean culture and everything, and now I’m here, living here, studying here,” the 23-year-old said, mentioning that RM is her favorite member.
The free concert is expected to draw a crowd of 260,000 people, including 22,000 ticket holders.
Many fans at Gwanghwamun Square didn’t have tickets for an up-close view, but some were content with simply hearing their idols’ voices live.
“I probably can’t see them because I don’t have tickets, but I will try my best to hear their voice. It will be enough for now,” Kanat said.
