After a hiatus lasting four years, the renowned K-pop group BTS made a triumphant return on Saturday with a grand concert in Seoul. The event, exclusively available on Netflix, was secured by thousands of police officers who cordoned off a central street, attracting tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans.
Greeting the crowd with “Annyeonghaseyo! We’re back,” RM, the band’s leader, kicked off the show with their track “Body to Body,” igniting a frenzy among fans brandishing purple-and-red light sticks and capturing the moment on their smartphones. Following the completion of their mandatory military service, all seven members of BTS, including RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, aimed to reclaim their position as one of the world’s foremost pop groups.
The concert at Gwanghwamun Square marked the beginning of a global tour encompassing numerous performances in the United States, Europe, and Asia, with analysts predicting the potential to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each quarter. Despite RM sustaining an ankle injury during rehearsal, the show went on as planned, featuring tracks from their latest album, “ARIRANG,” which sold close to four million copies on its debut day, as reported by HYBE, the band’s management company.
The hour-long performance, streamed live on Netflix, drew a massive crowd to the Gwanghwamun area, including 22,000 fans who secured complimentary seating in the designated viewing zone and others who watched from nearby screens. Fans from around the world, like 32-year-old Dallila Di Tullio from Italy, expressed their excitement, referring to the concert as a once-in-a-century event.
Debuting in 2013, BTS has amassed a dedicated global fanbase known as the “Army,” achieving a significant milestone in 2020 by becoming the first K-pop group to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their English single “Dynamite.” Pop culture commentator Jung Dukhyun highlighted the immense impact of BTS’s return as a full group, coinciding with the growing global fandom for K-pop, exemplified by the success of Netflix’s animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters.”
The concert featured performances of tracks from their latest album, including “SWIM,” alongside fan favorites like “Dynamite” and “Butter.” Emotional moments ensued as some members visibly teared up while expressing gratitude to fans who endured the chilly evening, culminating in a heartfelt bow to the audience.
Stringent crowd controls were in place, with police officers maintaining a tight perimeter around the venue, directing attendees through security checks and metal detectors. The heightened security measures led to the closure of nearby businesses and the suspension of public transportation services, with police buses repurposed to transport wedding guests to an alternative venue. While acknowledging the importance of crowd safety, some critics argued that the extensive controls overshadowed the significance of performing in Gwanghwamun, a revered space in Seoul.
The new album, “ARIRANG,” draws inspiration from a traditional folk song that holds symbolic significance in Korean culture. Against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace, the concert was enhanced by captivating lighting effects that illuminated the historic structures in hues of purple, red, and blue. Reflecting on the album’s title and venue choice, Suga emphasized the group’s commitment to identity, while RM reiterated their focus on authenticity in their music-making process.
Overall, BTS’s highly-anticipated comeback concert in Seoul showcased their enduring popularity and musical prowess, captivating fans worldwide and setting the stage for a successful global tour.