BTS's concert in Korea showcased their roots with a blend of traditional and modern elements, captivating 132,000 fans over three shows.

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) successfully concluded a concert that highlighted Korean beauty. BTS held the first performance of 'BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’' at the Goyang Comprehensive Stadium in Korea on April 9, 11, and 12, successfully attracting about 132,000 people across three shows. Additionally, live viewings in cinemas around the world and live streaming through Weverse allowed audiences in 194 countries and regions to enjoy the performance together. The venue featured a breathtaking sight with about 44,000 spectators filling the 360-degree open stage. The songs from their 5th full album 'ARIRANG', infused with BTS's roots and identity, were manifested as a single work of art in conjunction with Korean-style productions. A pavilion inspired by 'Gyeonghoeru', the architecture where state guests were once welcomed at Gyeongbokgung Palace, was set up at the center of the stage, and a sub-stage based on the concept of 'Gyeon-gon-kam-ri', which constitutes the four corners of the Korean flag 'Taegeukgi', further bridged the distance with the audience. The performance overwhelmed the audience with unexpected productions. In the opening, BTS appeared from a group wearing masks and holding smoke. They performed songs 'Hooligan' and 'Aliens' from their 5th full album 'ARIRANG', transforming the stadium into a festive atmosphere. During the 'Run BTS' stage, Jung Kook grabbed a flying drone camera, delivering a first-person perspective video to online viewers. After the opening, the members expressed their deep feelings, saying, 'It's been about four years since we released the album 'ARIRANG' and are going on tour. We can really hear the voices of ARMY (BTS's fans) today,' announcing the start of the performance. The stage, where Korean atmosphere and modern sensibility fused, was also impressive. In 'they don’t know ’bout us', a video reinterpreting the traditional mask 'Tal' was projected onto the camera equipment held by dancers, creating a mystical worldview. In the title track 'SWIM', a huge cloth was manipulated like waves, and in 'Merry Go Round', elegant movements reminiscent of traditional dance 'Seungmu' unfolded splendidly. In 'NORMAL', the silhouettes of the members projected on LED screens spread like ink paintings, expressing Korean beauty. The stage created together with tens of thousands of spectators was overwhelming. In 'FAKE LOVE', cheers resonated throughout the stadium, and as 'Not Today', 'MIC Drop', 'FYA', and 'Burning Up (FIRE)' were performed in succession, the heat of the venue reached its peak. Especially when the intense intro of 'MIC Drop' played, the cheers of over 40,000 spectators grew even louder. Furthermore, in the new song 'Body to Body', which sampled the folk song 'Arirang', a performance reminiscent of the traditional dance 'Ganggangsullae', a grand chorus of 'Arirang' by the audience gathered from around the world, and a wave of colorful light sticks created a magnificent scene. In 'IDOL', the members ran around the entire stadium along the track, making eye contact with each audience member, connecting the excitement to global hits like 'Butter' and 'Dynamite'. Colorful fireworks decorated the night sky, concluding the fantastical festival. In the latter part of the performance, BTS expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support, stating, 'We are showing many changes under the name 'BTS 2.0', but the most important thing has not changed. We decided to continue this activity together as seven, and our sincerity towards you. We will always walk humbly without taking lightly the hearts of everyone who filled this space, so please believe in us and watch over us warmly.' After bowing deeply, a traditional Korean greeting, they said, 'There are many stages we want to show you in the future. We will become singers who can repay you with diverse and cool appearances.' Many stars, including Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, visited the venue to support BTS's stage, along with numerous idols such as TOMORROW X TOGETHER, BOYNEXTDOOR, ENHYPEN, chef Lee Yong-bok, and the couple Baek Jong-won & Seo Yujin. Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik, and others from the 'Wooga Family', as well as Ko So-young, known as V's neighbor, also came to cheer. The concert closed with a deep aftertaste after performing 'Please' and 'Into the Sun'. Having successfully started the tour, BTS will continue with a total of 85 performances in 34 cities, including Tokyo, Japan on April 17-18, North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.