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  • BTS’ ‘Life Goes On’ Tops 1 Billion Spotify Streams, Their Sixth Song to Hit the Mark
    BTS’ ‘Life Goes On’ Tops 1 Billion Spotify Streams, Their Sixth Song to Hit the Mark BTS’ “Life Goes On” has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. The track, the title song from the group’s seventh mini album “BE,” released in November 2020, reached 1 billion cumulative plays on the global audio and music streaming platform as of March 21. It became BTS’ sixth song to cross the 1 billion-stream threshold. The group previously hit 1 billion streams with “FAKE LOVE,” “Boy With Luv,” “Dynamite,” “Butter” and “My Universe.” “Life Goes On” is notable for reaching the milestone with lyrics primarily in Korean. The achievement drew added attention as it coincided with the strong performance of BTS’ new release “ARIRANG,” unveiled March 20. As all tracks from “ARIRANG” showed strength on Spotify’s “Daily Top Songs Global” chart, “Life Goes On” also re-entered the rankings as of March 21, nearly five years after its release. “Life Goes On” delivers a message of comfort — “still, life goes on” — in the face of circumstances that force people to stop. Upon release, it topped Billboard’s main singles chart, the Hot 100, dated Dec. 5, 2020, sparking global attention. Billboard said it was the only song in the chart’s 62-year history to reach No. 1 with lyrics centered on Korean. The music video, which Jungkook helped direct, has also drawn steady interest. The video shows the members in everyday moments and singing in a calm mood, conveying warmth to fans. Jungkook expressed the disappointment and longing of not being able to meet fans in person due to COVID-19. BTS released “ARIRANG” on March 20. Its title track, “SWIM,” ranked No. 1 on Spotify’s “Daily Top Songs Global” chart for two consecutive days, dated March 20-21. In South Korea, it also topped daily charts dated March 22 on major music platforms including Melon, Genie and Bugs. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 15:51:42
  • ITZY’s Yuna Makes Solo Debut With First EP, ‘Ice Cream’
    ITZY’s Yuna Makes Solo Debut With First EP, ‘Ice Cream’ ITZY’s youngest member, Yuna, is stepping out on her own seven years after debuting with the group, unveiling her first solo EP, “Ice Cream.” A release news conference was held Monday afternoon at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul East Pole in Seoul’s Gwangjin district. Yuna debuted with ITZY in 2019 and becomes the group’s second member to launch a solo project, following Yeji. “It’s my first solo album in seven years, so I feel a lot of pressure, and I really want to do well,” Yuna said. She added that Yeji’s solo work “influenced me in a good way” and helped her prepare. Yuna said she wrestled with doubts during production, asking herself whether she could carry a project alone, but said the process ultimately gave her confidence. “While preparing the album, I discovered sides of myself I didn’t know and gained courage,” she said, crediting support from staff, her bandmates and the group’s fan community, known as MIDZY. “It wasn’t easy to fill a song in diverse ways with only my voice. I studied a lot at home and in the studio, and I think that process gave me another chance to grow.” She said the solo project also pushed her to be more assertive than she typically is in group work. “In group activities, the five of us have to bring our opinions together and compromise, so I tended to follow,” she said. “For this album, I shared my opinions first and acted more proactively.” The title track, “Ice Cream,” is a bubblegum pop song with a bouncy, addictive hook. It carries a message about savoring the moment “as sweetly as ice cream melting,” she said. “I was hooked the first time I heard ‘Ice Cream,’” Yuna said. “As soon as I heard it, I could picture the stage, the performance and the visuals, and I thought I wanted to show my charm with this song.” She said she hoped the choreography would be something “anyone would want to follow,” and that she prepared a performance that suits her. The EP also includes “B-Boy,” described as having a freer mood; “Blue Maze,” which depicts a soft, dreamy moment of love; and “Hyper Dream,” built on layered sound. “I think my strength is bright, natural energy,” Yuna said, calling the release a good fit for spring and recommending it for commutes. She said ITZY members encouraged her after hearing the songs, and that Yeji visited the music video set. “When I saw her, I teared up,” Yuna said, adding that a snack truck sent by the members — with bungeoppang and fish cake — was “really delicious” and moving. Yuna also recalled encouragement from Park Jin-young, whom she referred to as PD. “He told me, ‘Yuna, I’m really looking forward to it. Don’t get hurt, and finish it well in good health,’” she said, adding that his support meant more because he has watched her grow since she was young. Yuna said she hopes the promotions help establish her beyond her role as the group’s youngest member. “I want to be recognized as Yuna, and I want to receive a lot of love,” she said. “I’ll do my best so that when you see the stage, you’ll say Yuna has grown up well.” “Ice Cream” will be released at 6 p.m. Monday on major music streaming platforms. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 15:45:19
