After 3 years and 5 months, BTS is finally back. Nearly four years since "Yet To Come" in Busan, the group reunited with ARMY—and the moment was nothing short of historic.
"We are finally here!" (RM)
The wait was long for both BTS and ARMY. That's why the energy of the night burned even brighter. The chilly March air meant nothing in front of this long-awaited reunion.
Around 100,000 voices sang "ARIRANG" together. Nationalities, generations, and genders didn't matter. The massive singalong shook Gwanghwamun Square—and marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Fans from all over the world gathered in Seoul. Some wore purple hanbok, while others styled traditional outfits from their own cultures in BTS's signature color. Even citizens joined in, matching purple items—from scarves to coats—becoming one through BTS's music.
BTS held "BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG" on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square, delivering 12 songs over 60 minutes. Dispatch captured the scene of this global-scale celebration.
A Stage Built on Emotion and Power
The show opened with "Body to Body." RM, SUGA, and j-hope unleashed their long-held energy through powerful rap, while Jimin and Jungkook elevated the mood with melodic lines.
The performance blended pop sounds with the traditional Korean folk melody "Arirang." Traditional percussion filled the stage, joined by girls in hanbok singing live. Less than a day after release, ARMY responded with a flawless singalong, filling the square with "Arirang."
When "Hooligan" began, red lights flooded the venue like flames. The crowd erupted louder, welcoming the return of BTS's hip-hop identity.
The members paused to take in the moment. Jimin shared, "We finally meet. I missed you so much," while Jin smiled, "Thank you for waiting." Many fans were moved to tears.
From Hits to New Era
BTS delivered the stage fans had been waiting for. As soon as "Butter" started, ARMY couldn't contain their excitement—singing along and waving their hands in unison.
The energy peaked again with "MIC Drop," highlighted by SUGA's iconic mic performance. After the stage, Jungkook said, "Standing in front of you like this—it just feels so good."
The highlight of the night was the first-ever performance of the title track "SWIM." Instead of flashy choreography, BTS chose restraint—drawing the audience into a moment of complete immersion.
RM explained, "At a turning point for us, we thought deeply about what choice to make. We decided to listen to our own voices." V added, "I hope 'SWIM' brings you comfort and strength."
"Like Animals" carried a message of freedom, with the members sitting on stage and delivering an emotional performance. V and Jungkook reached soaring high notes, while Jin supported with harmony.
The finale came with disco-pop energy. BTS closed with "Dynamite," turning the square into a full-scale festival. The members ran onto extended stages, making eye contact with fans across the crowd.
RM then proposed an encore—"It can't end like this, right?" BTS returned with "Mikrokosmos," creating a deeply emotional finale as ARMY waved their lightsticks under the night sky.
A Night Powered by People
A total of 15,000 personnel supported the event, including 6,700 police officers, 8,200 safety staff, and 3,400 firefighters. The members didn't forget to express gratitude.
Jimin said, "Thank you to ARMY who filled Gwanghwamun, and to everyone who made this performance possible in such a special place. I'm grateful—and also sorry."
Jungkook added, "I truly want to thank everyone who helped us finish this safely. Please make sure you all return home safely."
SUGA also shared, "I want to thank the police and everyone who worked so hard. We've prepared a lot so we can keep coming back to see you."
BTS closed with a promise: "We're preparing concerts every day. This is just the beginning. We'll always come back with the same heart—with great music and performances."
