[D-eye] BTS, A Memorable Reunion After 864 Days of Isolation, Live from BTS's Seoul Concert

“The boys never had a change of heart.”

No one could have predicted the uncertainty that rained throughout the years. No one had expected for a reunion to come so later. The concert last night came after roughly two years and 864 days. BTS and their army spent a total of three hours, basking in the presence of one another.

"I didn’t know the “final” would become a reality.” (Suga)

BTS’s last concert, (Love Yourself: Speak Yourself- The final) was held at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium in October of 2020. What followed soon after was a list of restrictions and an unfamiliarity to the norm.

Two years had flew by, till March 10th, 2022. BTS had successfully ended the first night to their long-awaited concert (BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE-SEOUL).

The members wore faces of excitement and awe. BTS had too been waiting for this concert for what seemed like, eternity. Although the boys weren’t able to hear the screams and cheers from their fans, the boys still performed with the same energy they did before.

“It feels as if we’re performing in front of our fans for the first time after our debut. I’m going to focus on that feeling to deliver that same energy.” (J-Hope)

Roughly 15,000 fans gathered for the sight of the boys. Although the whole of the arena wasn’t open to use, there was no difference in the way the fans had felt last night. The empty chairs were irrelevant in faltering the emotions of the fans and BTS.

BTS and their army had craved the presence of one another and Dispatch had captured it all.

◆ "Army Forever Bangtan Forever"

As usual, fans had lined up for the concert long before the show was to start. There were fans of all kind, including mothers with their daughters, foreigners from abroad, and Koreans from all provinces.

The Korean fans also expressed excitement regarding the big concert. A fan in her thirties (A) exclaimed, “I’m really excited because it’s been two years since we last saw them. It feels like a dream that we’re able to see them again.” Another fan in her twenties (B) commented, “I feel like I’m going to cry. It’s so emotional.”

A mother and daughter caught our eyes as well. The child quipped, “I’m so glad I have this chance to see them. I think it’ll be fun.” The mother also shared her feelings on this experience. “It’s my first time going to a concert with my daughter so I’m slightly nervous.”

Fans from abroad and Korean fans shared one thing in common: love and passion for BTS. The international fans held signs, professing their love for the group, and waited.

Even more, fans who were unable unsuccessful in their attempt to obtain a ticket, also waited outside as well. The fans claimed to have intentions on listening to the music from outside of the arena. It was as if they were saying, “We don’t need permission to dance.”

A fan from Spain commented, “We weren't able to obtain a ticket. But we're here to be in the moment and watch through the live stream.”

A few fans from Australia had remarked, “It's my fourteenth time. I am so emotional because it's my first concert in Korea.”

The Australian fans further commented, “I've been wanting to see BTS in Korea for five years, so this is really exciting for me. I’m probably going to cry. We expect big performances, for them to just kill the show.”

An American fan had expressed her gratitude towards the Korean army, “It's my first time in Korea. The Korean army treated me with such hospitality, I think it'll make my trip here even more memorable.”

◆ "No Noise, No Problem. Clap!"

"clap clap clap clap”

10 minutes before the concert was to start, an unfamiliar sound soon took over the arena. 15,000 fans all simultaneously thumped their inflatable cheering sticks against one another.

BTS had finally emerged after a while and shined individually. Although noise wasn’t allowed, the fans eagerly waved their official light sticks. In turn, BTS executed their perfectly choreographed moves.

The first song the group performed was, “ON.” Since the release of the track in 2020, last night was the first time that the Korean audience had seen BTS perform the song in person. Although the group is famous for their synchronized, hard-core choreography, it goes without the absence of vocal stability.

The stage shined as bright as ever with the boys performing renditions of their hit songs. “Fire” brought the crowd into a state of frenzy, and fans had expressed the emotions as best as they could without creating noise.

The song came to an end but soon transitioned into another. Jungkook held the camera on one hand and sang, while looking straight into the camera. BTS had taken a different approach to “Dope.” The fans had expressed content at the familiarity of a song from the group’s earlier days.

