Shocking comeback: BTS dropped their first album in 3 years and 9 months, 'Arirang', and set Gwanghwamun ablaze with a blockbuster comeback show that was streamed live worldwide.
The event, held on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square, was broadcast live via Netflix to viewers in more than 190 countries.
BTS kicked off the night with 'Arirang', 'Hooligan', and '2.0'. They then performed the title track 'Swim' (SWIM), along with new songs like 'Body to Body', 'Aliens', and 'FYA', plus smash hits including 'Butter' and 'MIC Drop'.
Sharing their long-awaited comeback feelings, Jungkook said, "I'm nervous but excited to perform the new tracks for the first time." Jin added, "It's been a while, so I'm even more thrilled," thanking fans. J-Hope noted, "This album holds our worries and reflections," while Suga shared, "During the time we were paused, I thought hard about what to protect and what to change." RM added, "We listened closely to our own voices and poured our concerns and anxieties into it." Suga continued, "It's an honor to perform at Gwanghwamun, and we infused the album 'Arirang' with the meaning of resonance."
Toward the end, 'Dynamite' and the encore 'Mikrokosmos' drew explosive cheers from fans. Jimin said, "Thanks to ARMY, we were able to meet like this," expressing gratitude, and Suga also thanked everyone who helped make the show possible.
Beyond a typical stage, the comeback show was conceived as a large-scale production carrying Korea's cultural symbolism, sparking massive global interest.