  • ITZY’s Yuna on ‘THAT’S A NO NO’ resurgence: ‘Ice Cream’ solo debut can keep momentum
    ITZY’s Yuna on ‘THAT’S A NO NO’ resurgence: ‘Ice Cream’ solo debut can keep momentum ITZY’s Yuna shared her thoughts on the renewed popularity of the group’s track “THAT’S A NO NO.” A news conference marking the release of Yuna’s first solo album, “Ice Cream,” was held Monday afternoon at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul East Pole in Seoul’s Gwangjin district. “THAT’S A NO NO,” a B-side from ITZY’s second mini-album “IT’z ME,” released in March 2020, has been gaining traction through social media and is climbing music charts again. “‘THAT’S A NO NO’ is rising again,” Yuna said. “As spring comes, it’s getting a lot of love, so I feel great. I’d be grateful if ‘Ice Cream’ is loved along with ‘THAT’S A NO NO.’” She added, “I’m confident I can keep this momentum with my solo activities.” She said her strength is “bright, natural energy,” adding that listeners will be able to feel that in the new album. “Ice Cream” is a bubblegum pop track described as bouncy and highly addictive. It carries the message: “Like ice cream melting sweetly, don’t miss this moment — enjoy it to the fullest,” and aims to energize listeners. The album is set to be released at 6 p.m. Monday on major music platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 14:39:16
  • Culture minister credits public, fans for safe BTS Gwanghwamun concert
    Culture minister credits public, fans for safe BTS Gwanghwamun concert Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young thanked the public and fans after BTS’ comeback concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square ended without any safety incidents. In a social media post on March 22, Choi said the group’s “Arirang” performance at Gwanghwamun “ended safely without a single safety accident,” crediting “the mature civic awareness of our people” and the cooperation of the global BTS fan base, known as ARMY. Choi also praised BTS, which returned as a full group after three years and five months. He said the group’s vocals and dynamic choreography, performed before a crowd that turned the square purple, drew admiration from fans. He added that the concert was livestreamed to viewers in more than 190 countries and thanked residents who tolerated inconvenience, along with volunteers, public officials and others who worked to keep the site safe. Choi pledged continued government support for Korean pop culture, saying the government would do its best to help K-culture spread “faster and more widely” worldwide. Organizers estimated 104,000 people attended the March 21 “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG” concert, while Seoul’s real-time city data put the crowd at 42,000. After finishing domestic schedules, BTS is set to begin overseas activities starting March 23 with a Spotify stage in New York, including an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The group is also scheduled to launch its new “Arirang” world tour on April 9 at Goyang Stadium.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 17:54:00
  • IVE’s ‘HEYA’ Music Video Tops 100 Million YouTube Views; Three Hits Pass 300 Million
    IVE’s ‘HEYA’ Music Video Tops 100 Million YouTube Views; Three Hits Pass 300 Million IVE has earned its sixth music video to surpass 100 million views on YouTube with “HEYA.” Starship Entertainment said the music video for “HEYA,” the title track from IVE’s second EP, “IVE SWITCH,” topped 100 million views on Friday. The milestone gives the group six music videos with more than 100 million views. Since its debut with “ELEVEN,” IVE has continued to post blockbuster view counts through “HEYA,” reinforcing its popularity. “LOVE DIVE,” “After LIKE” and “I AM” have each exceeded 300 million views, showing sustained interest over time. Released April 29, 2024, “HEYA” pairs narrative lyrics inspired by folklore with a powerful hip-hop sound. The song ranked high on major domestic streaming charts after its release and also gained traction on iTunes’ Top Song chart, the agency said. The “HEYA” music video passed 10 million views within 19 hours of release and reached No. 1 on YouTube’s worldwide music video trending list. The track also placed in the upper ranks of the “2024 Melon Year-End Chart” Top 100, indicating long-running performance. IVE held its fourth fan concert, “DIVE INTO IVE,” on Friday at Inspire Arena in Incheon and is set to meet fans again at a 4 p.m. show Saturday. The performance will be livestreamed on Beyond LIVE.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 15:51:37
  • BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Sweeps Spotify Global Chart, Tracks Fill Top 14
    BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Sweeps Spotify Global Chart, Tracks Fill Top 14 All tracks from BTS’ new album, ‘ARIRANG,’ have entered Spotify’s global charts. Spotify said on the 21st that BTS’ fifth full-length album, ‘ARIRANG’ (ARIRANG), has become the most-streamed K-pop album of all time. It also ranked as this year’s most-played album in a single day, underscoring the release’s strong momentum. On Spotify’s “Daily Top Songs Global,” the title track “SWIM” went straight to No. 1 on the March 20 chart, while every song from the album placed from No. 1 through No. 14. Even the sixth interlude track, which features the sound of the bell of the Seongdeok the Great Divine Bell, charted. BTS also topped Spotify’s “Daily Top Artists Global.” The comeback also set records on Apple Music. ‘ARIRANG’ became the most-played K-pop album worldwide on its first day of release in Apple Music history. It also posted the biggest first-day streaming total ever for a pop album released by the group. The figures reflected global fan interest after a 3-year, 9-month hiatus. In South Korea, ‘ARIRANG’ has dominated album and streaming rankings. “SWIM” topped Melon’s daily chart for March 20, and held No. 1 on the real-time “Top 100” from 8 a.m. on the 21st through 1 p.m. on the 22nd. Physical sales were also strong: first-day sales surpassed 3.98 million copies, based on Hanteo Chart tallies, quickly exceeding the group’s previous best first-week record. The album also stayed No. 1 on Hanteo’s daily chart for two straight days (March 20-21). The album is described as capturing BTS’ identity and universal emotions they face. HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk participated as executive producer, and RM led the album’s lyrics, expressing a sincere attitude of loving life.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 14:39:17
  • BTS Returns as Full Group With Free Gwanghwamun Square Concert for ‘Arirang’ Album
    BTS Returns as Full Group With Free Gwanghwamun Square Concert for ‘Arirang’ Album “Thanks to BTS, I learned for the first time that ‘Arirang’ is a Korean folk song, and I was moved because the show captured Korea’s identity so well,” said Kiara, a fan from the Philippines, at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. A K-pop fan since 2008, she said she has been an ARMY — BTS’ fan community — since the group’s debut. She said she even held off listening to the tracks released the day before so she could hear them first at the venue, giving a thumbs-up after hearing the title track, ‘SWIM,’ and the B-side ‘Body to Body.’ The square turned into what many fans described as a massive purple concert hall, reflecting BTS’ signature color, as crowds gathered to see the group perform together again after 3 years and 9 months. Organizers estimated 104,000 people attended, while Seoul’s real-time city data put the figure at 42,000. The turnout was calmer than some had expected, which helped operations run more smoothly. Fans outside the fenced-off official seating area of 22,000 watched large screens and sang along. Some recorded the show on their phones, while others video-called friends overseas to share the scene live. With about 6,700 police deployed, concertgoers passed through four checkpoints. Despite the tight security, the crowd remained orderly. At 8 p.m., a sweeping drone shot over Mount Bugak and Gyeongbok Palace opened the broadcast on Netflix to more than 190 countries. As 50 dancers lined up on the stage platform, the seven members appeared in black outfits that reinterpreted traditional armor in a modern style. RM, seated due to an ankle injury, opened with the group greeting: “It’s been four years. Hello, we are BTS.” He added, “We’ll give everything today. It’s been a long journey, but we’ve finally made it here.” BTS launched into tracks from the new album, including ‘Body to Body,’ ‘Hooligan’ and ‘2.0,’ quickly taking control of the square. ‘Body to Body,’ created in collaboration with the National Gugak Center, wove the melody of ‘Arirang’ into a modern beat, reflecting HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s stated view that the starting point should be Korea’s most symbolic space. The group then performed global hits ‘Butter’ and ‘MIC Drop,’ drawing cheers and singalongs from fans, including many from overseas. Midway through the show, members spoke candidly about their time away. J-Hope said, “We worried we might be forgotten.” Suga said, “I thought intensely about what needed to change. I’m still anxious, but these feelings are ours, too.” RM added, “The answer wasn’t outside, it was inside. The goal of this album was to put ourselves into it.” Jimin said, “We’re not special people. We’re scared every time, but if we keep swimming, I believe we’ll find the answer someday.” V said he hoped their music could offer comfort, before the group performed ‘SWIM.’ For the encore, BTS performed ‘Mikrokosmos,’ with a production that placed the Big Dipper in the night sky above Gwanghwamun as fans’ light sticks shone like a field of stars. The next day, HYBE issued a statement thanking authorities for allowing the use of Gwanghwamun and residents for accepting the disruption. “Mature civic awareness made this concert shine even more,” the company said. It added it would develop specific plans to promote protection of national heritage and cultural assets and implement a long-term support system. BTS returned with a record 3.98 million copies sold on the album’s first day. The group is set to continue its global schedule with a world tour starting April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex. 2026-03-22 13:54:21
  • BTS Returns as Full Group at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square in ‘Arirang’ Comeback Live
    BTS Returns as Full Group at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square in ‘Arirang’ Comeback Live Seoul’s central Gwanghwamun Square filled with cheers as BTS returned as a full seven-member group after 3 years and 9 months. The “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” held at 8 p.m. on the 21st, was streamed live to more than 190 countries, underscoring the group’s continued global reach. The show opened with sweeping drone footage over Bugaksan and Gyeongbokgung Palace. As 50 dancers lined up on the stage platform, the seven members appeared in black outfits that reinterpreted traditional armor in a modern style. Leader RM, seated due to an ankle injury and focusing on vocals, greeted the crowd: “It’s been four years. Hello, we are BTS.” He added, “We’ll pour everything into today. It’s been a long journey, but we finally made it here.” BTS launched into new-album tracks “Body to Body,” “Hooligan” and “2.0,” quickly taking control of the square. “Body to Body” blended the melody of the folk song “Arirang” with a collaboration with the National Gugak Center, highlighting a distinctly Korean identity. After the stage, Jin thanked fans for returning. “I vividly remember telling you to wait for us at our last Busan concert a few years ago,” he said. “I had a lot of worries about getting to this point. I’m grateful and happy to face you again.” Jimin told fans, “ARMY, we finally met. I’m overwhelmed and grateful to be able to speak like this. I’m so happy the seven of us can be together again. I missed you. I didn’t expect you to fill Gwanghwamun Square like this — thank you.” Suga called it an honor to perform “at the most historic place in Korea,” saying the album title “Arirang” reflected a desire to capture the group’s identity and that the decision led them to stage the comeback at Gwanghwamun. V added, “It feels new to be able to come back in such a special place. Thank you to ARMY who came all the way here, and to those watching around the world through Netflix. We waited a long time, too. Wherever you are, I hope our feelings reach you.” The group followed with global hits “Butter” and “MIC Drop.” J-Hope and Jung Kook told the crowd it still felt unreal to be onstage together as seven again, thanking fans for waiting and promising they had prepared “a lot of special things” and would give everything they had. Jung Kook said, “I don’t think I’ll ever forget tonight. I think I had pressure and fear about the comeback, but standing in front of you today, it just feels good. Just good.” RM said the album was worked on for two months in Los Angeles, with postproduction completed in Korea. He said the members held many conversations about who they are now and how they could come together, and that they took on new challenges, before performing new songs “Aliens” and “FYA.” In remarks about their hiatus, J-Hope said the album contains “countless worries,” including concerns about whether the group might be forgotten or whether fans would still remember them. Suga said he spent a long time thinking about what needed to change during the pause, adding that he still felt uncertain and anxious but considered those feelings part of who they are. RM said he repeatedly asked himself what choices to make at a turning point and what kind of creator he wanted to