BTS Resumes North American Tour in New Jersey, Draws 157,000 Fans Over Two Days

Back on Stage Just Two Weeks After World Cup Halftime Show

BTS. Provided by Big Hit Music

Global superstar group BTS has resumed their North American tour.

According to their agency BigHit Music on August 3, BTS held their world tour "ARIRANG" concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, on August 1 and 2 (local time), drawing an audience of 157,000 attendees.

On July 19, BTS also performed as a co-headliner during the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup final at the same stadium. This world tour marks their return to MetLife Stadium with a solo concert for the first time in 7 years and 2 months since "LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF" in May 2019.

The concert ran for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. BTS performed songs from their fifth full album "ARIRANG" alongside their previous signature tracks. The crowd erupted in cheers when the intro to "Aliens" played, and fans sang along in Korean to the title track "SWIM." When the members turned their microphones towards the audience, the crowd joined in a chorus of the folk song "Arirang."

BTS said, "The start of our second North American tour is off to a great start," adding, "With the strength we've gained from this concert, we believe we can give our all on the remaining dates." They continued, "We will always strive to give our best for all of you who bring us so much happiness, and we will never take your love for granted."

BTS performance at MetLife Stadium. Provided by BigHit Music

American rapper Nas also attended the concert. RM commented on stage, "It feels amazing to perform in front of an idol from my teenage years." According to BigHit Music, approximately 30 major media outlets from South Korea and the United States covered the event.

During the concert dates, the city-wide event "BTS The City ARIRANG – New York" was held throughout various locations in New York. The Rockefeller Center observatory, "Top of the Rock," was decorated with the ARIRANG album logo and played BTS's music. Special menu items were introduced at local restaurants.

At Grand Central Terminal, there were spaces for visitors to personalize T-shirts and an exhibition displaying BTS’s stage outfits. The Korean Cultural Center in New York hosted programs like decorating fan light sticks and screening video programs.

BTS will continue their North American tour at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on August 5 and 6. This will be the first time a Korean artist holds a solo concert at Gillette Stadium.

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