Tens of thousands of fans from around the world gathered in Seoul on Saturday for BTS's first live performance in nearly four years, marking the end of the group's military service hiatus. The free concert at Gwanghwamun Square drew an estimated 22,000 people in a designated viewing zone, with thousands more watching on nearby screens or via a Netflix stream to over 190 countries.
The Zubillaga family travelled from Veracruz, Mexico, after failing to secure tickets for the band's world tour in their home country. 'It's beautiful,' said 15-year-old Renata Zubillaga of the group's new album, Arirang. Fans came from as far as Guam, Japan, Russia, Germany and France, reflecting BTS's enduring global appeal.
The setlist drew heavily from Arirang, released the day before and already selling nearly 4 million copies. The crowd sang along to new tracks like Swim and erupted when the 2020 hit Dynamite played. 'Seeing them come back is a huge thing,' said Nani Cruz, 30, from Guam. 'The longing that ARMY is feeling, that's what we're able to experience again tonight.'
BTS — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — paused group activities in late 2022 to fulfil South Korea's mandatory military service. Their return raised questions about whether the band could recapture its pre-hiatus momentum. The answer, based on the crowd's energy, was a resounding yes.
'Annyeonghaseyo! We're back,' leader RM told the crowd as the group opened with Body to Body. The performance, set against the illuminated walls of Gyeongbokgung palace, felt both nostalgic and forward-looking. 'I'm just really happy they're back together and still making music,' said Lea Baron, a German fan living in Seoul.
