"I'll Scream My Heart Out to Arirang"... ARMYs Gather from Around the World at Gwanghwamun [BTS is back]

BTS Holds First Full-Group Concert in Nearly Four Years

"Fans Memorize Lyrics by Listening to New Songs for the Show"

KC (17) from Japan and his mother Ryoko (45) are holding a photo of Jungkook from BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Photo by Lee Iseul

"I fell in love with BTS because I like their music. They're cute, stylish, and witty, and that's why I love them."

On the 21st, when asked why she likes BTS, K.C. (17), whom we met at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, blushed and said, "It's hard to explain." Visiting from Japan with her mother, she added, "We are planning to attend the BTS World Tour concert next month, and we'll be going to the shows in Seoul, Tokyo, and Busan."

That morning, the area around Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun was filled with 'ARMY' (the BTS fandom) dressed in the signature purple outfits of BTS. As on-site security personnel and police controlled access to the stairs of Sejong Center, the area around the museum took on a festive atmosphere, with fans dancing to BTS songs and exchanging homemade merchandise (goods).

In anticipation of the first full-group concert in about four years, fans began gathering at the venue as early as 9 a.m., far ahead of the 8 p.m. showtime. Although there were no fans camping overnight, small groups could be seen laying out mats and securing their spots. Ryoko (53), who arrived from Japan two days earlier, said, "Yesterday, I watched the drone light show at Ttukseom Hangang Park. I couldn't get a ticket to the concert, but I wanted to experience the excitement on-site." She named Jin as her favorite member.

Stephen (40), a Canadian who took the KTX from Daejeon in the early morning, said, "I'm so happy to see all the BTS members together." He was listening on repeat to 'Body to Body' and the title track 'Swim' from the group's fifth album 'Arirang,' which was released the previous day. "I'm relieved that there are more English lyrics than Korean," Stephen said, laughing, "I'm memorizing the lyrics so I can sing along to the new songs today."

Global fans who purchased BTS's new album "Arirang". Photo by Yonhap News via Reuters

On the 21st, audience members are entering the performance hall at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Many Korean fans also gathered for the event. Yoo Jieun (25), who took the first train from Busan, said, "I had a hard time getting a ticket to the comeback show," and added, "I wanted to come early and enjoy the atmosphere with my friends." Manuel (23), his arms full of merchandise, said, "I just visited the Shinsegae Department Store pop-up store. I can't wait to go wild waving my ARMY Bomb (light stick) and get lost in BTS's music."

Eve (27), who came from the United States, chose 'Body to Body' as her favorite song and laughed, "When BTS sings this song today, I'll be screaming the lyrics at the top of my lungs."

The citizens followed safety guidelines in an orderly manner. With a total of 31 security screening (MD) gates in place, Lee Junbeom (51), an attendee, said, "I came to the concert with my daughter, and it's reassuring to see everyone cooperating with the security screening and traffic controls. I hope the concert ends safely without any problems."

Comprehensive traffic controls were implemented as well. From 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5 skipped stops and closed its entrances entirely. City Hall Station and Gyeongbokgung Station also operated flexible no-stop service. Jongno District and the Seoul Metropolitan Government deployed 126 portable toilets and provided location information via QR code.

BTS will hold 'BTS Comeback Live: Arirang' at 8 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square. The concert will be broadcast live in real time to over 190 countries around the world via Netflix.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.