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Seoul transforms into a purple sea for BTS's return
South Korea's capital was awash in violet on Saturday as landmarks, billboards, and drone displays lit up to welcome BTS back after a three-year hiatus due to mandatory military service. The city's center became a stage for the global pop phenomenon, with fans flooding Gwanghwamun Square hours before the concert began.
Fans travel worldwide for a glimpse of the band
Veronica and Amanda, two fans from the U.S., wore matching purple hanbok-traditional Korean dresses-and clutched light-sticks, the signature props of K-pop concerts. "BTS is everything for us," Veronica said, explaining that the band's hiatus had drawn them closer to other fans. The anticipation was palpable as thousands chanted the members' names, their voices echoing through the square.
A historic venue for a historic comeback
The concert kicked off with the tolling of the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, a nod to the band's new album, Arirang. The seven members-RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook-emerged before a medieval palace gate, greeting the crowd in Korean and English. "We are back," RM announced, signaling the start of a performance that blended new tracks with beloved hits like "Butter" and "Dynamite."
"When I first listened to the album, I thought it was a bit harder to digest than their previous releases, but after seeing them perform live, I realized that BTS never disappoints us."
Kim Young-hee, concert attendee
Criticism and national pride collide
The event, which drew tens of thousands, was not without controversy. Critics questioned the use of public resources, including thousands of police officers, for a privately streamed concert. One social media user warned of potential safety risks if emergency services were stretched thin. Pop music critic Jung Min-jae raised concerns about setting a precedent for future large-scale events in public spaces.
Yet, the Seoul Metropolitan Government defended its decision, framing BTS's return as a celebration of South Korea's cultural influence. The band, which has topped global charts and performed at Wembley Stadium, has become a symbol of the country's soft power. Music critic Lim Hee-yun compared the pride fans feel to kookbbong, a Korean term for intense national euphoria.
A global phenomenon with a local heartbeat
The concert venue, designed to resemble the South Korean flag, seated 22,000 fans, while additional screens broadcast the performance to thousands more. Many attendees, like Golnar Taheri, had followed BTS since their 2013 debut. "This comeback, after so many years, means a lot to me," she said. "I feel like I can live my life with more energy."
The band expressed gratitude to their fans, known as the "Army," throughout the show. "Thank you for waiting," Jin told the crowd, switching to English. The night concluded with an emotional rendition of "Mikrokosmos," a 2019 track about self-worth, leaving the square glowing with light-sticks.
What's next for BTS and their fans
The concert marks the beginning of a 34-city world tour, with 88 shows expected to generate billions in revenue. For fans like Song Soo-yeon, the band's evolution mirrors their own. "Listening to their latest music, I see the same inspiration that touched me before is still there and even more mature now," she said. "They sing about life, and I learn a lot from them."
