The group BTS successfully wrapped up the opening shows of their "BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG.'" A total of 132,000 people attended in person, while audiences from 194 countries and regions joined through cinemas and online streaming.
According to their agency, BigHit Music, on the 13th, BTS held the opening concerts of "BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG'" at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium on April 9 and April 11-12. Approximately 44,000 fans gathered for each show.
Centered around a 360-degree open stage, the concert venue was designed like a work of art, incorporating traditional Korean elements. At the center of the stage stood s pavilion inspired by Gyeonghoeru, while extended stages—designed with motifs from the geon, gon, gam, ri elements of the Taegeukgi—brought the performers closer to the audience.
The performance overwhelmed the crowd with bold, unexpected production. The opening itself was striking: BTS emerged from a group of masked performers carrying smoke bombs, instantly electrifying the stadium. They performed tracks from their new album, “Hooligan” and “Aliens,” transforming the venue into a festival atmosphere. During “Run BTS,” member Jungkook grabbed a flying drone camera and filmed the stage from a first-person perspective, delivering the concert’s vivid energy to online viewers. After the opening, the members emotionally addressed the audience, saying, “It’s been about four years since we released the album ‘ARIRANG’ and started a tour. We can hear your voices so clearly today, ARMY.”
The stage also stood out for its blend of traditional Korean sentiment and modern aesthetics. During “they don’t know ’bout us,” dancers carried video equipment displaying reinterpreted traditional mask imagery, adding a sense of mystery. The title track “SWIM” featured large fabric flowing like waves, while “Merry Go Round” showcased elegant movements reminiscent of seungmu dance. In “NORMAL,” silhouettes of the members spread across LED screens like an ink wash painting, highlighting Korean beauty.
The performance created in harmony with tens of thousands of fans was truly spectacular. During “FAKE LOVE,” the powerful chants from the audience seemed to engulf the entire stadium, sending chills through the crowd. As “Not Today,” “MIC Drop,” “FYA,” and “FIRE” followed in succession, the atmosphere reached its peak. When the intense intro of “MIC Drop” played, the cheers of over 40,000 fans erupted explosively. A new track, “Body to Body,” which incorporates the folk song “Arirang,” also received an enthusiastic response. The performance evoked ganggangsullae, with fans around the world singing “Arirang” together, while waves of light sticks created a breathtaking scene. During “IDOL,” the members moved throughout the stadium, making eye contact with fans, and continued the energy with global hits like “Butter” and “Dynamite.” Colorful fireworks lit up the night sky, completing a dazzling festival.
Toward the end of the concert, BTS shared, “We sincerely thank you for your support. While we are showing many changes under the name ‘BTS 2.0,’ the most important thing has not changed: the fact that the seven of us chose to do this together, and our sincerity toward you. We will never take for granted the hearts that fill this space, and we will always move forward with humility. Please trust us and watch over us kindly.” The members then gave a deep bow, adding, “We still have many performances to show you. We will repay your support by becoming artists who present diverse and amazing stages.”
The concert concluded with “Please” and “Into the Sun,” leaving a lasting impression. Having successfully launched their tour, BTS will continue with 85 shows across 34 cities worldwide—including Tokyo on April 17–18—spanning North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.
Original article: Mediapen
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