K-pop Supergroup BTS Ignites Busan with Sold-Out Reunion Concerts Amidst Epic World Tour
By Shim Sun-ah
Global K-pop sensation BTS is set to electrify the Busan Asiad Main Stadium this Friday and Saturday, performing for a massive combined audience of approximately 110,000 dedicated fans. Both highly anticipated concerts have already sold out, highlighting the immense demand for the septet’s return to South Korea.
The acclaimed K-pop septet commenced their extensive world tour in April at Goyang Stadium, just northwest of Seoul, before embarking on an international journey. This monumental tour has already seen BTS captivate nearly 840,000 fans across 15 shows during the initial North American leg alone, with performances in major cities such as Tokyo, Tampa, El Paso, Mexico City, Stanford, and Las Vegas.
These upcoming shows mark a significant return for BTS in Busan, their first performance in over three years since their “Yet to Come in Busan” concert in October 2022. That memorable event was staged to bolster the city’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo.
The concerts hold profound significance as they represent a highly anticipated reunion between BTS and their dedicated ARMY fandom at the very venue where they last performed before their temporary hiatus for mandatory military service.
Expressing his excitement, BTS leader RM shared in a written interview with BigHit that he was “very happy” to be performing once again in his home country after an approximately two-month break. He underscored the special meaning Busan holds, being the location of the group’s last concert before the members’ enlistment. RM added, “I want to create an enjoyable time together with the audience.”
Suga recalled vividly remembering the “cheers and heat” from their previous Busan performance, conveying his excitement for their return. “I hope we can create another passionate concert together this time,” he stated, building anticipation among fans.
Busan natives Jimin and Jungkook emphasized the profound significance of performing in their hometown, making the upcoming shows exceptionally special. Jungkook eagerly added, “I miss you and can’t wait to see you!”
Adding to the excitement, the second night of the Busan concerts will mark the band’s 13th debut anniversary. For global ARMY, the event will be broadcast live in approximately 3,800 movie theaters across over 80 countries. In South Korea, fans can catch the screenings at major multiplex chains, including CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox.
Beyond the main performances, BTS is launching a vibrant cultural project, “BTS The City Arirang Busan,” running through June 21. This city-wide initiative will offer fans and visitors a diverse array of BTS-themed events, including a spectacular drone lighting show illuminating the iconic Gwangan Bridge and a special lighting display on the grand roof of the Busan Cinema Center.
The group’s expansive world tour is slated to continue until March of next year, encompassing an impressive 86 shows across 34 cities worldwide. Following their impactful Busan dates, BTS will head to Madrid for concerts on June 26–27, continuing their global journey.
