BTS makes long-awaited return with Seoul comeback concert
by Thomas Maresca · UPISEOUL, March 21 (UPI) -- K-pop superstars BTS returned to the stage Saturday night with a free comeback concert in central Seoul, marking their first full-group performance in nearly four years following the completion of their mandatory military service.
The one-hour show, titled "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang," was held at Gwanghwamun Square and livestreamed globally on Netflix, drawing tens of thousands of fans to the historic site and millions more online.
The performance came a day after the release of Arirang, the group's first studio album since 2022, which sold 3.98 million copies in its first 24 hours, according to the group's agency BigHit.
"I can't believe the seven of us are all standing on this stage today," J-Hope told the crowd. "We know it's been a long wait. Thank you for waiting for us."
Staged against the backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the concert featured a large-scale production with a modern arch structure and a light show illuminating the historic facade.
The setlist leaned heavily on the new album, opening with "Body to Body" and including eight of its 14 tracks, among them lead single "SWIM."
"We wanted this album to honestly capture who we are and what's been on our minds," RM said. "We had a lot of conversations and took on new challenges making it."
The group's leader spent much of the concert seated due to an ankle sprain suffered in the lead-up to the show.
Suga said the group aimed to present a more mature image following their time apart.
"With this album, we wanted to show the most honest side of the seven of us," he said. "We worked hard to show a more evolved BTS."
Alongside new material, BTS performed some of their biggest hits, including "Butter" and "Mic Drop," before closing with "Dynamite" and "Mikrokosmos."
About 22,000 fans secured tickets through a lottery system, while tens of thousands more gathered in surrounding streets to watch on large screens under tight security measures.
Fans traveled from around the world for the event, showcasing the group's global reach. Many, such as 31-year-old Kai Yarra from the Philippines, showed up despite not being able to secure a ticket.
Yarra said BTS has inspired strong loyalty and built a unique bond with its fan base, known as ARMY, over the years.
"They invited their fans along every step of their journey," she said, describing the group's rise from relative obscurity to global stardom.
"The new album is more mature," she added. "You can tell they've grown through their solo albums and military service."
Others had a more personal connection to the band. Belle Lee, 60, said she was one of RM's middle school teachers in his hometown of Ilsan, near Seoul.
"When he was 13, he told everyone he wanted to be a singer," she said. "People didn't believe him. I got goosebumps listening to the new album."
The event also marked a milestone for Netflix, which billed the show as its first standalone live concert production. The stream was directed by Hamish Hamilton, known for directing major global events including the London Olympics opening ceremony and Super Bowl halftime shows.
Organizers said the production was one of the most ambitious ever staged in South Korea, with nearly six miles of power cables laid and a 23-camera setup used to capture the performance.
Authorities deployed roughly 15,000 personnel for crowd control and safety, including thousands of police officers, as the area around Gwanghwamun was partially shut down for the event.
While officials initially projected crowds of up to 260,000, authorities later estimated turnout at about 80,000. Hybe, the parent company of BigHit, put the figure at 104,000.
Despite complaints from some locals about disruptions, analysts said the concert could deliver a significant economic boost. Bloomberg estimated the event could generate up to $177 million in economic impact through tourism, consumer spending and related activity.
For fans, however, the night was less about numbers than reunion.
"BTS is more than K-pop," said Yoon In-suk, 40. "They represent Korea to the world. Seeing them perform on this historic stage is very special to me."
Following the comeback event, BTS will embark on what BigHit describes as the largest world tour in K-pop history, spanning 34 cities and more than 80 shows. The tour, featuring a 360-degree stage design, is set to kick off April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex near Seoul.
A documentary film, BTS: The Return, showcasing the making of Arirang, will premiere on Netflix on March 27.