“BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” has topped the Netflix global viewership charts!
According to FlixPatrol, a global OTT platform ranking site, “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” ranked #1 in 77 countries as of March 23rd. The only countries where it didn’t reach the top spot were the Bahamas (2nd), Czech Republic (2nd), Dominican Republic (2nd), Ireland (2nd), Jamaica (2nd), Kenya (2nd), Sweden (2nd), and New Zealand (3rd).
BTS continues to enjoy unwavering global popularity, receiving enthusiastic responses in major countries around the world. This comeback, after 3 years and 9 months, proves their enduring influence.
BTS held the “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” performance on March 21st at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, which was broadcast live to over 190 countries via Netflix. According to HYBE, approximately 104,000 people gathered in the Gwanghwamun and City Hall Plaza areas. Given the potential for up to 260,000 attendees, a large-scale safety management system was implemented, involving approximately 4,800 police personnel and 4,000 security personnel.
Meanwhile, their fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” embodies BTS’s identity and the universal emotions they face. Bang Si-hyuk oversaw the overall production. The title track, “SWIM,” sings about the attitude of continuing to swim through the waves of life.
Rolling Stone praised the album in an article titled, “BTS Proves a Perfect Comeback with ‘Arirang’.” The article stated, “This blockbuster comeback emphasizes the group’s identity and Korean roots while expanding into new musical territories. With their signature confidence at the forefront, they are ready to reclaim the global stage.”
The Rolling Stone article further added, “The new album reminds us of where BTS started, further solidifying their connection with music fans worldwide. The experiences and explorations they have accumulated in their own time have come together again as one team. This is the power of ‘Arirang.’ Seven different voices blend together again, becoming stronger than before.”
The BBC commented, “Their return is significant in itself,” while The New York Times stated, “With the release of ‘Arirang’ and the live broadcast of the performance via Netflix, they are embarking on a challenge to continue their careers as pop stars. It’s a path with few precedents, except perhaps for Elvis Presley.”
