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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider Seoul government affirms 104,000 attendees at BTS' concert in Seoul

Seoul government affirms 104,000 attendees at BTS' concert in Seoul

Published Mar 28, 2026 10:51 am
BTS at their "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo courtesy of Marina)
BTS at their "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo courtesy of Marina)

SEOUL, South Korea - The Seoul Metropolitan Government affirmed that 104,000 people gathered in Seoul to watch the “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” on March 21. 

“BTS Comeback Live ‘Arirang.’ 104,000 gathered at Gwanghwamun—safely and successfully. Thanks to fans, staff, and volunteers for an unforgettable night,” it posted on X on March 27.

This confirmed the number earlier announced by HYBE, the parent company of BTS’ agency, Bighit Music. 

HYBE previously announced that 104,000 people, including 22,000 ticket holders, gathered in Seoul to watch the live show. 

"Based on a comprehensive analysis of ticket holders, users of the three major telecommunication companies and budget carriers, and foreign visitors, it is estimated that approximately 104,000 spectators attended the performance at Gwanghwamun Square," it said.  

The “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” ranked first on Netflix’s weekly Global Top 10 non-English shows from March 16 to 22. 

The concert was No. 1 in 24 countries and territories, and placed in the top 10 in 56 others. 

Many nationalities, including Filipinos, watched the concert. 

The
The "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo courtesy of Marina)
The BTS light stick (Photo courtesy of Marina)
The BTS light stick (Photo courtesy of Marina)
BTS' Jungkook and Suga at the
BTS' Jungkook and Suga at the "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo courtesy of Marina)
BTS at their
BTS at their "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo courtesy of Marina)
BTS' RM at the
BTS' RM at the "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo courtesy of Marina)

One of them was Marina, a Filipina who is married to a Korean who has been living in Korea for years. 

She was one of the lucky fans who got tickets and were in front of the stage at the “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” concert. 

On the day of the concert, strict security measures were implemented to prevent any untoward incident. These included bag checking and use of metal scanners. 

Marina arrived at Gwanghwamun Square at 11:30 a.m. ahead of the official check-in time of 2 p.m. 

When they entered their assigned area, Marina said she was able to be in front of the barricade. Around her were Japanese, British, Korean and Italian fans. There were also Filipinos in their area. 

She said she was very happy when the concert started and she saw BTS again. 

“Tuwang-tuwa po. Paglabas nila nawala yung pagod ko (I was very happy. When they came out, my tiredness disappeared),” she told Manila Bulletin. 

Marina said BTS’ comeback showed that they were more mature. 

“Yung pagmamahal nila sa ARMY [fans] ganon na ganon pa din (Their love for ARMY is still the same,” she added. 

She said one of the most memorable moments during the concert was the fan chant for “Swim” as this was the first time that BTS performed the song. 

Her favorite in BTS is Jungkook, describing him as an “all-rounder.” 

Following the concert, Netflix released the “BTS: The Return” documentary film on March 27.

The
The "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's X account)
The
The "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's X account)
The
The "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's X account)
BTS at their
BTS at their "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo courtesy of Marina)
The
The "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's X account)
The
The "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 (Photo from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's X account)

Related Tags

BTS BTS The Comeback Live Arirang Netflix Seoul South Korea
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