Fans poured into the historic heart of South Korea’s capital for the return of the world’s most successful band in recent years, BTS.
According to entertainment company HYBE, about 104,000 people attended the concert on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square, where the seven K-pop stars – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook – performed together for the first time since October 2022.
Set against the backdrop of a 14th Century gateway to the royal palace, the band’s one-hour set included songs from their long-awaited new album, Arirang, which was released on Friday afternoon.
Entering Seoul’s central Gwanghwamun square was like stepping into a temple dedicated to the boyband. It was covered in purple, the signature colour of BTS.
The stage itself resembled a triumphal arch. It is a rare honour paid to the seven idols who have become the face of Korea’s cultural success.
The fans are sure to follow the band through its world tour which begins next month. The band is expected to rake in $1bn (£747m) in revenue, but the government has said its contribution to South Korea goes far beyond money.