Gwanghwamun square is filled with BTS's "Arirang."
BTS will hold "BTS comeback live: ARIRANG" (BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG) around Gwanghwamun square at 8 p.m. on the 21st. This performance was organized to commemorate the release of the fifth full-length album "Arirang" (ARIRANG) and can be watched anywhere in the world via Netflix. They will reveal new-song performances to the public for the first time, including the new album's title track "SWIM."
BTS has newly arranged the setlist to deliver a performance worthy of long-awaiting music fans. "BTS comeback live: ARIRANG" is expected to be more than a simple comeback show; it will connect the world through music and serve as an opportunity to spread the charm of Korea's cultural heritage.
The production team was also composed of people with rich global stage experience. Hamish Hamilton, who served as the overall director, directed concerts for pop stars such as Madonna and Beyoncé and worked on events including the 2012 London Olympic opening and closing ceremonies and the U.S. Super Bowl halftime show. Guy Carrington, who joined as a producer, has experience participating in the directing and production of the Emmy Awards.
In particular, because it is the first full-group stage in about three years and five months since "Yet to Come in BUSAN" in October 2022, it is drawing explosive interest from global music fans. The members shared a written Q&A expressing their expectations for this performance through BigHit Music.
below are BTS's written Q&A
Q. how you feel ahead of the "BTS comeback live: ARIRANG" performance
RM: While practicing for a great stage, I suffered a minor injury. I will adjust the performance according to my condition but will do my best within what is possible. Above all, I want to repay those who have waited for the performance with a great stage.
Jin: I'm very nervous. I never imagined I would perform at Gwanghwamun square in my life, and this moment really feels surreal. All of this is thanks to the many people who prepared together. I want to express my gratitude to everyone.
Suga: Preparing for the world tour and the Gwanghwamun comeback show at the same time kept me extremely busy. It was a time when the whole team concentrated in one direction, so it was very meaningful. We have high expectations.
J-Hope: There's pressure because it's a major event watched by the whole world, but that makes me want to do even better, and I'm preparing the stage with that mindset. Since it's a stage we haven't stood on together for a long time, I'll keep up the energy and focus until the end.
Jimin: As much as I'm excited, honestly I'm also anxious. Still, it's more thrilling because it's a chance to meet fans after a long time. I'll stay focused until the end so that those feelings are conveyed well on stage.
V: I'm happy. We prepared thoroughly and practiced our best every day. I hope we finish the stage well and, above all, safely.
Jungkook: I'm excited and nervous. While I'm excited, I also have worries, which made me prepare even more. I'll create a stage with no regrets and make a time everyone can enjoy together.
Q. key points to watch for at the Gwanghwamun square performance
RM: To make the most of the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, we configured the set as an "open cube" structure with an unobstructed view. The point is that Gwanghwamun and the stage are designed not to block each other so they can be captured in a single frame.
Jin: The cube structure is the stage's key device. We all discussed the stage equipment, and the cube became the solution. The cube will be used in various ways in the direction, so please look forward to it.
Suga: I prepared the stage with the mindset of always showing something new. In particular, this time we were able to implement the points in a novel way through collaboration with overseas directors.
J-Hope: When you see the stage setting, you'll feel as if Gwanghwamun is framed inside a picture frame. The scene of BTS's performance filling that frame itself will be symbolic.
Jimin: Since the album title is "Arirang," it would be cool if a scene were created where we sing "Arirang" together at Gwanghwamun. Please look forward to the moment when the space and the music come together.
V: The cube that clearly captures Gwanghwamun as the background is the part to watch most. The fact that we can perform in that space itself feels honorable and special.
Jungkook: The stage is divided into three zones, and many parts of the song arrangements have been newly prepared. If you follow the overall flow, the performance will feel more enjoyable.
Meanwhile, "Arirang" is an album that contains the group's identity and the universal emotions they face. Chairman Bang Si-hyuk increased the album's completeness by serving as the overall producer. The new album takes the title from Korea's representative folk song "Arirang" and uses music to express BTS's roots and the emotions the seven members feel in 2026.
BTS is showing overwhelming popularity by performing strongly on album and song charts. The fifth full-length album "Arirang" sold 3.98 million copies on its first day and shot to No. 1 on Hanteo's daily chart. That figure surpassed the group's previous highest first-week sales record (3.37 million) in just one day. The title track "SWIM" rose to the top of Melon's "Top 100" and Bugs real-time charts immediately after its release.
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