▲ Foreign BTS fans pose with a light stick on the steps outside the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul in this photo taken March 17, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ A promotional video for K-pop supergroup BTS' upcoming live performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul plays on an electronic billboard at the square on March 20, 2026, one day ahead of the show. (Yonhap)
▲ A promotional video for K-pop supergroup BTS' upcoming live performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul plays on an electronic billboard at the square on March 20, 2026, one day ahead of the show. (Yonhap)
▲ Mexican fans of K-pop supergroup BTS pose for photos at a pop-up store celebrating the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang," at The Heritage of Shinsegae Department Store in central Seoul on March 20, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ Chairs are placed for the audience at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 20, 2026, one day before the K-pop supergroup BTS holds a live performance to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang." (Yonhap)

BTS-fans

Anticipation builds in Seoul as global BTS fans flock to Gwanghwamun ahead of concert

By Shim Sun-ah

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Excitement was palpable in central Seoul on Friday as fans of K-pop supergroup BTS from around the world gathered at Gwanghwamun Square, a day before the group's first full-member concert since completing military service.

On the wide steps outside the nearby Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, wrapped with large white letters spelling "BTS," visitors posed for photos against giant billboards looping concert teasers. Fans holding purple balloons, a color symbolic of the group's fandom, known as ARMY, cheered when the seven members occasionally appeared on screen.

Among them was Laetitia Levasseur, a French student visiting with her boyfriend. "I love this place -- the palace, the gate and the happy mood," she said with a smile as she took photos in the spring sunshine. A fan for three years, she had failed to get a ticket but said she had already visited the spot three times and might come back even more during her trip.

On the other side of the steps, two housewives from Guri, east of Seoul, had been luckier. "It's a mix of excitement and anxiety, but mostly joy," said Park Hee-sun, 48, wearing a lavender BTS hoodie. "It's their first comeback since completing military service, so the anticipation is huge for all ARMYs."

Her friend Woo Yeon-joo, 44, added, "I can't sleep. We've waited so long for the full lineup to return. I think I'll cry when I see them," as she unzipped her jacket to reveal a black BTS T-shirt underneath.

The concert's pull extended far beyond Korea. Nina, a 29-year-old retail worker from Australia, said her trip was initially planned around Seoul Fashion Week, not BTS. "I booked flight tickets before they announced they're coming back in March, so it was almost like I missed out on something."

Then she realized it lined up perfectly. "It was pure coincidence," she said.

During her stay, she visited BTS landmarks, including Hybe's new headquarters and the group's former agency building plastered with fan graffiti.

"Standing and seeing where they started their career felt very surreal. We don't have anything like that in Australia."

From India, Miral Koradia, 28, a small business owner, said she came to soak up the excitement despite failing to secure tickets.

"We tried to get the tickets, but we didn't get the chance," she said. "We're just happy to be here to feel the energy. It's amazing that BTS are holding such a big concert for free for fans around the world. I'm excited but also a little sad that I can't attend tomorrow." She added that she hopes BTS will include India in its next world tour, noting that it has a huge fanbase there.

For many fans, Saturday's show means more than a concert -- it fulfills BTS' promise to reunite as a septet after years of solo projects and military service.

"It's weird because it doesn't feel like it's been so long since they've promoted as a whole group," said Nina. "Especially with how they planned all their solo albums and promotions, it feels as though it's time has flown by pretty quick."

Several fans said BTS' music helped them through hard times. "When I'm sad, their songs lift me up," said Koradia. Park said BTS were the first idols who made her feel genuine excitement, while Woo said they were her only source of joy when life felt overwhelming. "Because of them, I could forget my worries for a while," she said.

(END)

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