▲ BTS members appear in an episode of its self-produced YouTube content series "Run BTS 2.0," released ahead of BTS' June 11, 2026, two days before the band's debut anniversary. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- K-pop supergroup BTS said Thursday that one of the most memorable moments of its ongoing world tour has been hearing fans around the globe sing along to "Arirang" in unison.

 

"Whenever ARMY members sing 'Arirang' together, no matter which country or city we are in, it gives us goosebumps and makes us emotional," the seven-member group said in an episode of its self-produced YouTube content series "Run BTS 2.0."

 

"We can really feel that audiences are enjoying the performances much more comfortably and confidently than before," the members added.

 

The episode, released ahead of BTS' June 13 debut anniversary, featured the members gathering for a surprise dinner during the North American leg of their tour and candidly sharing updates and thoughts.

 

Their latest world tour, "Arirang," is the largest in K-pop history, spanning 86 concerts in 34 cities worldwide. BTS previously drew a combined 130,000 fans during a three-day run in Goyang in April.

 

Recalling the heavy rain that poured during the first show in Goyang, the members said they could not help but laugh as they stood soaking wet on stage.

 

"In the past, we didn't know how to spend time after concerts, but now we're filling those moments with small memories, like having dinner together, and that's been really nice," they said.

 

BTS also drew attention during its Mexico stop by paying a courtesy call on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. About 50,000 ARMY fans gathered at Mexico City's Zocalo Square in front of the presidential palace.

 

"We were surprised to see the square packed with people," the members said. "We didn't know whether it was because of a festival or because of us."

 

The group also expressed pride in its fifth full-length album, "Arirang."

 

Speaking about the lead track, "Swim," the members described it as "a song with romance" that carries "a message about protecting something precious."

 

"Because there are seven of us, we were able to deliver a more pop-oriented and universal message," they said.

 

Looking back on their journey, the members said, "The energy among the seven of us hasn't changed, but as individuals we've grown, and as a group we've become much more relaxed. It feels like we've truly become adults."

 

BTS will hold concerts in Busan on June 12-13 as part of the "Arirang" world tour. Busan is the hometown of members Jimin and Jungkook.

 

To celebrate the concerts, the city is hosting a series of offline events under the banner "BTS THE CITY ARIRANG-BUSAN" at various landmarks through the end of the month.

 

"Please support us so that we can finish the tour happily and in good health," the group said. "We're sincerely grateful that you've remained by our side and continued to support us after such a long time away. We hope you'll also look forward to the Busan concerts."

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]