SEOUL, South Korea — BTS reunited for their first concert in nearly four years on Saturday, performing before massive crowds in Seoul and livestreaming to millions worldwide, marking a triumphant return after a hiatus for compulsory military service.
The “Kings of K-pop” staged their comeback at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a historic venue befitting their global stature. Leader RM opened the show, saying, “It’s been a long journey, but now we are finally here!” Fellow members Jimin and J-Hope expressed joy at performing together again, signaling the start of what they called BTS 2.0.
Fans flooded Gwanghwamun Square, chanting “BTS! BTS!” and waving glowsticks, while Gwanghwamun Gate lit up in rainbow colors to match the concert’s theme. Lee Yeon-seo, a fan who traveled from Jeonju, called the live experience “an honor” ahead of the tour’s April kickoff. Millions more watched the concert via Netflix livestream.
Despite a minor setback—RM sprained his ankle during rehearsals—the group performed songs from their new album “ARIRANG”, alongside classics like “Dynamite” and “Mikrokosmos.” The album sold nearly four million copies on its first day and achieved five million pre-saves on Spotify, setting a K-pop record. Named after a Korean folk song about longing, “ARIRANG” showcases BTS’s matured sound with 14 tracks featuring rap, heavy beats, and international collaborations.
The concert precedes an 82-show world tour across 34 cities in 23 countries, including 30 North American stops, potentially surpassing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in economic impact. Seoul’s massive security presence—15,000 police and guards, road closures, and special transport for wedding guests—drew some criticism for using civil servants on their day off.
BTS, short for Bulletproof Boy Scouts, have championed campaigns for UNICEF, Black Lives Matter, and anti-Asian racism, while openly discussing the pressures of fame. Fans say their message of resilience, self-reflection, and courage resonates in 2026, offering a reminder of the values that have defined the band throughout their global rise.
