BTS Releases 5th Studio Album After 3 Years and 9 Months, Performing for 100,000 Fans in Gwanghwamun Square

K-pop group BTS released their 5th studio album, “Arirang,” on March 20 after a 3-year and 9-month hiatus. The following day, on March 21, they held a free concert in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, marking the beginning of a new era centered around Korean traditional music. Approximately 104,000 fans attended the event.

“Arirang” is named after a collection of Korean traditional folk songs. BTS’s agency, Big Hit Music, explained that the album captures the group’s roots and identity while containing genuine stories they wanted to share with their long-awaited ARMY, their official fanbase. Comprising 14 tracks, the album features collaborations with renowned producers such as Diplo, Ryan Tedder, and El Guincho. The lead track, “Swim,” written by RM, is an alternative pop song that expresses BTS’s determination to overcome life’s challenges.

In its first week of release, the album recorded 4 million pre-orders, breaking BTS’s previous record set by “Map of the Soul: 7” (3.42 million pre-orders in 2020).

The concert in Gwanghwamun Square took place at this landmark that symbolizes Korea’s royal heritage as well as its political and cultural significance. It was streamed live to over 190 countries worldwide via Netflix. To ensure safety during the event, the Seoul Metropolitan Government deployed 6,500 police officers (including more than 70 special response units), 3,400 municipal staff members, 102 fire trucks, and 803 firefighters. Access to and use of rooftops in 31 buildings within the concert’s radius were restricted, and metal detectors were installed at 31 security gates.

Meanwhile, Netflix streamed “BTS: The Comeback Live - Arirang” at 7 a.m. local time on March 21 (4 a.m. PT). The documentary “BTS: The Return,” directed by Bao Nguyen, is scheduled to be released on March 27. This documentary covers the process of the seven members reuniting after completing their military service, their musical evolution, and their journey toward becoming global cultural icons.