(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with BTS’ interview with agency; ADDS photo, byline)
By Shim Sun-ah
Global K-pop sensation BTS has officially launched their monumental “Arirang” world tour, an event poised to redefine K-pop concert history. The highly anticipated tour commenced with a sold-out three-night run at Goyang Stadium, just northwest of Seoul, drawing an immense crowd for what is projected to be the largest concert series ever by a K-pop act.
This unprecedented “Arirang” tour will span 85 shows across 34 cities worldwide through 2027, featuring iconic stops in major hubs like Tokyo, Los Angeles, Munich, Paris, Toronto, Lima, Santiago, and Bangkok. Organized primarily in grand stadiums and domes, each venue boasts an immersive 360-degree setup, promising an unparalleled viewing experience for fans.
BigHit Music, the group’s agency, confirmed that the tour is set to attract the biggest audience ever for any K-pop artist, with additional dates expected to be announced for Japan and the Middle East, further expanding its global reach.
Just hours before the first Goyang show, BTS leader RM shared his excitement in an interview with BigHit. “It still does not feel real,” he confessed, acknowledging the new challenges presented by the innovative 360-degree stage. Despite this, RM expressed his profound eagerness to reconnect with ARMY, the band’s dedicated global fandom.
Fellow member V echoed the sentiment, admitting, “Because it has been a long time since our last tour, I worried I might have lost my touch, so I prepared several times harder.” Their commitment to delivering an extraordinary show is palpable.
The septet emphasized that the “Arirang” tour marks a significant evolution in their concert style. Jimin revealed, “We are trying to show a completely different production from what we’ve done before,” highlighting the group’s focus on crafting a show that is both visually stunning and musically captivating. Suga concurred, adding, “It’s a performance with strong visual elements, so audiences will also be able to enjoy watching.”
Demand for the BTS “Arirang” tour has been immense, with promoter Live Nation confirming that a staggering 46 shows, including all Goyang concerts and the entire North American and European legs, have already sold out. Live Nation further reported that BTS successfully sold approximately 2.4 million tickets for just 41 North American and European dates alone, underscoring their unparalleled global appeal.
Fans can anticipate an electrifying setlist featuring new songs from their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” which impressively topped the Billboard 200 chart for two consecutive weeks. Alongside these new tracks, the global K-pop icons will perform a selection of their beloved previous hit songs.
Jungkook, brimming with anticipation, stated, “I want to get on stage as soon as possible.” He added, “I’ve been looking forward to this for such a long time, and just thinking about meeting the audience in person again makes me excited. We prepared really hard, and I hope we can enjoy the shows together with our fans.” The “Arirang” tour promises to be an unforgettable journey for BTS and ARMY worldwide.
