BTS captivated local viewers on a famous U.S. talk show with lively banter and overwhelming performances. In addition, they naturally spread Korean culture, drawing much attention.
On March 26–27, BTS appeared on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. It was their first official talk show appearance since the release of their fifth studio album "Arirang" (ARIRANG).
That day BTS heated up the venue with a surprise entrance walking down from the back of the audience. The members embraced host Jimmy Fallon, whom they reunited with after 4 years and 8 months, showing their enduring friendship. The broadcast was filled with the "K-culture" the members suggested. The members introduced sit‑on‑the‑floor culture by saying, "Korea takes off shoes at home," and presented Fallon with handmade "K‑slippers." Fallon then continued the show wearing the slippers, carrying on in a comfortable, living‑room‑like atmosphere. For the performance at the Guggenheim Museum, cushions were placed on the floor instead of chairs so the audience could enjoy the show sitting on the floor. It was a spectacular scene blending New York's iconic contemporary art space with Korea's unique sensibility.
The highlight of the broadcast was the new song "SWIM" performance that used the entire museum as a stage. The members descended in order along a spiral corridor and gathered on the central stage. After a first half that showcased each member's charm with natural, stylish movements, the chorus left a strong impression with concise, direct choreography. In particular, wave‑shaped lighting flowing along the walls visualized the song's message and added artistic depth. On the following track "2.0," they showed a focused performance that only BTS could deliver with weighty movements and precise tempo control. An explosive group singalong filled the museum, and the members conveyed deep empathy that transcended language with relaxed stage manner.
In the interview they also shared feelings about reuniting as a full group after a long time. "Having the members beside us definitely gives us strength and confidence. It felt like meeting family," they said, showing deep affection. They expressed their emotion about reuniting after the hiatus with the short, powerful word "finally." About the upcoming world tour they said, "Every segment is a killer. It will give you goosebumps," expressing confidence.
Introducing the new release, they said, "We wanted to show where our beginning and roots are." About the title track "SWIM" they explained, "It's a song that pulls out thoughts that live in a corner of the mind. The waves you encounter in life are different for each person, but despite that you must keep swimming, reflecting a love of and attitude toward life." They also expressed the belief that music made with sincerity in lyrics, melody and choreography would resonate anywhere.
Meanwhile, BTS's fifth studio album "Arirang" recorded initial week sales of about 4.17 million copies on Hanteo Chart, setting the group's own best record. It is an overwhelming impact that makes the 3 years and 9 months hiatus seem irrelevant. The title track "SWIM" held the No. 1 spot on Spotify's Daily Top Songs Global for six consecutive days (for the period of the 20th–25th). In Seoul, the "BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL" (BTS the City Arirang Seoul) project, which citizens can enjoy together, is currently underway.
[Photo] BigHit Music, Todd Owyoung/NBC
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