Newspapers roll out BTS special editions, extras as collectible ‘concert goods’

▲ BTS fans receive extras and special editions of South Korean newspapers at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21, 2026, ahead of a concert at the venue to mark the K-pop giant's long-awaited comeback. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 21 (Yonhap) -- Major South Korean newspapers published special editions and extras targeting fans of BTS on Saturday, the day of the group’s concert in Gwanghwamun.

The Chosun Ilbo renamed its weekend section “All About Weekend” to “All About BTS,” releasing a 16-page special edition. It featured individual profiles of all seven members across seven pages, along with a timeline of the group, an introduction to the new album, a guide to the concert venue and interviews with ARMY fans worldwide.

The Dong-A Ilbo also published a 24-page BTS feature, including content on the new album and concert, as well as full-page advertisements placed by fan groups for each member.

Newspapers that typically do not publish Saturday editions, such as the Kyunghyang Shinmun, Hankyoreh, Seoul Shinmun and Segye Ilbo, also released BTS specials. The Kyunghyang Shinmun introduced the lyrics and fan chants for the title track "SWIM" across an entire page, while the Seoul Shinmun began distributing its special edition in Gwanghwamun a day earlier.

Business dailies such as Maeil Business Newspaper and Korea Economic Daily, as well as the English-language paper The Korea Herald, also joined in with special editions.

Newspapers said they expect the editions to be perceived by fans as collectible “goods,” helping expand their readership and influence.

Ilgan Sports published a 12-page BTS special issue, which went on sale Thursday for 1,000 won, drawing long lines of fans from around the world eager to purchase copies.

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