SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — K-pop supergroup BTS celebrated their long-awaited return with a spectacular comeback concert on Saturday in Seoul, marking the end of a four-year break. The concert drew tens of thousands of excited fans, all eagerly waiting to cheer on their idols.
“Annyeonghaseyo! We’re back,” RM, the group’s leader, greeted the crowd as they kicked off the performance with “Body to Body.” Fans, armed with purple and red light sticks, erupted in cheers, capturing every moment on their phones.
All seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — have recently completed their mandatory military service, eager to reclaim their status in the pop world. They aim to launch a global tour that could produce hundreds of millions in revenue.
The concert also celebrated the release of their fifth album, “ARIRANG,” which sold nearly 4 million copies on its first day, according to their management company, HYBE. Despite an ankle injury, RM performed with modified moves, showcasing their dedication.
This free concert was a monumental event, with 22,000 fans securing designated viewing spots, while many more watched from nearby screens. The concert was streamed live on Netflix, allowing even more fans to join in the excitement.
Dallila Di Tullio, a fan from Italy, expressed the magnitude of the moment: “It will be amazing because it’s been so long since BTS was not with us.”
BTS first burst onto the scene in 2013 and has since built a dedicated following known as the “Army.” They made history by becoming the first K-pop group to top Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 2020 with the song “Dynamite.”
This event took place in Gwanghwamun Square, a historical site in Seoul that has seen countless gatherings for both celebration and activism. It was surrounded by an extensive police presence due to safety concerns following past tragedies during large public events.
Some criticized the security measures, saying they overshadowed the concert’s celebratory spirit. However, many fans patiently waited for their chance to see the show, cheering heartily throughout.
The new album “ARIRANG” is especially meaningful, named after a traditional Korean folk song symbolizing themes of longing and resilience. The choice of location — near the Gyeongbok Palace — highlighted a connection to Korea’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the band’s commitment to their roots.
Experts suggest that BTS’s global tour, focusing on the K-pop wave’s current momentum, is set to break records, with plans for 82 shows in stadiums. Cultural critic Ha Jae-keun believes this could signal a “second heyday” for BTS, backed by their passionate fan base and the continuing rise of K-pop worldwide.
J-Hope promised, “We will do our best to give everything we got,” as they prepare to take the stage again, revealing how much their fans mean to them.
For more on BTS’s influence and the latest from K-pop, you can check out Billboard’s insights on K-pop.
