Hamish Hamilton, the director behind some of the world’s most-watched live events – including the recent Grammy Awards, Super Bowl halftime show, and Oscars – is now turning his attention to Seoul, South Korea, for Saturday’s live Netflix special, “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang.” The event marks the return of the globally popular K-pop group BTS after a hiatus and coincides with the release of their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” on Friday.
Hamilton, a partner at Done+Dusted, described the anticipation surrounding the performance as “absolutely enormous,” noting the palpable excitement he encountered upon arriving in Seoul just hours after directing the Oscars. “Getting off the plane, people were talking about it. The excitement here is palpable as you walk around the streets. It’s such a massive occasion,” he said, according to Variety.
The concert will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, a location chosen by BTS for its symbolic importance, despite the logistical challenges of staging a live broadcast from an outdoor venue without the benefit of prior rehearsals. “There was a lot of deliberation over how to do that and if it’s if it’s actually even possible,” said Melanie Fletcher, Done+Dusted North America CEO. “But they were absolute, steadfast in wanting to have this moment at this venue, and Seoul city got right behind them, knowing it would just be a huge moment for the for the country on a global stage.”
The lack of rehearsal space presents a unique hurdle. “It’s no small feat to be able to create something and deliver it when you don’t have any rehearsal on the stage,” Hamilton admitted. “There will be no rehearsal with the band on the stage — that’s kind of bonkers. Not done that before! But you understand, through 17 Super Bowls, you learn.”
To overcome this, Done+Dusted collaborated closely with the seven members of BTS – Jin, j-hope, RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook and SUGA – who recently completed their mandatory military service in South Korea. Guy Carrington, a Done+Dusted partner and executive producer, explained that the team secured significant access to the band, even workshopping key moments “sometimes on iPhone,” to ensure a smooth production. “We needed their buy in,” Carrington said. “Without the traditional three or four days of rehearsal time on the stage to run this through from start to finish… they totally got it. This was right after Super Bowl and they’d all watched it, so they understood how these things get put together.”
The stage itself is designed to be visually striking, framed like a “big picture frame” constructed from LED screens, which will transform throughout the performance. Carrington added that the design aims to highlight both the band and the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in the background.
Done+Dusted is remaining tight-lipped about specific surprises planned for the show, but has indicated it will incorporate cinematic cameras and focus on BTS’s “personal journey” over the past few years. Carrington described the band as “seven brothers who are having a great time,” praising their collaborative spirit and willingness to contribute to the creative process. “You can see how like they rib each other. They’ll take the piss out of each other. They’re having a decent time,” he said.
Netflix will broadcast “BTS The Comeback Live” live globally, beginning at 7 a.m. ET (4 a.m. PT). The streaming service will also premiere a documentary, “BTS: The Return,” on March 27, detailing the making of the “Arirang” album.
Fletcher emphasized the significance of the event for Done+Dusted, representing a convergence of their expertise in both live event production and broadcast. “The stakes are high,” she said. She also noted the sense of national pride surrounding the event, with the stage crew working extended hours “for their idols,” recognizing the cultural importance of hosting the performance at a historic site.
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