BTS hosts 'THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' in Seoul, celebrating their new album. Fans can watch globally via Netflix.

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) will hold 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' today (21st) at 8 PM in the area around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. This performance is planned to commemorate the release of their 5th full album 'ARIRANG' and can be viewed from anywhere in the world through Netflix. They will publicly debut performances of new songs, including the title track 'SWIM', for the first time in front of an audience. Notably, this is their first full group stage in about 3 years and 5 months since 'Yet to Come in BUSAN' in October 2022, attracting attention from music fans worldwide. BTS has restructured their setlist to deliver a performance worthy of the long wait from their fans. 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' is expected to go beyond a mere comeback show, connecting the world through music and promoting the charm of Korean cultural heritage. The production team consists of experienced global stage professionals. Hamish Hamilton, the overall director, has directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics and halftime shows for the Super Bowl, as well as concerts for pop stars like Madonna and Beyoncé. Producer Guy Carrington has participated in directing and producing for the 'Emmy Awards'. The album 'ARIRANG' embodies BTS's identity and the universal emotions they have faced. The new album, titled after the representative Korean folk song 'Arirang', unravels BTS's roots and the emotions held by the seven members in 2026 through music. BTS currently shows overwhelming strength on album and music charts, boasting immense popularity. The 5th full album 'ARIRANG' sold 3.98 million copies on its first day, debuting at number one on the HANTEO chart in Korea. This figure surpasses BTS's previous record for first-week sales (3.37 million copies) in just one day. The title track 'SWIM' topped the MelOn 'TOP100' and Bugs real-time charts immediately after its release. The members shared their expectations for the upcoming performance through a Q&A via BIGHIT MUSIC. -- How do you feel ahead of the 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' performance? RM: While practicing for a wonderful stage, I got a bit injured. I will adjust my performance according to my condition, but I want to do my best within my limits. Above all, I want to repay those who have waited for the show with a good stage. Jin: I'm very nervous. I never thought I would perform at Gwanghwamun Square in my life, and now this moment is really sinking in. All of this is thanks to many people who have prepared together. I want to express my gratitude to everyone. SUGA: It has been a whirlwind of busyness preparing for the world tour and the comeback show at Gwanghwamun at the same time. That said, it has been a time where the entire group has focused in one direction, and it holds great meaning. I'm very excited. J-HOPE: There is pressure knowing this is a big event being watched by the world, but that’s why I want to do it well. Since it’s been a while since we stood on stage together, I want to maintain energy and focus until the end. JIMIN: To be honest, the more I look forward to it, the more anxious I feel. Still, since it’s a chance to meet fans after a long time, the excitement outweighs it. I will concentrate until the end to convey that feeling on stage. V: I'm happy. We prepared meticulously and practiced our best every day. I hope to finish the stage well and, above all, safely. JUNGKOOK: I have expectations and am nervous. While I feel excited, I also have worries, so I have worked even harder to prepare. I want to create a stage without regrets and make it a time we can all enjoy. -- What are the highlights of the Gwanghwamun Square performance? RM: To maximize the use of the iconic space of Gwanghwamun, we constructed the set in an 'open cube' structure that opens up the view. It is designed so that Gwanghwamun and the stage do not obstruct each other, which is a key point. Jin: The cube structure will be introduced as the core device of the stage. We all struggled with the stage equipment, but the cube became the solution. The cube will also be used diversely in the production, so please look forward to it. SUGA: I prepared the stage with the thought that we must always show something new. Especially this time, through collaboration with overseas production teams, we were able to realize points in a novel way. J-HOPE: Looking at the stage setting, you should feel as if Gwanghwamun is framed within a picture. I think the scene where BTS's performance fills that frame is symbolic. JIMIN: Since the album title is 'ARIRANG', I think it would be wonderful to have a scene where we sing 'Arirang' at Gwanghwamun. I hope you look forward to the moment when space and music come together. V: The cube, which vividly reflects Gwanghwamun as a background, is the most noteworthy part. It is an honor and feels special to be able to perform in that space. JUNGKOOK: The stage is divided into three areas, and there are many new parts prepared in the song structure. If you follow the overall flow, I think you will enjoy the performance even more. - BTS, a splendid drone show! Seoul becomes a huge cultural venue... Fans and foreign tourists flock from the first day - BTS, is the group eternal? Discussing their thoughts on the future and love for fans, 'I don't want to miss this opportunity' - BTS's RM injured during rehearsal... Will participate in tomorrow's comeback performance 'minimizing movements' (official).