BTS (BTS) successfully completed their Gwanghwamun comeback live, repeatedly expressing gratitude and apologies to citizens, fans and on-site staff both on stage and after the concert.
On the 21st, BTS held "BTS comeback live: ARIRANG" at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul. It was the first full-group comeback stage in 3 years and 9 months and, as a performance held in a symbolic space representing Korea, interest from on-site and online audiences was focused from before it began.
On that day, 22,000 seats were prepared at Gwanghwamun Square, and about 104,000 spectators gathered. About 15,000 people, including police, firefighters and public officials, were deployed for security and safety, making it truly a large-scale project.
The members who took the stage seemed to understand the significance of the performance better than anyone. Suga said, "I am honored to be able to perform at one of Korea's most historic sites," and V also said, "It feels fresh to be able to make a comeback at such a special place," expressing overwhelming emotion and recalling the many people who made this stage possible.
That day BTS filled the night in Gwanghwamun with hits and new songs such as "Butter," "MIC Drop," "Aliens," "FYA," "SWIM," "Like Animals," and "NORMAL." In particular, RM, who had restrictions on some performances due to an ankle injury, also took the stage, adding meaning to the comeback. Even amid a dazzling set list and overwhelming cheers, the members did not forget to say "thank you" throughout the performance.
Their sincerity became even clearer toward the latter half of the concert. Suga said, "I want to convey my thanks to the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the many officials who helped us perform at Gwanghwamun, and to the police and so many others who worked hard on site," Jimin also said, "I thank the many people who helped make today's live possible," and bowed his head, saying, "I am grateful and sorry." Given that it was a large-scale performance with a huge crowd, BTS appeared to take the fact that this stage was not completed by their efforts alone very seriously.
That sincerity continued after the concert ended. RM left a long post on the fan communication platform Weverse the same day, once again expressing his gratitude. RM said, "After a long wait of four years, the seven of us gathered again and faced you in the meaningful space of Gwanghwamun," and said, "I want to express my gratitude to everyone who gave their unwavering consideration and support so that our return stage could be completed safely."
Then RM mentioned more specifically his gratitude and apologies to citizens and on-site staff. He said, "I bow my head in thanks to those who embraced Gwanghwamun Square as our comeback stage and to the police, firefighters and government and local government officials who worked to ensure the concert was safe without major incidents despite the large crowd." He also said, "I am truly sorry and also thankful to the citizens who endured the various inconveniences such as traffic control and noise, and to the merchants and office workers around Gwanghwamun," once again offering his apology and gratitude.
Above all, RM emphasized that BTS were not the only protagonists of this Gwanghwamun stage. He wrote, "This Gwanghwamun stage is not just for the seven of us in BTS. It was a stage completed by the hard work of those who ensured safety, the warm understanding of citizens, and the unchanging love of ARMY." He added, "We will not forget the great love and support you have given us and will create greater resonance and good music in BTS's future journey."
In this way, BTS did not stop at celebrating a historic comeback in the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, but first looked back at the citizens and fans who made the entire process of the concert possible and the many people who worked behind the scenes. BTS's attitude of saying "thank you and sorry" until the end, even at the moment of a glamorous return, made this comeback live even more special.
Meanwhile, after finishing the Gwanghwamun live, BTS will meet fans again with concerts titled "BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG'" at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex on the 9th, 11th and 12th of next month. Starting with this, BTS will continue a world tour spanning 79 shows in 34 cities across Asia, North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, marking the largest number of shows by a K-pop artist.
[photo] OSEN DB
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