“We meet again at the stadium we last performed in.” (RM)

Due to the spike in Covid-19 cases, noise of any kind is banned in concerts. BTS had done their very best to fill that void.

“Clap till you can’t no more”

However, that wasn’t a problem for the international superstars. When BTS had requested the use of sounds through claps, the fans vigorously clapped their inflatable sticks against one another. As fans had used other tools to communicate, the members answered in response.

RM remarked, “I’m over the moon, seeing you all sitting here. A concert with just the use of claps will surely go down in history. V also spoke, “It’s truly a moving experience to see our fans.”

◆ "Don’t Worry, Love"

“We really wanted to perform in front of you all. We promise to deliver amazing performances, just sit back and enjoy.” (Jungkook)

Fans weren’t able to keep their eyes off the stage. BTS sang “DNA”, soon followed by “Blue & Grey.” The grandiose arena was filled with the sounds of BTS and their impeccable live skills.

The boys, possessing very distinguishable songs, sang as they danced in synchronization. BTS also made their way to the fans sitting at the closest aisle, to stare into their eyes.

“Black Swan” was beautifully portrayed, with powerful dance moves and voices. One could easily draw comparisons to the performance and a musical. The boys had outdone themselves with the rendition.

The choreography was so incredibly powerful, that the boys’ hairs were drenched in sweat by the first few performances. Jungkook brought out a wave of chuckles when he claimed, “I had exercised a lot to increase my stamina for this big day but I’m tired. But I feel well rested because of you all.”

The “no noise” concert was also a first for BTS. V remarked, “It’s new for us too.” Suga commented, “It’s a different experience. I think I’ll remember this forever.”

However, although the experience was a first for both parties, neither one of them found it difficult to communicate. Jin exclaimed, “I think our fans would have a lot to say right about now. Somewhere along the lines of ‘They look so cool’, ‘The performance is amazing’, ‘Are they tired?’, and so much more.” In response, the fans clapped to acknowledge the member’s comment.

As time went on, the sound of the inflatable sticks continued to get louder. It’s as if the fans had practiced for the day.

“Army, you guys are the best. I do miss being able to hear the voices of our fans, but today gave me a new experience, one where I’m deeply moved by the passion and effort of our fans to fill the void.” (Suga)

◆ "7 Together, Forever"

The track list for the concert was meaningful. The list was created after a long discussion from the members. Twenty two songs were performed last night, and not one of the tunes were the members’ solo tracks.

In regard to the result of the list, Suga commented, “We wanted to show our fans, us as a whole. It’s because we all wanted to see them for the longest time possible.” The fans had cheered harder than ever.

BTS had a train of songs they had wanted to perform, and they made do. “Blood, Sweat, and Tears”, and “Fake Love” was a opportunity for the fans to visit the sexy sides to BTS.

“Life Goes On” was a different experience in comparison to the former sexy songs. Pictures of the members were shown on the big screen. Towards the ending of the concert, fans were asked to take a picture of the day as the camera turned towards the audience.

“Boy With Luv” was done with a twist. A band with instruments such as a trumpet and others were played in the back as the boys sang to the sounds.

If the performances before were easy on the eyes, the “Boy With Luv” performance was pleasant to the ears. “Butter” was followed after “Dynamite.” The members showed amazing chemistry with the dancers holding the trumpets.

V remarked, “This moment right now is both exciting and emotional.”

Jin commented, “I was worried that the concert might not be as thrilling because noise isn’t allowed. However, I can see that you’re all enjoying the show, so I don’t have any thoughts of the sort anymore.”

◆ "We Don't Need Permission"

As time continued to go, the fans and BTS had come to an end in the joy ride. As the group approached “Wings”, the members had gotten closer to the fans as they rode on a cart. The members had made eye contact with each of the fans.

Suga commented, “Some of the fans’ reactions were funny.” The idol commented at the fans who resorted to slapping their knees due to the noise ban.

