BTS Seoul Concert 2024: Live Performance Highlights & Photos

BTS performed a free concert Saturday night at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, marking the K-pop group’s return to the stage after a four-year hiatus necessitated by mandatory military service for its members. The performance, livestreamed globally on Netflix, coincided with the release of the group’s fifth album, “ARIRANG,” which sold nearly 4 million copies on its first day, according to their management company, HYBE.

The concert drew tens of thousands of fans to the historic square, with an estimated 22,000 securing free seats in a designated viewing zone and others watching on nearby screens. Thousands of police were deployed to lock down a central boulevard in preparation for the event, according to reports. RM, the band’s leader, addressed the crowd in Korean, saying “Annyeonghaseyo! We’re back,” before the group launched into their opening song, “Body to Body.”

All seven members – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – have recently completed their mandatory military duties in South Korea. The return of the group is expected to reaffirm their position as a leading global pop act. The hour-long concert is the first in a planned global tour spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia, which analysts predict could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue per quarter.

The choice of Gwanghwamun Square, a landmark representing South Korea’s royal heritage and political and cultural life, was noted by observers as potentially reflecting a desire to emphasize the resonance of traditional Korean culture on a global scale. Pop culture commentator Jung Dukhyun suggested the location underscored the group’s ability to connect local elements with international audiences, a success previously demonstrated by the Netflix series, KPop Demon Hunters.

During a rehearsal, RM sustained an ankle injury, but performed with modified choreography, HYBE reported. An estimated 260,000 fans were anticipated to gather in Seoul for the event, with millions more watching the livestream on Netflix, according to authorities. The concert began at 8 p.m. Local time.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated Thursday that the city would prioritize safety and enjoyment for attendees, as the event took place nearly four years after a crowd crush in the Itaewon district resulted in multiple fatalities. The BTS world tour for “Arirang” is scheduled to continue into 2027, encompassing 34 regions and 82 shows.