BTS held a triumphant comeback concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, marking their return after four years. The event, titled BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang, aired across five Arirang channels and drew a massive crowd for the one-hour performance.
Electric Atmosphere and Fan Reactions
The full-capacity show reignited K-pop fervor, with fans filling every seat. High emotions surged during performances of tracks like “Kyung Tong Tong Je” and chants of “King Da Eung,” leaving some spectators in tears amid the immersive experience.
RM’s Post-Concert Message
Following the event, leader RM shared his gratitude on Weverse, thanking those who made the Gwanghwamun concert possible. “This feeling is so precious to everyone involved,” he wrote. RM highlighted the pride in sharing the group’s music and global reach with fans worldwide, stating, “Connecting that background isn’t easy.”
He also addressed ARMY directly: “The moment of finally arriving after a long wait felt like ‘Machimnae Dola Wasguna’ to the performers.” RM added, “We’re even more grateful because we kept you waiting so long,” and emphasized, “As fellow Koreans, this is our biggest responsibility.”
J-Hope’s Reflections
Vocalist J-Hope posted photos and sentiments the next day on March 22. “I’m sincerely grateful to the performers and audience at the Gwanghwamun concert,” he stated. He expressed pride in showcasing K-pop’s grandeur abroad through the venue, noting, “Thanks to our connections, we delivered a safe performance.”
J-Hope further remarked, “K-pop’s world culture, reflecting national sentiment, is truly great. This concert offers a chance to let the world feel our cultural power.”
Official Praise and Event Success
Kim Min-seok from the National Culture Promotion Center described the event as one that “unites the country through BTS and J-Hope’s activities.” He stressed the importance of “instilling proper pride in citizens.”
The concert attracted around 77,000 to 83,000 attendees from Seoul, with J-Hope selecting 104,000 viewers. Despite the venue’s 26,000-person capacity, police, Geumnamun gates, three military units, and other secure zones accommodated the throng safely. No major incidents occurred, and spectator satisfaction remained high throughout the well-managed gathering.