Jungkook also commented, “It reminds me of our older days. It’s bittersweet, and I will continue to perform my best at this very happy moment in time.”

The group continued to work their magic throughout songs such as “Telepathy, Stay, and “So What.” The performances were followed by the use of lazer lights bouncing from wall to wall.

“I think today might be the most bittersweet. But I want you all to remember, just because our performances come to an end, doesn’t mean our music and dance comes to an end. We promise to meet you all again with improved versions of ourselves.” (RM)

BTS had bid their goodbyes and left the stage. However, the fans remained seated. They had prepared yet another support system for the boys.

Lyrics of “Mikrokosmos” had appeared on the screen. Fans had synchronized with hearts that appeared on the screen, by clapping whenever it showed up. It was an amazing experience to witness the synchronization, passion, and community of 15,000 people.

As the fans continued to clap, BTS had appeared again. The group performed “Home.” During the rendition, the fans’ names had appeared on top of the boys’ faces on the screen. It was one of the sweetest gestures the boys had gifted to their fans.

The group continued their performances with “Airplane pt.2”, “Silver Spoon”, and “Dis-ease.” The songs were all executed so perfectly, and to such an extent that the boys had muttered thoughts of vomiting soon after the performances.

◆ “Their Hearts Never Once Wavered"

The boys had changed the lyrics to “Life Goes On”, to exclude the “yet.” They had also changed the “In relief”, to “Of course” to imply that their hearts had never once faltered or wavered.

“I truly think home is wherever you guys are.” (J-Hope)

BTS did not hold back on expressing their inner thoughts on the desire to see the fans. Jin yelled out, “We’re home, so we can’t leave this out. This is the most beautiful ocean.”

The members also held their official light sticks in their hands. The fans had mimicked the boys’ moves with their sticks, holding them up high as the boys did. The audience was soon filled with the shade of the sticks and shined brighter than ever.

The members all took time to stand up individually as if they were ready to present something. It was time to deliver their most honest thoughts.

“To be frank, I wasn’t exactly in the best of conditions. I really did do my best for the past two years, but I had a tough time adjusting. But those thoughts all disappeared at the sight of you all. It’s only right that performers and the audience are within the same capacity.” (J-Hope)

"It was really exciting to perform again after two years. I had performed with the thought of really enjoying the time. Since today was a day spent without the voices of our army, I have a new goal. My new goal is to be able to hear your voices.” (V)

"Two and a half years since we last saw each other but it felt like twenty-three. I had thought on my short ending speech for around two weeks but I’m just going to say whatever comes to mind. I really missed you all and I’m so happy right now. I hope all our fans are happy as well. Let’s continue to make memories like we did today. It starts now.” (Jungkook)

"I recall asking our fans to wait just a little bit more till the next time we meet. I feel very apologetic since it took two and a half years to get back to all of you. I had wanted to greet you all with an arena, completely filled with all of you so it’s a little disappointing that we aren’t able to. I’m sure there are better days ahead. Thank you for enjoying the day with us, and we love you.” (Suga)

"I think you guys would know how much we had wanted to see you all. When I see you all, I feel as if I’m home. I am free of the negative thoughts that had previously taken space in my head. It felt as if we were seeing friends. We promise to work even harder.” (Jimin)

"We had wondered if we should perform tonight, completely different from the LA concert in October of 2021. But we thought against it because our Korean army wasn't there to experience it. How was it? If you enjoyed the concert, please clap for us!” (Jin)

"It was slightly disappointing that we had to see each other again under such circumstances. It was once the norm to run, communicate, and express feelings of love with each other. However, this will surely pass and will come a time where we’ll look back and think back to this day. We will continue to wait until we can see each other in better conditions.” (RM)

BTS is continuing their train of concerts with performances at the Jamsil Sports Complex on March 12th and 13th. The group is then headed for Las Vegas for “BTS Permission to Dance on Stage-Las Vegas” in April.

by. Minji Gu