BTS ignited the stage with a world tour showcasing various innovative attempts, heightening expectations for their upcoming endeavors.
On the 11th, BTS held their ‘BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’’ at the main stadium of the Goyang Sports Complex. This concert, which concludes on the 12th, followed a show on the 9th, making it a three-day event.
BTS will continue their tour with performances at Japan’s Tokyo Dome on the 17th and 18th, followed by 85 shows across 34 cities in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. This sets a record for the most concert dates in a single tour by a Korean artist. Additional performances in Japan and the Middle East are also scheduled, signaling a tour of unprecedented scale.
The world tour began spectacularly. BTS members ran across the Goyang Sports Complex to the sound of explosive fireworks. Their 360-degree stage enhanced the performance’s three-dimensionality, and active audience interaction maximized ARMY’s satisfaction.
The 360-degree stage, inspired by the Korean pavilion Gyeonghoeru, offered a modern reinterpretation of a banquet space. The stage floor, designed with the Taegeukgi as a motif, featured a circular Taegeuk pattern at the center and protruding stages inspired by the trigrams of the Taegeukgi.
Korean aesthetics were evident throughout the stage. During the ‘They don’t know ’bout us’ performance, reimagined images of traditional Korean masks appeared on screen, and performances inspired by Seungmu cloths in ‘Swim’ and ‘Merry-Go-Round’ captured attention. Additionally, ‘Normal’ featured an animation concept inspired by traditional ink paintings, maintaining a consistent theme of reinterpreting tradition.
BTS balanced their setlist with new tracks from their 5th album ‘Arirang’ and popular hits such as ‘Fire,’ ‘Fake Love,’ ‘Not Today,’ ‘Mic Drop,’ and ‘Idol.’
Jimin shared, “It’s been four years since we released the album ‘Arirang’ and six and a half years since we’ve embarked on a concert tour. We aimed to try new things in many ways, both with the album and the stage. This is likely the first time you’ll see this stage, and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we prepared for it.”
Suga added, “We’ve prepared extensively to show you new aspects. Whether in the stage setup or song selection, we’ve tried to make new attempts. It might feel unfamiliar, but I hope you’ll enjoy it to the fullest.”
During their performance of ‘Idol,’ BTS circled the stadium track, engaging closely with the audience.
After completing all planned performances for the day, the members shared their feelings of satisfaction. Suga commented, “The weather was pleasant, and your energy was fantastic, which made me happy. If you come tomorrow, I hope the concert helps relieve some of your stress. Thank you for two days of wonderful memories.”
Jimin also said, “It’s been six years since our last tour and four years since our last album. I’ve missed you all so much and want to express my gratitude for waiting. I’m incredibly thankful,” adding, “As we prepared for this tour, I hope you will continue to stay with us as we present great performances and music.”
V mused, “I wonder how I should approach the 80 closing remarks I have to make. Sharing recent stories seems like a good idea. Yesterday, I ate shabu-shabu. I went to bed around 12:30 a.m.” Jin also thanked ARMYs with various poses.
RM expressed gratitude to fans, saying, “We’ve shown you many changes, but the important things haven’t changed. The important thing is that the seven of us decided to do this together. Our sincere thoughts are with you. We won’t take your presence in the packed venues for granted.”
He continued, “We’re all over thirty now. We decided to work together as independent entities, a decision made to continue doing this for a long time,” and added, “I hope you’ll trust us and enjoy our changes a bit more. Please trust us just this once.”
Jungkook also shared, “Recently, when I was live streaming with you, I wanted you to know that all my actions and feelings are sincere, no matter the situation. I’ll continue to do my utmost for you,” adding, “If you wait, I’ll repay you with diverse and impressive performances as a great artist.”
Image source: BIGHIT MUSIC
