BTS and the ARMY were 'legend'.
The group BTS returned as a full group after 3 years and 9 months. They released their fifth studio album, 'Arirang (ARIRANG)', on the 20th, and on the 21st they held 'BTS comeback live: ARIRANG' around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul and met with ARMY (ARMY, the official fandom) around the world. BTS left another historic performance, and the ARMY showed the very essence of a mature fandom culture.
That day BTS opened with a track from the new album, 'Body to Body'. They then performed new songs including 'Hooligan', '2.0', 'Aliens', 'FYA', 'Like Animals' and 'Normal', and the highlight was the title track 'SWIM'. Also, representative BTS songs such as 'Butter', 'MIC Drop', 'Dynamite' and 'Mikrokosmos' raised the atmosphere at the venue even more.
'Arirang' not only contained BTS's identity but, as a record that heralds their new chapter, completed a more special and unforgettable performance at Gwanghwamun Square than ever before. It was a meaningful comeback that imprinted Korean sensibilities on the world.
After the performance, the ARMY's actions drew as much attention as BTS's glamorous and intense comeback. About 104,000 fans and citizens gathered at the site on the day of the performance. Although the large scale made the scene complicated, when the show ended the ARMY moved in an orderly fashion, paying attention to safety.
In particular, the ARMY voluntarily collected and sorted the trash left at the site. Fans wearing purple bands labeled 'ARMY volunteer corps' remained at the venue. They carried trash bags and cleaned up garbage at the venue and surrounding areas. At Gwanghwamun Square, which drew more people than usual because of BTS's comeback performance, the ARMY formed groups themselves and participated in post-concert cleanup. It was significant that not only Korean fans but also overseas fans voluntarily took part.
BTS's fans have often shown this kind of behavior before, attracting attention. At the 2023 celebration of their 10th anniversary, which concluded successfully, the ARMY voluntarily stepped forward to pick up trash and help clean the site. Even with the large gathering of fandom at the time, they moved in an orderly way and the surroundings were neatly tidied.
At this Gwanghwamun comeback, the ARMY's behavior added to the specialness. A meaningful performance completed at a symbolic site in Korean history and the ARMY's mature fandom culture created another layer of emotion.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by BigHit Music.
[OSEN]