BTS is Back: New Album, Netflix Concert & 2024 World Tour Dates

SEOUL – BTS performed for the first time in nearly four years Friday, launching their new era with a live concert streamed from Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea. The performance, marking the debut of songs from their new album Arirang, signaled the official return of the K-pop group following a hiatus for mandatory military service.

The concert, broadcast live on Netflix, drew an immediate reaction from fans worldwide, with the hashtag #BTSArirang trending on social media platform X, according to reports. J-Hope addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for their support. “Army, I’m so happy to be back. This moment is possible thanks to you,” he said, before adding in English, “BTS 2.0 is just getting started!”

Jin also thanked fans for their patience, stating, “Thank you for waiting, Army.” RM, despite reportedly sustaining an injury, affirmed the group’s commitment to their fanbase, saying, “No matter what happens, we promise to keep swimming together.”

During the concert, BTS performed eight new songs from Arirang, alongside their established hits including “Butter,” “Dynamite,” and “MIC Drop.” The event served as a kickoff for the group’s tenth studio album and an upcoming global tour.

Netflix will premiere a behind-the-scenes documentary, BTS: The Return, on March 27, offering further insight into the making of the new album. The “Arirang World Tour” is scheduled to start on April 9 in Goyang, South Korea, with plans to visit 34 cities across 23 countries over the next year, according to announcements made during the concert.