BTS held 'THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' in Seoul, celebrating their 5th album. The event attracted 104,000 fans and showcased Korean culture.
March/22/2026 15:00
BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) held 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' on the 21st at 8 PM in the Gwanghwamun Square area of Seoul, South Korea. This stage commemorates the release of their 5th full album 'ARIRANG' on March 20. According to HYBE, about 104,000 spectators gathered, filling the square. This performance holds significance beyond just a comeback stage. 'ARIRANG' is an album that condenses BTS's identity and the emotions they have accumulated throughout their journey. Following the title of a representative Korean folk song, they chose the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun Square as the stage. The stage, designed in the shape of a frame, captured Gwanghwamun and the seven members in one frame, completing a historical scene. The production harmonized with cultural heritage, drawing attention. The performance began with drone shots illuminating Gyeongbokgung Palace over Bukaksan. Next, a panoramic view of Gwanghwamun Square was shown, instantly capturing the audience's attention. Media art utilizing the outer wall of Gwanghwamun harmonized the urban center, cultural heritage, and performance. The production, where tradition and modernity coexist, drew continuous admiration from the audience. The concert was live-streamed through Netflix, playing a role in conveying Korean culture and emotions to the world alongside BTS's performance. On that day, BTS opened with 'Body to Body,' a track from their 5th full album 'ARIRANG,' featuring melodies from the folk song 'Arirang' and performed with musicians and singers from the National Gugak Center. They then showcased new songs such as 'Hooligan,' '2.0,' 'Aliens,' 'FYA,' 'Like Animals,' and 'Normal.' The highlight was the title track 'SWIM,' where media art unfolded like a waterway flowing along Gwanghwamun, visually expressing the song's message of swimming forward without stopping amidst life's rough waves. Iconic songs like 'Butter,' 'MIC Drop,' and 'Dynamite' heightened the excitement. The final song 'Mikrokosmos' left a deep afterglow with a performance where starlight spread across Gwanghwamun Square and the Big Dipper rose. For about an hour, the ARMY BOMB (OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK) synchronized with the stage production, coloring the entire square with one light. On this day, BTS shared their feelings about their complete group comeback after about 3 years and 9 months. The members expressed, 'It warms my heart to reunite like this. We are happy to be together as seven. Thank you to the ARMY who filled Gwanghwamun Square, the city of Seoul for allowing this performance, and the police and many others who worked hard on-site.' After the concert, they shared their thoughts again through the fan platform Weverse, stating, 'I was able to meet everyone in such a meaningful space as Gwanghwamun. The moment I heard the cheers filling the square, I was overwhelmed with emotion, thinking, 'We have finally returned.' They added that this stage was made possible thanks to the efforts of those who took responsibility for safety, the warm understanding of the citizens, and the unwavering love of the ARMY. Furthermore, BTS's 5th full album 'ARIRANG' received a hot response upon release, selling 3.98 million copies on the first day, breaking BTS's own record for the highest first-week sales (3.37 million copies) in just one day. The title track 'SWIM' topped the daily charts on MelOn and Bugs as of March 20.
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HYBE expresses gratitude for the support received during BTS's Gwanghwamun concert, highlighting the cultural importance of the venue. They acknowledge the efforts of local authorities and apologize for any inconveniences caused. Additionally, they extend condolences for a recent fire in Daejeon, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
On the afternoon of the 21st, BTS held their comeback concert 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The performance was live-streamed globally on Netflix, marking their first full group stage in about 3 years and 5 months, exciting fans worldwide. BTS expressed their joy at reuniting with ARMY, stating, 'What we can do is continue making music without stopping.'
BTS's 5th full album 'ARIRANG' has set records as the most streamed K-POP album ever on Spotify and Apple Music. The title track 'SWIM' debuted at number one on Spotify's Global Daily Top Songs chart, with all tracks from the album occupying the top 14 spots. The album also achieved remarkable sales, surpassing 3.98 million copies in its first week, reflecting the immense anticipation from fans worldwide. 'SWIM' conveys a message of perseverance through life's challenges, with lyrics primarily written by RM.
RM of BTS thanked fans and supporters after their comeback concert at Gwanghwamun, emphasizing the collective effort that made the event possible. He acknowledged the police, firefighters, and citizens for their cooperation and understanding, promising to create more wonderful music in the future. BTS will continue their tour in various cities next month.
Chef Lee Yong-bok celebrated BTS's comeback by watching their live performance on Netflix and posting about it on Instagram, calling it a historic event. Fans responded with gratitude and excitement, filling the comments with purple heart emojis. Lee has a connection with Jin through a variety show, and BTS made their long-awaited return with a performance that thrilled fans worldwide.
Following BTS's concert at Gwanghwamun Square, fans, known as ARMY, voluntarily cleaned up the area, demonstrating a mature fandom culture. This event, part of their comeback for the album 'ARIRANG,' highlighted how fan influence extends beyond support to social responsibility. The concert marked the full group's return after military service and was broadcast globally, merging their roots with a global identity.
On the morning of the 22nd, BTS departed for the US via Incheon International Airport after their comeback concert in Seoul. They wore matching 'SWIM jumpers' with 'KEEP SWIMMING' written on them. The concert, 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG', marked their first full group performance in over 3 years and was streamed live on Netflix, thrilling fans worldwide.
BTS reunited on stage for the first time in 3.5 years during 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' in Seoul, streamed live on Netflix. Members shared heartfelt messages with fans, expressing their joy and gratitude. They performed several hits, including 'Butter' and 'Dynamite,' and discussed their journey and future plans.
BTS has reunited for a live performance in Seoul, marking their first complete stage in over three years. The event, 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,' is streaming on Netflix. Their new album, titled 'ARIRANG,' explores their identity and emotions through music, drawing from the traditional Korean folk song. The members express their commitment and excitement for this comeback.
Ahead of BTS's concert at Gwanghwamun, SUGA posted on Weverse urging fans to dress warmly and not to overexert themselves. He thanked the staff and safety personnel for their hard work. BTS also released their 5th full album 'ARIRANG', selling 3.98 million copies on the first day, and will perform new songs at the concert.
