The BTS megastars are coming back on Saturday for their first concert in over four years, taking over the center of Seoul for a massive K-pop spectacle that is expected to draw more than 260,000 people. According to Big Hit Music, the label of the K-pop group, their new album “ARIRANG” sold 3.98 million copies on the first day, as reported by the local Hanteo Chart album sales ranking. BTS’ return, after a hiatus for their members to complete their military service, is a global event. Millions of people in about 190 countries are expected to tune in to the concert, which will be live-streamed on Netflix. It precedes an 82-date worldwide tour, including two dates in France.
RM injured his ankle In Seoul, hundreds of thousands of fans, known as ARMY, began gathering early in hopes of catching a glimpse of the concert. The spectacle promises to be grand with its backdrop at Gwanghwamun Square near the Gyeongbokgung royal palace, a symbol of Korean resilience against dynastic collapses and colonial dominations, as well as a traditional center for various political protests.
The authorities deployed around 6,700 police officers and 8,200 security agents to manage the crowd during the concert. For safety reasons, the palace and the adjacent museum are closed for the day. The only setback: a ankle injury for the singer and group leader, RM, limiting his stage performance.
Their new album “ARIRANG” takes its name from a folk song evoking nostalgia and separation, often considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea. The group asserts their identity through collaborations with various Western artists and producers, offering a mix of rap, powerful rhythms, and experimentation.
“We want to show ourselves as we are” “We believe that returning to the stage to show ourselves as we are is ultimately a process that starts with our roots,” said J-Hope, one of the members of the septet, on Friday. Formed in 2010, BTS was one of the first K-pop groups to explode internationally, topping the American Billboard 200 chart with hits like “Dynamite” and “Butter.”
At the height of their fame before the hiatus, BTS was among the most streamed artists on Spotify, alongside Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. Nearly four years later, fans worldwide are still enthusiastic. Thousands of ARMY members began gathering early Saturday morning in Seoul. The streets are adorned with banners proclaiming “Welcome BTS & ARMY” and shelves are stocked with group merchandise.
While fans are excited about the music, they also appreciate the messages delivered by their favorite stars. BTS has become a flagbearer for campaigns by UNICEF, the “Black Lives Matter” movement, and the fight against anti-Asian racism. The group members have also been outspoken about the pressures of the music industry.
