BTS (BTS) successfully completed "BTS comeback live: ARIRANG," held on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul. After a long wait of 3 years and 9 months, they faced a full-group stage. For an hour, BTS filled Gwanghwamun Square with cheers and announced the "return of the kings" to fans who came to the venue.
In this comeback, BTS did not hide the human anguish behind the glamor of 'superstar'. J-Hope and Suga candidly spoke about the "fear of being forgotten" and "anxiety" they felt during the hiatus. Jimin also said, "we are afraid every time just like you," narrowing the emotional distance with ARMY.
The title track they offered as the answer, 'SWIM,' was the product of the will "to keep swimming without stopping." The energy that began with 'Butter' and 'MIC Drop' reached its peak in 'SWIM' after going through the new songs 'Aliens' and 'FYA'.
Before the afterglow of Gwanghwamun had even faded, Incheon International Airport buzzed again on the morning of the 22nd. What stood out in the appearance of BTS as they departed for overseas schedules was none other than the "team jumpers."
All seven members and even the staff who accompanied them on site appeared wearing matching jumpers emblazoned with the phrase 'KEEP SWIMMING,' the message from the previous day's stage. It was a symbolic scene showing the unity of the "BTS one team" beyond fashion.
As J-Hope said, "BTS 2.0 has only just begun," the purple wave that started in Gwanghwamun is now ready to spread across the United States and the world. Now that the seven boys have begun swimming together again, music fans around the world are once again focusing on their moves.
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