BTS Makes Historic Return to Gwanghwamun After 4 Years

BTS performed at Gwanghwamun in Seoul on the 21st, holding their first concert there in approximately four years. It was the first “full group” performance since all seven members completed their military service. The show was broadcast live around the world, drawing attention from fans across the globe.

Leader RM announced their return by shouting, “Hello, Seoul. We are back,” from the stage. During the roughly one-hour performance, the members delivered a total of 12 songs, including new tracks such as “Body to Body” and “Hooligan” from their fifth album *ARIRANG*, as well as previous hit songs. Throughout the concert, the members’ improved performances stood out significantly.

The event received extensive coverage from Korean media. Major domestic newspapers published special editions and front-page features to report on it thoroughly. Even some newspapers that do not issue editions on Saturdays dedicated a full page to feature the lyrics of the title track “SWIM” along with chants for fans. International media also focused on this historic stage at Gwanghwamun through special articles. The concert concluded safely without any incidents.

This performance, the first by BTS after completing their military service, ended four years of waiting for their global fanbase, “A.R.M.Y.” BTS expressed gratitude and apologies to the staff who worked hard to make the concert possible and to the citizens who endured inconvenience.

Lee Ji-haeng, a culture researcher and fan who is a professor in the K-Entertainment Department at Jeonbuk National University, analyzed the core of the BTS phenomenon. He noted that at its heart lies the hardships they faced as “outsiders” and the “resistive solidarity” shown by their fans who empathized with them. Regarding BTS’s influence, he commented, “Isn’t it only fitting to offer a symbolic space like Gwanghwamun?”