BTS Comeback Concert in Seoul Draws Thousands After 3 Years

Global K-pop sensation BTS made a powerful return with their first concert in more than three years, performing in front of thousands of fans in Seoul on Saturday. The much-awaited BTS comeback concert took place at Gwanghwamun Square, marking a big moment for the group after their break in 2022 for mandatory military service.

The one-hour outdoor show was attended by around 40,000 to 42,000 people, which was lower than the expected crowd of over 200,000. Authorities had prepared for a huge turnout and even closed parts of the city to manage the crowd. However, many fans chose to watch the concert online instead. The event was streamed live in 190 countries on Netflix, allowing fans across the world to join the celebration.

The group also released their new album “Arirang” just a day before the concert. According to their agency HYBE, the album sold nearly 4 million copies on its first day, showing the group’s strong global fan base. Fans, known as the BTS ARMY, expressed excitement as the group returned to the stage after a long gap.

During the performance, leader RM performed while seated due to an ankle injury. He shared that the journey had been long but meaningful. Member J-Hope also spoke about their worries during the break, saying they were unsure if fans would still remember them.

The city took strict safety steps for the event, especially after the tragic Itaewon Halloween crowd crush. Thousands of staff, including medical teams, were placed around the venue to ensure safety.

BTS is now preparing for a massive world tour that will begin next month and continue until 2027. The tour is expected to be one of the biggest in K-pop history, with shows planned across many countries. Experts believe the tour could earn billions, placing BTS alongside top global artists in terms of concert success.