BTS returns to U.S. stage as full group after nearly 4 years

▲ BTS attends the "Spotify X BTS: Seaside" event on the rooftop of Pier 17 at the southern tip of Manhattan of New York City on March 23, 2026, in this photo provided by Spotify. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ BTS performs at the "Spotify X BTS: Seaside" event on the rooftop of Pier 17 at the southern tip of Manhattan of New York City on March 23, 2026, in this photo provided by Spotify. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ Fans of K-pop supergroup BTS hold up light sticks while watching a live performance by the group at the "Spotify X BTS: Seaside" event on the rooftop of Pier 17 at the southern tip of Manhattan of New York City on March 23, 2026, in this photo provided by Spotify. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

BTS-US event

BTS returns to U.S. stage as full group after nearly 4 years

SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) -- K-pop megastar BTS reunited for a U.S. performance in New York on Monday (U.S. time), marking the group's first appearance with all seven members stateside in about four years.

The group flew in from Seoul, where it had a free concert at Gwanghwamun in the city center to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang," and performed at the "Spotify X BTS: Seaside" event on the rooftop of Pier 17 at Manhattan's southern tip.

The intimate show drew 1,000 superfans selected by the global music streaming platform based on top streaming hours of BTS tracks. It contrasted sharply with the group's last full U.S. outing in April 2022 for the "Permission to Dance on Stage" concerts at a 40,000-capacity concert venue in Las Vegas.

Members expressed visible emotion during the set, which featured new songs, including "Swim," "Normal" and "Fya."

Jimin opened the show with "Thank you," and responded to roaring fans: "I love you, too."

"The important thing is we're back together after so long. This is a happy moment. We missed you so much, and it's an honor to finally perform on stage for you," he said.

The scenic Pier 17 venue overlooks the East River and Brooklyn Bridge, and has hosted hip-hop icons like Snoop Dogg and Eminem. Calling it a "historical place," RM said, "It's an honor for us to do the first stage in America here."

"It's really meaningful for us ... We seven and you ARMYs. That's all. We can't take over the world," he added, using the name of the group's global fan base.

Answering presubmitted questions from fans, RM noted ARMYs have grown "more gorgeous," marveling at the turnout despite chilly weather.

Jungkook shouted, "What a beautiful ARMY!" thanking fans for braving the cold to attend the event.

V chimed in, saying, "It's been a long time since we've heard ARMY cheers in the U.S. I'm so happy."

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