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BTS makes epic comeback with 'Arirang' concert at iconic Seoul landmark
BTS makes epic comeback with 'Arirang' concert at iconic Seoul landmark
At A Glance
SEOUL, South Korea - K-pop superstars BTS made their much-awaited comeback with the spectacular concert “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” held at one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks: Gwanghwamun Square.
This is BTS’ comeback in nearly four years after releasing the album “Proof” in June 2022.
They performed at the “Yet to Come” concert in Busan, South Korea on Oct. 15, 2022, which became their last concert before the members began their military service one by one starting with Jin in December 2022. They all completed the mandatory duty by 2025.
“BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” is being celebrated by people worldwide as Netflix live streamed the show, which started at 8 p.m. KST (7 p.m. Philippine time).
“BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” became Netflix’s first-ever live stream of a standalone concert, signifying the monumental cultural impact of the K-pop group’s return.
The concert was directed by Hamish Hamilton, known for his work on the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony and multiple Super Bowl Halftime Shows, bringing large-scale live production expertise to this global moment.
For the BTS comeback, many side events took place under “The BTS The City Arirang” campaign.
On March 20, people trooped to the Tteuksom Hangang Park and witnessed the 14-minute “BTS Comeback Drone Light Show.” The drone show featured the BTS members, the Korean flag and “Swim,” the main track of their “Arirang” album.
'Arirang'
Reflecting BTS’ identity encapsulated in the album—born in Korea, playing for the world—”Arirang” found its first stage at the heart of South Korea’s most symbolic heritage sites: Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The concert underscored BTS’ identity as artists rooted in Korea while reaching audiences around the world.
Building on this foundation, the production incorporated subtle references to Korean tradition, interpreted through a modern performance framework that mirrored the spirit of the album.
During a press briefing on March 20, Nicole Kim, vice president of Bighit Music, said, “Until now all of the music that BTS has shared with the world is really about the stories that the band members wanted to tell the messages that they wanted to convey through their music and this album is no exception.”
“It is really about what the band members are currently feeling and the stories that they currently want to tell. And in this process, you know, all of the producers, all of the creatives, our chairman, and, of course, the band members, we really put our heads together to think about what we wanted to convey through this album.”
She said, “And the result is going to be this full album that you will need today. As you can tell from the word ‘Arirang,’ this is a concept that really started all from the BTS members’ identity and also from their roots. And because we want this message to be shared with as many people as possible around the world, you will notice that the members used both the Korean language and the English language in this album.”
“We did that because we really want this story to be heard and shared with as many people around the world as possible. And so we truly believe that this new album is not only going to be a great treat uh for the existing fans of BTS who have known the band and love them so much, but we also hope that this will really uh transcend the generations and hope that it will reach and touch the hearts of those who have never heard of BTS before,” said Kim.
Show
In the press briefing, Brandon Riegg, Netflix vice president of Nonfiction Series and Sports, said the “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” was an important opportunity.
“It was very clear from the start that this opportunity was one we could not pass up. By combining the strengths of both sides, we could create something special for BTS fans and viewers around the world,” he said.
He added, “It really doesn’t get any bigger than BTS and what this tour and performance represent. We view these live events as an opportunity to reach fans and members around the world in a way that is becoming increasingly tough to find: singular events that really pull people together.”
“I would venture to guess this might be the biggest thing this year that we see on Netflix in terms of our live ambition,” he said.
Hamilton, the director of the live show, said, “BTS is the greatest band in the world, so it’s a huge honor to be asked to direct this live show in such an iconic location. For this to be live on Netflix is incredibly special - a true global streaming event that pulls audiences around the world to their devices to share a moment of joy. Thank you BTS, thank you Netflix and thank you Done + Dusted.”
On directing the show, he said, “Every decision we have made in terms of camera approach, stage design and production has been built around one question: how do we make the person watching at home feel like they are standing in that square? We are using what are effectively cinema cameras, the absolute best in the world at capturing live performance with that kind of visual quality.”
“Guy Carrington and Florian Weider's picture frame concept means the palace is literally part of the show, not just a backdrop. There are big sweeping moments that convey the full scale of what is happening in Seoul, and then there are moments of real intimacy where you are right there with the band. The millions watching around the world are every bit as much a part of this night as the people on the ground in Seoul,” said Hamilton.
On the unique strength of BTS’ music and performance, Hamilton said, “There is so much to this show. There are complex choreographed numbers – truly impactful moments – and then there are moments that are beautifully intimate, where you have insight into their personalities, become part of a song and just perform seamlessly together. Their music is personal to them – this album especially – and you can feel that in every track. Then there’s the ARMY, a relationship unlike anything I have encountered; it lifts everything. When you have that in a live setting, it becomes its own force.”
“Whether you are standing in Gwanghwamun Square or watching from the other side of the planet, this is a moment of unity, a shared celebration between a band and the people who love them. The ARMY has stayed loyal and devoted through every chapter, and this show is BTS' way of saying thank you,” he said.
Following the live event, the documentary film “BTS: The Return” will premiere globally on Netflix on March 27.
The film offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creative journey behind BTS’ return.
After the album’s release, BTS will embark on a massive world tour, “Arirang,” from 2026 to 2027, spanning 34 regions and 82 shows across Asia, North and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East.
Overall, the global live stream, documentary film, and world tour spanning multiple continents made BTS’ comeback a defining cultural moment.
