Gwanghwamun Square was ablaze with purple fervor as BTS made a grand comeback after an approximate four-year military hiatus.
On the 21st at 8 PM, Netflix broadcast ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG’ live worldwide.
Returning to the stage after approximately 3 years and 5 months since ‘Yet to Come in BUSAN’ in October 2022, BTS unveiled new performances, including the title track ‘SWIM’ from their 5th studio album, ‘ARIRANG’.
The performance kicked off with leader RM’s greeting, “Hello.” BTS then heated up the atmosphere with ‘Body to Body’, ‘Hooligan’, and ‘2.0’ from their album ‘ARIRANG’, released on the 20th.
After three songs, BTS shouted, “Hello. We are BTS,” with RM adding, “Good to see you after four years.”
Oldest member Jin expressed, “I vividly recall asking you to wait at the Busan concert years ago. Thanks for being here. I had many concerns about standing here, and it’s gratifying and joyful to meet you.” Jimin said, “ARMY, we’ve finally met. It makes me emotional and thankful to speak in front of you. I’m so happy the seven of us could reunite. We missed you. We didn’t expect Gwanghwamun Square to be so full. I am truly happy and thankful.”
Suga mentioned the significance of performing at Gwanghwamun and their album title ‘ARIRANG’, saying, “It’s an honor to perform at Korea’s most historic place. We wanted to express our identity in this album, so we titled it ‘ARIRANG’ and performed here due to its significance.” V hoped, “As Suga said, it’s refreshing to return at such a special place. Many ARMYs and viewers worldwide on Netflix awaited us, and I hope our feelings reach you.”
J-Hope stated in English, “I can’t believe the seven of us are here. You’ve waited long; thank you,” eliciting loud cheers. Jungkook also promised, “We’ve prepared many special things for today. We’ll give our all.” RM encouraged cheers by saying, “Look at this crowd. So many came. Thank you to those here and watching on Netflix. It was a long journey, but we finally stand here.”
After performing hits ‘Butter’ and ‘MIC Drop’, BTS led the crowd to cheer again, asking, “Are you enjoying this? ARMY, scream!” Jimin remarked, “It doesn’t feel real to return as a group. Aren’t you all too cold? We came thinking the weather was warmer, but it’s chillier than expected. We want to do well, and watching your happy faces makes this stage joyful.” Jungkook added, “Please don’t catch a cold. It’s been a while. Tonight is unforgettable. We felt pressure to come back, but being in front of you just feels great.”
RM said, “We’ll play new songs from the album next. We thought deeply about what music suits us. After working in LA for two months, we completed the final work in Korea, reflecting on who we are and how to unite. We had genuine conversations, and we hope you notice our new challenges.” Suga expressed, “We wanted to truthfully show all seven members in this album, showcasing a more mature and grown BTS, and we are happy to present it.” Jin commented, “The members mentioned the album, but I’ll talk about this stage. The vibe is too great not to continue with the next song.”
They continued with ‘Aliens’ and ‘FYA’ from ‘ARIRANG’. Jungkook commented on the heated atmosphere, “Isn’t it fun? Are you enjoying it? Debuting new songs today is thrilling and feels novel since it’s been so long.” Jin said, “It’s been ages since I was this excited. Before going on stage, I said I’d suddenly find myself performing ‘MIC Drop’, and the time flew by. The atmosphere’s great, and you liking our new songs uplifts us.”
J-Hope expressed excitement, “The mood’s great and thrilling. There are various songs in this album, which contain our worries. Preparing this album brought concerns that we might be forgotten or whether fans would remember us, but they helped us keep going.” Suga added, “During our pause, we pondered what to maintain and change. Though uncertain and anxious, these emotions are part of us.” RM shared, “We questioned what choices to make at this turning point and what kind of artists and creators we want to be, listening closely to our voices. We’ve openly included our struggles and fears, which was the goal for a BTS album.”
Jimin emphasized, “We are not special people,” adding, “We also have the same fears you feel, but by persevering, we believe we’ll find answers.” V added, “Our job is to keep moving, making music, performing, and showing our best to ARMYs. May it bring you comfort and strength,” before presenting the title track ‘SWIM’.
They also performed ‘Like Animals’ and ‘Normal’ from ‘ARIRANG’. J-Hope gave a final message, “Being back makes us happy, and it’s all thanks to you.” V humorously remarked, “Sadly, it’s the last song, but it’s just beginning. Time flew by, and standing before ARMYs is touching. Dream of me tonight!”
Jimin thanked everyone who helped fill Gwanghwamun Square, “Thank you to ARMYs and everyone who made this live event possible at such a special place,” hinting at future concert preparations. “We are working hard on concert preparations and want to show you great stages.” Suga extended thanks, “It’s an honor to perform at Gwanghwamun. Thanks to ARMYs, Seoul city officials, and police for their efforts in making it possible.”
Jungkook assured, “The seven of us always share the same vision. We’ll always strive to present good music.” RM promised, “No matter what, we’ll keep going. This is just the start. ARMY, we love you.”
BTS closed with performances of ‘Dynamite’ and the encore song ‘Mikrokosmos’. They bid farewell to fans, “Please return safely. We love you.”
Image source: Korea Online Photojournalists Association
