At the comeback performance of BTS that returned after about four years, the words most often heard might be "thank you and sorry."
On the 21st, BTS held "BTS comeback live: ARIRANG (Arirang)" at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno‑gu, Seoul.
In the meantime, all members had diligently completed their military service and spent time on their individual activities, and in the meantime 3 years and 9 months had passed. Since their debut in 2013, they had the longest hiatus, and ahead of this comeback, attention from fans at home and around the world was focused on them.
In preparation for BTS's Gwanghwamun performance, the government and the Seoul metropolitan government stepped in days in advance and thoroughly prepared for possible safety issues. Also, ahead of the comeback performance, a wide area around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul was subject to extensive traffic control. Roads such as Sejongdaero·Sajik‑ro were restricted, and at Gwanghwamun Station·City Hall Station·Gyeongbokgung Station, subways passed through without stopping, and city buses were rerouted.
However, just before the performance, sad news was also reported. Leader RM was injured while practicing to deliver a good performance.
On the 19th, RM injured his ankle during a rehearsal for the performance and was taken to a hospital for detailed tests and treatment. As a result of the examinations, he was diagnosed with "talocalcaneal sprain and partial ligament tear and talus strain (ligament damage and inflammation)," and received a medical opinion that after a leg cast he must minimize movement for at least two weeks and focus on recovery. He decided to participate in some stage performances, such as choreography, on a limited basis.
On the day of the performance, 22,000 seats were prepared in Gwanghwamun Square, and HYBE estimated that about 104,000 spectators gathered. To ensure security and safety, about 15,000 people, including police, fire personnel and public officials, were deployed, making it an unprecedented large‑scale project.
In fact, this "Gwanghwamun performance" would not have been possible without the affection and consideration of Seoul citizens who love BTS. A performance held in Seoul, the capital of Korea, and on the main street representing and symbolizing Seoul, Gwanghwamun, is not an opportunity given to just anyone. The members knew this, so from the start to the end of the performance they did not forget to express as much "gratitude and thanks" as possible.
Suga said, "I am honored to be able to perform at one of the most historic places in Korea," and V said, "It is a new feeling to be able to make a comeback at such a special place," revealing feelings of being overwhelmed and excited.
In the latter part of the performance, Suga said, "I want to pass on my thanks to the Seoul metropolitan government and the numerous officials who helped make it possible to perform at Gwanghwamun, and to the police and many others who worked hard on site," and Jimin bowed his head and said, "I am grateful to the many people who helped make today's live possible. Thank you and sorry."
BTS filled the night at Gwanghwamun with hits and new songs, including the new album's title track "SWIM," "Butter," "MIC Drop," "Aliens," "FYA," "Like Animals," and "NORMAL." The BTS concert, broadcast live on Netflix to about 190 countries around the world, concluded successfully, and RM expressed his gratitude even after the performance ended.
Despite his ankle injury, he did his best and wrote on the fan communication platform Weverse, "After a long wait of four years, the seven of us came together again and faced you in the meaningful space of Gwanghwamun," and opened up, "I want to express my gratitude to everyone who sent endless consideration and support so that our comeback stage could be completed safely."
He continued, "I bow my head in gratitude to the police, fire, government and local government officials who worked to make Gwanghwamun Square our comeback stage and to ensure a safe performance despite the massive crowd," and said, "I sincerely apologize and thank the citizens who endured traffic controls and noise and other inconveniences, and the merchants and office workers in the Gwanghwamun area," once again expressing thanks.
RM also said that BTS was not the only protagonist of the Gwanghwamun performance, saying, "This is not only for the seven members of BTS. It was a stage completed by the efforts of those responsible for safety, the warm understanding of citizens and ARMY's unwavering love," and promised, "We will not forget this great love and support you have sent and will create greater resonance and good music in BTS's journey ahead."
The next day, HYBE also released an official statement saying, "We sincerely thank you for the warm support and consideration shown at the BTS performance held at Gwanghwamun yesterday," and "First, we deeply thank the authorities for allowing Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun, symbols of Korea, to be used as performance venues. We know well that Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun are spaces where Korea's history and identity and today's culture breathe together. HYBE is very honored to have been able to present a performance to the world from this place."
HYBE said, "We deeply thank the police·fire and other government and local government officials who worked to ensure this performance ended safely. We also offer our apologies and thanks to the citizens around Gwanghwamun and nearby merchants, office workers and visitors," and added, "Because the performance was one that the world was paying attention to, unavoidable measures such as traffic and building controls and searches for dangerous items were carried out. We sincerely apologize to those who passed through Gwanghwamun Square and to those whose precious schedules and daily lives were inconvenienced. Thanks to broad understanding and consideration, we were able to create a meaningful time," expressing gratitude and apology for safety measures such as body searches.
He said, "The reason K‑pop has grown into a culture that breathes with the world today is thanks not only to artists and fans but also to the cultural foundation built together with Korean society and the mature support of citizens. We know well that this performance was possible on such a foundation. Orderly viewing, mature civic consciousness and consideration for one another made this performance shine even more. We thank everyone once again," and emphasized, "HYBE will cherish the support and consideration shown for this performance, redouble its efforts and work to spread the emotion and value of K‑pop and K‑culture to the world. In particular, we are grateful that through the performance we were able to introduce our proud cultural heritage to the world, and we will promptly materialize and implement long‑term support systems for measures to protect and promote national heritage and cultural properties that are being discussed closely with relevant agencies."
Finally, he added, "We express our condolences to all those affected by the fire accident in Daejeon. We offer our deep condolences to the bereaved families, and wish the injured a speedy recovery."
Meanwhile, BTS will meet fans again with concerts titled 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'' at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex on April 9, 11 and 12. Afterwards, they will continue a world tour of 79 shows in 34 cities across Asia, North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, the largest number of shows ever by a K‑pop artist.
[photo] OSEN DB
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