‘Arirang’ echoes across Gwanghwamun as BTS returns

▲ K-pop superband BTS performs at its comeback showcase held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on March 21, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 21 (Yonhap) -- A drone swept over Gyeongbokgung’s Geunjeongmun, Heungnyemun, and Gwanghwamun—forming the so-called “King’s Road”—before 50 dancers appeared on the Woldae platform. As they parted to either side amid thunderous cheers, all seven members of BTS emerged.

At 8 p.m. on Saturday, BTS signaled the “return of the king” of K-pop with their comeback show "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG" at Gwanghwamun Square, the heart of Seoul. Fans from around the world filled the venue, responding with a shimmering wave of purple light.

Standing center stage, leader RM looked straight ahead and declared, “Hello Seoul, we are back!”

▲ K-pop superband BTS performs at its comeback showcase held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on March 21, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

RM, along with Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, showed a mix of nerves and excitement as they reunited on stage as a full group. But as the opening track "Body to Body" from their new album "Arirang" began, the members gripped their handheld microphones and delivered smooth, powerful rap verses.

As the song built toward its climax, the traditional folk song "Arirang"—featured in the track—resounded live through performers from the National Gugak Center. Ink-wash-style media projections wrapped around Gwanghwamun, enhancing the moment.

Fans who had waited years to see BTS again erupted in joy, some covering their mouths in disbelief.

▲ K-pop superband BTS performs at its comeback showcase held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on March 21, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Dressed in black outfits inspired by traditional Joseon-era armor, BTS performed three new songs in succession—"Hooligan" and "2.0" among them—before catching their breath.

Jimin shared, “ARMY, we’ve finally met. I’m overwhelmed and grateful to be able to speak to you here. I didn’t expect you to fill Gwanghwamun Square like this—thank you so much.”

Suga added, “It’s an honor to perform at Gwanghwamun, one of Korea’s most historic places. We wanted to express our identity in this album, which is why we chose "Arirang" as the title—and why we’re performing here.”

When the lights shifted to yellow and the familiar beat of their global hit "Butter" played, the crowd’s energy surged. The choreography snapped perfectly into place, while RM—nursing an ankle injury—remained seated as he rapped.

The performance of another hit, "MIC Drop," drew loud sing-alongs from fans waving their light sticks.

Jungkook later said, “I’ll never forget tonight. I felt pressure and fear about the comeback, but standing in front of you makes me happy.”

▲ K-pop superband BTS performs at its comeback showcase held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on March 21, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The title track "SWIM," which had drawn global attention, was also unveiled for the first time. Fans chanted “Swim! Swim!” while wave-like visuals filled the LED screens and Gwanghwamun’s facade.

Reflecting on their 3-year-and-9-month hiatus, Suga said, “During our break, we thought deeply about what we must protect and what we must change. We’re still uncertain and anxious, but those feelings are also part of who we are.”

RM added, “At turning points like this, you have to choose what kind of artist you want to be. The answer wasn’t outside—it was within. This album honestly captures our 고민, anxiety, and wandering.”

The stage’s frame-shaped LED screens displayed striking visuals, with Gwanghwamun visible between them, creating a picture-like scene. Combined with the purple glow of “ARMY Bomb” light sticks, the atmosphere resembled a scene from an animated film.

The philosophy of the four trigrams in the Taegeukgi—embedded in the "Arirang" album logo—was also expressed through media art: “Geon” (heaven) in "Normal," “Gon” (earth) in "Like Animals," “Gam” (water) in "SWIM" and “Ri” (fire) in "FYA. "

▲ K-pop superband BTS performs at its comeback showcase held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on March 21, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Modern pop music, Korean tradition, and a global fanbase came together in one place—Gwanghwamun.

J-Hope smiled and declared, “I’m so happy to be back. This is all thanks to you. ‘BTS 2.0’ has just begun.”

After performing their Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit "Dynamite," BTS closed with "Mikrokosmos," which they had also performed at Gyeongbokgung in 2020. At their suggestion, fans turned on their phone flashlights, transforming the night into a galaxy of stars. One member exclaimed, “Beautiful!”

The concert was broadcast live to more than 190 countries via Netflix. It was directed by Hamish Hamilton, known for the Super Bowl halftime show and the 2012 London Olympics ceremonies.

V said, “We imagined this moment so many times. To finally stand in front of ARMY is truly moving. Please appear in my dreams tonight.”

Suga also expressed gratitude to the Seoul city government, staff, and police officers who supported the event.

▲ K-pop superband BTS performs at its comeback showcase held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on March 21, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Fans from the United States said, “It feels like a dream. We’ve waited so long to see all seven members together—we even cried. At Gwanghwamun, where King Sejong’s statue stands, it felt meaningful to see BTS—who spread that language globally—create such a powerful moment.”

BTS will continue their U.S. activities with a Spotify-hosted performance in New York on March 23 (local time), followed by appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on March 25–26. Their new world tour "Arirang" will begin April 9, 11, and 12 at Goyang Stadium.

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