BTS Returns in Full Group After 4 Years with New Album “Arirang” Released on March 20 – Grand Reappearance at Gwanghwamun

The iconic K-pop supergroup BTS is set to make its comeback as a complete group for the first time in 4 years and 3 months. This marks their first release of a new studio album since “Proof” in 2022, now that all members have completed their military service. BTS’s new album, titled “Arirang,” will be released at 1 p.m. KST on March 20. Comprising 14 tracks, this fifth studio album reflects the personal thoughts and ideas of each member, including RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Last July, BTS mentioned during a livestream that “since it is a group album, the thoughts and ideas of each member will be reflected in it.” Pre-orders for the album began on January 16. The location chosen by BTS for their comeback stage is Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. On March 21, after walking along the “King’s Road” from Geunjeongjeon in Gyeongbokgung Palace, which traces back to the Joseon Dynasty, BTS will debut their new album on the stage at Gwanghwamun Square. This performance will be streamed live to 190 countries around the world via Netflix. Audience access will be determined through first-come, first-served free tickets starting from the 23rd, along with draws organized by the global fan platform Fandom. The police estimate that up to 260,000 people may gather in the area surrounding Gwanghwamun and Sungnyemun. Following this stage performance, BTS will launch a large-scale world tour starting in April. This is the first group concert in 4 years, featuring over 80 shows across 34 cities. Performances scheduled for April 11 in Goyang and April 19 in Tokyo will also be streamed live in theaters worldwide, with theater tickets going on sale starting February 25. This marks the first time the members will perform together on stage since “Permission to Dance on Stage” in 2021 and 2022, representing a significant return as a full group after completing their military service. BTS’s comeback is also boosting the economy in Seoul. Some hotel rooms with views of Gwanghwamun have already sold out, and the number of reservations for accommodations in this area has increased by more than 5 times compared to a year ago. Myeongdong shopping streets are also preparing by highlighting BTS-related products. Given that each of BTS’s domestic concerts generates an economic impact of up to 1.2207 trillion won, the economic impact of this full-group comeback is expected to be even greater.