Foreign BTS Fans Line Up for Seoul Economic Daily Special Edition

SEOUL—In the hands of "ARMY" fans visiting Gwanghwamun ahead of BTS's comeback concert was an unusual piece of merchandise: a newspaper.

Foreign tourists were spotted throughout the Gwanghwamun area seeking the special edition published by Seoul Economic Daily to commemorate the comeback concert.

On the morning of June 21, Japanese tourists sat in Gwanghwamun Square, carefully examining the BTS special edition. The cover features all seven BTS members posing before a logo symbolizing "Arirang," the title of their new album, alongside the phrase "BTS is Back."

The special edition includes articles introducing the album "Arirang," international reactions, and BTS's journey. It also covers global ARMY fans' rush to purchase merchandise and the atmosphere at Gwanghwamun Square ahead of the concert.

Long lines formed at distribution stands as fans sought to collect the special edition. Some fans picked up multiple copies to share with friends and family.

A Japanese tourist in her 30s, holding the Seoul Economic Daily, said, "I like that the BTS photos are printed so large. I plan to bring this back to Japan carefully."

Joy, 25, from Switzerland, waiting in line for the special edition, said, "This is a special gift we can't get in our country. In Switzerland, celebrity photos rarely appear this large in newspapers."

She added, "The photos are so clear that I plan to frame them. Photos on Instagram are nice, but this is physical proof that I received this newspaper right here in Gwanghwamun, Korea—that makes it precious," as she waved the newspaper.

By 3:30 p.m., approximately four and a half hours before the concert, more than 26,000 people had gathered near Gwanghwamun Square. Gwanghwamun Station began non-stop train operations from 2 p.m., with Gyeongbokgung and City Hall stations following from 3 p.m. Vehicle traffic on Sejong-daero between Gwanghwamun and City Hall will be restricted until 6 a.m. on June 22.