With BTS's comeback, all of Seoul has transformed into a vast cultural venue.
On the afternoon of the 20th, the citywide project commemorating BTS's new album "Arirang" (ARIRANG), BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL (BTS The City Arirang Seoul, hereafter "The City Seoul"), opened in a dazzling ceremony.
Seoul's history and culture blended with the artists' brand to offer a variety of attractions. At 7 p.m. that day, a media facade was displayed on Sungnyemun, National Treasure No. 1. When the gate in the fortress opened, BTS's grand silhouette was revealed. Members holding cheongsachorong lanterns strolled serenely in bright light, and their images were projected onto the stone wall. At the end, the album's key color, red, enveloped Sungnyemun. It was a moment that breathed new life into Seoul's historical value. Many citizens who visited the scene marveled at the special experience created by traditional architecture and BTS together. The drone show that embroidered Ttukseom Han River Park's night sky and the large outdoor advertisements in Gwanghwamun Square transformed the entire city into a giant outdoor exhibition space. The spectacular sights offered a "scarcity of experience" that can be felt only at this moment.
The biggest feature of "The City Seoul" is that it created a cultural space enjoyed by all citizens beyond a fandom festival. At the "Love Song Lounge" installed in Yeouido Hangang Park, citizens out for an early morning walk and family visitors gathered. Interactive content centered on songs and busking performances brought fun and emotion to everyday life. So many people visited Hangang Park that three additional instant photo booths were installed, and by evening the crowds grew even larger. Foreign tourists who visited Korea to enjoy BTS's new album release and the "BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG" (BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG) show at 8 p.m. on the 21st also made up a large portion of attendees. It was clear that all of Seoul felt like a huge global festival site.
A cube-shaped sculpture installed in the courtyard of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art also caught citizens' attention. The sea-colored exterior, reminiscent of BTS's new title track "SWIM," displayed the phrase KEEP SWIMMING to convey the song's message. The tassels on the sculpture rustled in the wind like the sound of waves, offering a healing moment in the middle of the city. People toured Seoul by participating in stamp rallies held at major hubs such as Yeouido and DDP. Despite large crowds on the first day, "The City Seoul" concluded safely through thorough preparation and smooth operations, demonstrating a mature festival culture.
"The City Seoul" continues for one month until Apr. 19. After the red media facades at Sungnyemun and N Seoul Tower, programs highlighting various urban charms such as DDP's ARMY plaza and Cheonggyecheon Love Quarter will sequentially welcome citizens.<
[Photo] BigHit Music (HYBE)
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