BTS Returns to Stage After 3 Years; 100,000 Fans Fill Gwanghwamun

BTS performed their first complete group concert in approximately three years and five months at Gwanghwamun Square on the evening of June 21, drawing 100,000 fans who turned the historic plaza purple with their lightsticks.

"BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG" marks the seven-member group's first full reunion since "Yet to Come in BUSAN" in October 2022. The members opened with three tracks from their new album featuring traditional Korean arirang melodies: "Body to Body," "Hooligan," and "2.0."

"After four years, we're finally greeting you like this. Two, three—hello, we are BTS," RM said after the opening performance.

Jin spoke first among the members: "I still vividly remember asking you to wait for us at our last Busan concert years ago when we were last together as a group. Thank you for coming. I had so many worries leading up to standing here today. I'm so grateful and happy to see you all again."

Jimin became emotional as he addressed fans: "ARMY, we finally met. I'm so overwhelmed and grateful to be able to speak in front of you like this. I'm so happy that the seven of us can be together again. I missed you. I really didn't know you would fill this entire Gwanghwamun Square. I'm sincerely so happy and grateful."

Suga said: "It's truly an honor to perform at Gwanghwamun, the most historic place in Korea. We especially wanted to capture our identity in this album. That's why we chose 'Arirang' as the title, and with that spirit, we're performing here at Gwanghwamun. Thank you."

V expressed his gratitude: "It's truly moving that we can make our comeback at such a special place. To the ARMYs who came all the way to Gwanghwamun from far away, and to viewers watching worldwide through Netflix right now—we've been waiting so long too. Wherever you are, I hope our hearts reach you today through Netflix, Gwanghwamun, and around the world."

J-Hope, Jungkook, and RM addressed international fans in English: "We can't believe the seven of us are here together on this stage. You've waited so long. Thank you for waiting." Jungkook added in fluent English: "We've prepared many special things for today."

RM rallied the crowd: "We've prepared a lot. We're going to give everything we have. Look at this crowd. So many of you came. Thank you to everyone here and everyone watching on Netflix around the world. It's been a long journey, but we're finally standing here."

RM, who injured his ankle during rehearsal, began performing on stage but later sat in a chair while holding the microphone. Despite the modified choreography, the group adjusted their formations around him to deliver a seamless performance.

Fans who had gathered from around the world since early morning filled the plaza, cheering regardless of nationality or age. The sea of purple lightsticks—BTS's signature color—transformed Gwanghwamun into what resembled a massive concert venue. Spectators farther from the stage watched via large screens installed on surrounding buildings or on their smartphones.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, approximately 100,000 people gathered near Gwanghwamun and Deoksugung Palace as of 8 p.m. Foreign fans wearing traditional Korean hanbok were spotted both inside and outside the venue. Fans continuously smiled while capturing the atmosphere on their smartphones, with some outside the main venue wiping away tears.

Police had initially projected up to 260,000 people would gather from the stage to Sungnyemun Gate, though current attendance remains below that estimate.

Citizens who failed to secure tickets waited around the square in various ways to claim prime viewing spots, with some bringing newspapers and fishing chairs. Competition for benches was intense. Access to 31 surrounding buildings was restricted to prevent rooftop viewing and reduce safety risks such as falls. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History temporarily closed, and Sejong Center for the Performing Arts canceled its scheduled performance for the day.