BTS Flies to New York 12 Hours After Seoul Comeback Performance

Just twelve hours after performing a comeback indicate in Gwanghwamun Square, the globally renowned K-pop group BTS departed for Recent York City on Sunday, March 17, 2026, according to multiple reports.

The trip culminates in a special event, “Spotify X BTS: SWIM SIDE,” scheduled for March 23rd at an undisclosed location in New York. The event, a collaboration with the streaming platform Spotify, will host approximately 1,000 fans, offering a unique opportunity for interaction with the seven-member group – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook – after a four-year hiatus from performing as a complete unit in the United States.

The New York appearance marks the group’s first performance as a full ensemble in the U.S. Since 2022, as confirmed by reports in Star News Korea and The Chosun Ilbo. The event will feature a special performance, a question-and-answer session with the members, and immersive experiences for attendees. It is separate from any planned world tour engagements, focusing instead on a more intimate connection with dedicated fans.

The trip follows the release of BTS’s fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” on March 20th. Prior to their departure for New York, the group held a comeback show in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21st at 8:00 PM KST, which was live-streamed globally via Netflix to over 190 countries. The album includes the title track “SWIM,” alongside songs such as “Aliens” and “Hooligan,” totaling 14 tracks.

According to Big Hit Music, the event in New York is intended to celebrate the release of “ARIRANG” and will primarily invite top Spotify listeners of BTS music and members of the group’s fanbase, known as ARMY. The focus is on creating a more personal experience for a select group of fans, differing from the large-scale concerts the group is known for.

News of the group’s return to the U.S. Stage has garnered significant attention from international media outlets, including Rolling Stone and Forbes, which initially reported on the New York event. The group’s agency, HYBE, has not yet announced any further plans following the Spotify event.