(Photo provided by BIGHIT MUSIC)

 

Gwanghwamun Square will be filled with BTS’s ‘ARIRANG’.

 

BTS will hold ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG’ on the 21st at 8 p.m. in the Gwanghwamun Square area. This performance was prepared to commemorate the release of their 5th full-length album ‘ARIRANG’, and it will be available to watch worldwide through Netflix. They will perform new songs, including the title track ‘SWIM’, for the first time in front of the public.

 

In particular, this marks their first full-group performance in about 3 years and 5 months since ‘Yet to Come in BUSAN’ in October 2022, drawing explosive attention from global music fans. The members shared their thoughts ahead of the performance through a Q&A.

 

Q. How do you feel ahead of ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG’?

 

RM: While practicing for a great stage, I picked up a slight injury. I will adjust the performance according to my condition, but I’ll do my best within what’s possible. Above all, I want to repay those who have been waiting for this performance with a great stage.

 

JIN: I’m very nervous. I never imagined I would perform at Gwanghwamun Square in my life, and this moment feels very real. This was all made possible thanks to many people who prepared together, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone.

 

SUGA: Preparing for the world tour and the Gwanghwamun comeback show at the same time made things pass by in a blur. That’s why it’s even more meaningful—it was a time when the entire team focused in one direction. I’m really looking forward to it.

 

J-HOPE: There’s pressure since it’s such a big event watched by people all over the world, but that makes me want to do even better. Since it’s a stage we’re standing on together again after a long time, I’ll maintain my energy and focus until the very end.

 

JIMIN: As much as I’m excited, I also feel a bit nervous. Still, it’s a chance to meet fans again after a long time, so the excitement is even greater. I’ll stay focused until the end so that those emotions are conveyed well on stage.

 

V: I’m happy. We prepared very thoroughly and practiced our best every day. I hope we can finish the stage well and, above all, safely.

 

JUNGKOOK: I feel excited and nervous. There’s anticipation, but also concern, which made me prepare even more. I want to create a stage with no regrets and a time we can all enjoy together.


Q. What are the key points to watch for in the Gwanghwamun Square performance?

 

RM: To fully utilize the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, we designed the set with an open-view “open cube” structure. The key point is that both Gwanghwamun and the stage can be captured together in one frame without blocking each other.

 

JIN: The cube structure is the core device of the stage. We all thought a lot about the stage setup, and the cube became the solution. It will also be used in various ways in the production, so I hope you look forward to it.

 

SUGA: We prepared the stage with the mindset of always showing something new. This time, in particular, we were able to present unique elements through collaboration with overseas production teams.

 

J-HOPE: When you see the stage setup, it will feel like Gwanghwamun is placed inside a frame. The scene where BTS’s performance fills that frame itself will be symbolic.

 

JIMIN: Since the album is titled ‘ARIRANG’, it would be amazing if there’s a moment where we all sing ‘ARIRANG’ together at Gwanghwamun. Please look forward to the moment when space and music come together.

 

V: The cube that clearly captures Gwanghwamun as the background is the highlight. Being able to perform in that space itself feels like an honor and something very special.

 

JUNGKOOK: The stage is divided into three zones, and there are many newly prepared elements in the song arrangement. If you follow the overall flow, I think you’ll enjoy the performance even more.

 

BTS have prepared a newly structured setlist to deliver a performance worthy of the long wait of music fans. ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG’ is expected to go beyond a simple comeback show, becoming an event that connects the world through music and spreads the charm of Korea’s cultural heritage.

 

The production team is also composed of figures with extensive global stage experience. Hamish Hamilton, who took charge of overall direction, has directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics, the Super Bowl halftime show, and concerts for pop stars such as Madonna and Beyoncé. Guy Carrington, who joined as a producer, has experience in directing and producing The Emmy Awards.

 

Meanwhile, ‘ARIRANG’ is an album that captures the group’s identity along with universal emotions they face. Chairman Bang Si-hyuk led the overall production, enhancing its completeness. Taking its title from Korea’s representative folk song ‘Arirang’, the album expresses BTS’s roots and the emotions felt by the seven members in 2026 through music.

 

BTS are also demonstrating strong popularity on album and digital charts. Their 5th full-length album ‘ARIRANG’ sold 3.98 million copies on its first day, going straight to No.1 on the Hanteo daily chart. This surpassed their previous highest initial chodong record of 3.37 million copies in just one day. The title track ‘SWIM’ also topped Melon’s ‘Top 100’ and Bugs real-time chart immediately upon release.