"Through BTS and Netflix, we will show what scale of project is possible." (Brandon Rigg, Netflix VP)

The 3-year and 9-month silence is over. BTS take their first step toward a grand return in Seoul. With Gwanghwamun at the heart of the city as the backdrop, they will stage a large-scale performance set to redefine K-pop concerts.

The venue spans an unprecedented scale, stretching from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Plaza. A total of 9.5 km of power cables, 23 cameras, and 124 monitors have been deployed.

Though set in Seoul, the stage connects to the world. In partnership with Netflix, the comeback performance will be broadcast live, transcending time zones and borders to unite the global fandom.

It aims to redefine the peak of K-pop as a global phenomenon.

Netflix held a pre-media briefing for BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG on March 20 at Cinecube Gwanghwamun in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Brandon Rigg (Netflix VP of Nonfiction Series and Sports), Kim Hyun-jung (HYBE Music VP), Yoo Dong-joo (HYBE Music Group APAC Representative), and executive producer Garrett English attended.

A Global Live Event

BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG is a project broadcasting BTS's comeback stage live from Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 at 8 PM. It captures the group's first full-member performance in nearly four years and the energy of their fandom.

Chairman Bang Si-hyuk insisted on starting the comeback in Seoul, aiming to reflect BTS's journey—from Korea to global stardom—within the album's narrative.

Yoo explained, "To capture that narrative, he wanted to open the comeback in a space that embodies the most Korean symbolism. That's why Gwanghwamun was chosen."

This aligns with HYBE's vision. Yoo added, "We value expanding the fan experience. We wanted to create a rare cultural moment where domestic and international audiences come together."

Netflix's Largest Live Project

For Netflix, the project carries major significance. BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG marks the platform's first major global live event initiative.

Brandon stated, "We are passionate fans of Korean culture and entertainment. It's an honor to collaborate with HYBE to deliver an incredible experience to ARMY worldwide."

The process was not simple. A large-scale event in central Seoul required delivering the on-site energy seamlessly to global viewers.

To achieve this, Netflix installed 9.5 km of power cables and deployed 23 cameras and 124 monitors to capture the performance from multiple angles.

Brandon emphasized, "We invested heavily in local infrastructure to ensure technical stability. This will be the largest live project Netflix undertakes this year."

Blending BTS and Korean Heritage

The main stage will center around Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung.

Garrett said, "The biggest challenge was harmonizing BTS's vision with Korean history. Above all, we tried to respect the historical significance of Gwanghwamun."

He added, "We also incorporated the unity of fans gathered across Seoul. In every aspect—creative and operational—the scale exceeded imagination. It was made possible thanks to full cooperation from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and related authorities."

The Core: 'ARIRANG'

At the center of the performance is BTS's new album ARIRANG.

Kim Hyun-jung stated, "As always, the members fully reflected their current emotions in the music."

The group revisited their roots, which is why Arirang was chosen as the album title. While grounded in Korean sentiment, the songs balance Korean and English to deliver the message globally.

Kim added, "This album was completed through intense discussions among the members, Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, and all staff. It's composed of tracks that anyone—not just ARMY—can enjoy."

"Beyond Imagination"

Brandon concluded, "This is the first global live performance challenge for both BTS and Netflix. We invested maximum resources and time to prepare."

Garrett said, "Whatever you imagine, we're ready to go beyond that scale. We will deliver a one-of-a-kind cultural experience to viewers worldwide."

Kim also hinted, "We had countless meetings with the members during the album's production. You can see the full process in the documentary BTS: The Return, releasing on March 23."

Meanwhile, BTS will release their fifth full-length album ARIRANG on March 20 at 1 PM (KST).