BTS’s First Day of ‘BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN BUSAN’ Concert in Busan a Success Despite Start Delay of 1 Hour

The first show of BTS’S ‘BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN BUSAN’ concluded successfully on the 12th at the Asiad Main Stadium in Busan. Around 10:50 p.m. that day, tens of thousands of fans gathered around the stadium, and communication equipment such as mobile base stations and repeaters from telecom companies was installed to prevent signal disruptions. Fans holding BTS’S official lightstick, known as “ARMY Bams,” shared their impressions of the concert before heading to subway stations and bus stops.

Fans from abroad also confirmed the concert’s success. Valerie, who traveled to Busan from Texas in the United States with her two daughters, Julie and Jiana, said, “I came to Korea to see BTS’S concert,” adding that “BTS’S music is simply amazing.” After the concert, foreign fans were seen waiting near the stadium, with some struggling to find the entrance without translation assistance.

However, the concert faced confusion from its scheduled start time. It was originally planned to begin at 7 p.m., but due to delays in audience entry, it finally started around 8:15 p.m. From the start of the concert, social media was filled with posts expressing dissatisfaction, such as “I still can’t get in,” “The concert entrance is in complete chaos,” and “The concert is delayed.”

HYBE, BTS’S agency, issued an official statement apologizing for the significant inconvenience caused by the delayed start. The agency explained that the delay resulted from a combination of factors, including confusion in on-site guidance, long queues during fan gift distribution, and delays in receiving merchandise. HYBE added that they would thoroughly review and improve all aspects of event management, including entry procedures and gift distribution, to prevent similar congestion at the concert on the 13th.

The police also strengthened security both inside and outside the concert venue. The Busan Police Agency ordered enhanced emergency duty for the nine police stations in Busan responsible for the area from the day before the concert until its end. A total of 329 police officers were deployed at the Asiad Main Stadium to manage crowds at key intersections, crosswalks, and pedestrian routes. Around the Songdo International Business District Station and Sajik Station, 181 traffic police officers and 18 sidecars were assigned, with the special police unit on standby for any emergencies. The same level of police presence is planned for the concert on the 13th.

BTS will continue with the second day of ‘BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN BUSAN’ at the Asiad Main Stadium in Busan on the 13th.