BTS Shuts Down Seoul with Epic 'Arirang' Comeback Concert
BTS delivered a monumental performance in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square, marking their first group performance in years and streaming live on Netflix. The event celebrated their new album 'Arirang' and previewed their upcoming world tour.
BTS ignited Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, March 21st, with a breathtaking live performance, their first as a group in three and a half years. The city pulsated with excitement as photos, videos, and setlists flooded social media.
The seven-member boyband last graced the stage together in October 2022 at 'Yet To Come in Busan,' a free concert held before the members began their mandatory military service.
"I still vividly remember asking you to wait for us at our last concert in Busan a few years ago," Jin shared, expressing gratitude to the 104,000 fans who flocked to the area, despite only 22,000 tickets being available.
The event, BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang, also made history as Netflix's first-ever live music broadcast.
Screens lined Sejong-daero, transforming the area into a massive viewing space. Billboards usually reserved for advertisements were taken over by BTS content, amplifying the celebratory atmosphere.
BTS, The Comeback Live at Gwanghwamun Square. Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC AND NETFLIX
"Hello Seoul, we’re back," announced leader RM, as the band took the stage in front of Gwanghwamun, the iconic gate leading to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The hour-long set kicked off with 'Body To Body', the opening track from their new album 'Arirang'.
Garrett English, Executive Producer at Done+Dusted, emphasized the significance of the location, noting that Gwanghwamun Square is a "very meaningful place in Seoul," a site of historical importance and democratic movements.
"It’s truly an honour to perform at Gwanghwamun, the most historic place in Korea," Suga remarked, highlighting the album's theme of identity and the choice of location to reflect it.
V added, "Being able to make our comeback in such a special place brings back a lot of feeling," while acknowledging the fans watching worldwide on Netflix.
The performance incorporated elements of Korean heritage, with LED screens displaying symbols referencing geongongamri – heaven, earth, water, and fire – found on the national flag.
BTS, The Comeback Live at Gwanghwamun Square. Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC AND NETFLIX
BTS, The Comeback Live at Gwanghwamun Square. Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC AND NETFLIX
Addressing their hiatus, J-hope shared anxieties about being forgotten, while Suga reflected on using the time to contemplate their artistic direction. RM emphasized that their new music captured their inner thoughts and anxieties.
The 12-track setlist blended new material with past hits like 'Butter', 'Dynamite', 'Mic Drop', and 'Mikrokosmos'. The group donned custom-made outfits from Korean fashion house Songzio, reflecting a concept of "lyrical armour."
BTS, The Comeback Live at Gwanghwamun Square. Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC AND NETFLIX
Despite RM's ankle injury sustained during rehearsals, he persevered, performing from a stool to minimize strain. His limited participation underscored the group's commitment to prioritizing health.
BTS, The Comeback Live at Gwanghwamun Square. Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC AND NETFLIX
Following the release of 'Arirang' and the Gwanghwamun Square performance, BTS is gearing up for their world tour, commencing in Goyang, South Korea, on April 9th.
Jungkook expressed gratitude to fans, promising to deliver great music and performances. J-hope declared, "BTS 2.0 is just getting started."
Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s VP of Nonfiction Series and Sports, highlighted the significance of the event. He added that BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang is an "opportunity to reach fans and members around the world...singular events that really pull people together”.
BTS's partnership with Netflix continues with the premiere of BTS: The Return on March 27, a documentary chronicling their reunion and work on 'Arirang'.
BTS’ setlist was:
'Body To Body'
'Hooligan'
'2.0'
'Butter'
'Mic Drop'
'Aliens'
'FYA'
'Swim'
'Like Animals'
'Normal'
'Dynamite'
'Mikrokosmos'
BTS’ 2026-2027 world tour kicks off on April 9. Visit here for more information.
Related Articles
Listen to BTS on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment