Global group BTS will announce a dazzling return at Gwanghwamun Square, the heart of Korea. At 8 p.m. on the 21st, BTS will hold a live performance to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "BTS comeback live: Arirang (ARIRANG)," meeting fans around the world.
This performance carries weight as it is the first full-group stage in about 3 years and 5 months since the Busan concert in 2022. The new album Arirang was executive-produced by Chair Bang Si-hyuk, expressing the team's identity and Korean sentiment through music.
The new release sold 3.98 million copies on the first day alone, breaking the all-time highest first-week sales record in just one day, and the title track "Swim (SWIM)" topped major domestic music charts immediately after release, underscoring the group's enduring stature.
The concert will be broadcast live worldwide via global OTT platform "Netflix." In particular, maestro Hamish Hamilton, who led the London Olympics and the Super Bowl halftime show, took charge as the general director, maximizing the stage's completeness.
Ahead of the performance, BTS said through its reflections, "It will go beyond a simple comeback show to spread the cultural appeal of Korea and connect the world through music," adding, "For fans who have waited a long time, we will deliver the best stage with a meticulously arranged setlist." The following is a Q&A with BTS members.
─Feelings ahead of the 'BTS comeback live: ARIRANG' performance
RM "I picked up a slight injury while practicing for a great stage. I will adjust the performance to my condition but do my best within what's possible. Above all, I want to repay those who have been waiting for the show with a good performance."
Jin "I am very nervous. I never thought I would perform at Gwanghwamun Square in my life, and this moment feels all the more real now. This is all thanks to the many people who prepared together. I want to express my gratitude to everyone."
Suga "Preparing for the world tour while working on the Gwanghwamun comeback show made things fly by in a blur. It is meaningful because the whole team focused in one direction. I am looking forward to it a lot."
J-Hope "There is pressure because it is a big event watched around the world, but that makes me want to do even better as I prepare the stage. Since it has been a while since we are standing together, I will keep the energy and focus to the end."
Jimin "As much as I am excited, I am honestly anxious, too. Even so, I am more thrilled because it is a chance to meet fans after a long time. I will stay focused to the end so that those emotions are conveyed well on stage."
V "I am happy. We prepared really solidly and practiced our best every day. I want to finish the stage well and, above all, safely."
Jungkook "I am excited and nervous. I am thrilled, but the worries made me prepare even more. I will make a stage with no regrets and create a time we can enjoy together."
-Key points to watch at the Gwanghwamun Square performance
RM "To make the most of the symbolic space that is Gwanghwamun, we built the set with an 'open cube' structure with a clear view. The point is that we designed it so that Gwanghwamun and the stage do not block each other and captured them in a single frame."
Jin "The cube structure will be the core device of the stage. We all discussed the stage setup together, and the cube became the solution. The cube will be used in various ways in the direction, so I hope you look forward to it."
Suga "We prepared the stage with the mindset that we must always show something new. In particular, this time, through collaboration with an overseas directing team, we were able to implement the key points in a fresh way."
J-Hope "If you look at the stage setup, you will feel like Gwanghwamun is framed inside a picture. The very scene of BTS's performance filling that frame will be symbolic."
Jimin "Since the album title is 'Arirang,' I think it would be cool if a scene is staged where we sing 'Arirang' together at Gwanghwamun. Please look forward to the moments when space and music mesh."
V "The cube that vividly captures Gwanghwamun as the background is the most noteworthy part. Being able to perform in that space itself feels honorable and special."
Jungkook "The stage is divided into three zones, and there are many newly prepared elements in the song arrangement. If you follow the overall flow, I think you will find the performance more enjoyable."