BTS members captivated audiences at their ‘BTS Comeback Live: Arirang’ performance on March 21 at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, donning custom outfits from Korean brand Songzio that blended modern style with traditional Korean motifs.
Designer’s Vision for Korean Identity
Songzio’s creative director highlighted the collaboration’s role in showcasing Korea’s essence globally. “This project with BTS members intensifies their sense of Korean identity,” the director stated. “The ‘Arirang’ theme redefines Korean sentiment, transforming public spaces like Gwanghwamun into vibrant cultural hubs through our joint efforts.”
The outfits aimed to convey dignity and connect universal beauty with BTS’s image as youthful trailblazers and artisans. Even in candid moments, the members embodied a profound national pride, the director noted.
Incorporating Traditional Elements
Songzio reinterprets Korea’s ‘Doryeong’ aesthetic—characterized by full-length jumpsuits and hanbok-inspired side details—into contemporary fashion. The brand has gained acclaim at Paris Fashion Week and New York flagships, positioning it as a key player in K-fashion.
For this concert spanning two days, BTS’s fashion team adopted the ‘Sorikun’ style. “Reflecting the world’s gaze through a modern ‘Sorikun’ motif brings immense satisfaction,” the director explained. The designs evoke human affection amid serious cultural expressions, paired with Gyeongbokgung Palace influences.
BTS Members’ Unique Concepts
Each member expressed individuality via tailored outfits:
- RM as ‘youth’
- Jin as ‘artist’
- Suga as ‘architect’
- J-Hope in ‘Sorikun’
- Jimin as ‘poet’
- V as ‘Doryeong’
- Jungkook as ‘pioneer’
“To gracefully fill vast national stages with artistic reflection while maximizing Korea’s unique warmth—even in music—feels rewarding,” the members shared. Subtle touches, like Jimin’s heel shine adapted with Korean flair and V’s domestically produced fabric, underscore authentic heritage.
The performance highlighted BTS’s commitment to elevating Korean culture worldwide through innovative fashion fusion.