remain, concluding that the answer was not outside but within. He said the goal of the album was to listen more closely to their own voices and reflect themselves more fully. Jimin said, “As you know well, we’re not special people. Like you, we’re afraid every time, and I was afraid preparing for this stage, too. But I believe if we ‘keep swimming,’ we’ll find an answer someday.” V said what they can do is keep making music, keep performing and show fans their best, adding he hoped their songs could offer some comfort. The group then performed the title track “SWIM,” along with “Like Animals” and “Normal.” The production emphasized a blend of tradition and modern staging. Director Hamish Hamilton said he focused on building a balanced stage model that respected the historic setting of Gyeongbokgung. Netflix said it viewed the show as the biggest moment among its live events planned for the year and a landmark partnership, highlighting major investment to ensure technical stability. J-Hope said, “I’m really, really happy to be back. Every moment is thanks to you. BTS 2.0 is just beginning.” V told fans it was time for the last song, saying he had imagined the moment for years and wanted to keep going. Suga again thanked the Seoul Metropolitan Government and related officials, as well as police working on site. Jimin bowed and said, “Thank you, and I’m sorry.” Jung Kook told fans the seven members always share the same 마음, adding they would always do their best as long as fans stayed with them. BTS closed with “Dynamite” and the encore “Mikrokosmos.” BTS, which set a new personal record with 3.98 million copies sold on the album’s first day of release, used the roughly hourlong show to reaffirm its presence. By the Seoul city government’s count, 40,000 people gathered near Gwanghwamun, with the crowd far larger when including the area around Sungnyemun, and the event proceeded safely in an orderly manner. The group is set to continue its global schedule with a world tour starting April 9 at Goyang Stadium.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 22:54:00
  • BTS to Return as Full Group at Gwanghwamun Square for Comeback Live: ARIRANG
    BTS to Return as Full Group at Gwanghwamun Square for 'Comeback Live: ARIRANG' BTS members, speaking through their agency BigHit Music, shared their thoughts and what to watch for ahead of “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” set for 8 p.m. on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. It will be the group’s first performance as all seven members since a Busan concert in 2022, about three years and five months ago. The members expressed anticipation and urged attention to safety. How do you feel ahead of “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG”? RM “While practicing for a great stage, I picked up a minor injury. I’ll adjust the performance to match my condition, but I’ll do my best within what’s possible. More than anything, I want to repay those who have waited with a good performance.” Jin “I’m very nervous. I never imagined I’d perform at Gwanghwamun Square, and it’s really sinking in. This is all possible because so many people prepared it together. I want to say thank you to everyone.” Suga “Preparing for a world tour while also working on the Gwanghwamun comeback show has been a blur. That makes it even more meaningful because the whole team focused in one direction. I’m really looking forward to it.” j-hope “It’s a big event the world is watching, which is a burden, but it also makes me want to do even better. Since it’s been a while since we’ve been on stage together, I’ll keep the energy and focus to the end.” Jimin “As much as I’m excited, I’m honestly anxious, too. Still, it’s a chance to meet fans again after a long time, so I’m even more thrilled. I’ll stay focused so that feeling comes through on stage.” V “I’m happy. We prepared very solidly and practiced with everything we had every day. I hope we finish the show looking good — and above all, safely.” Jungkook “I’m excited and nervous. I’m thrilled, but I also have worries, so I ended up preparing even more. I’ll make it a stage I won’t regret and create a time we can enjoy together.” What are the key points to watch in the Gwanghwamun Square show? RM “To make the most of the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, we built the set in an ‘open cube’ structure with a clear view. The point is that Gwanghwamun and the stage don’t block each other, so they can be captured in a single frame.” Jin “The cube structure is the core device of the stage. We all thought hard about the stage setup, and the cube became the solution. It will be used in many ways in the production, so I hope you look forward to it.” Suga “We prepared the stage with the mindset that we always have to show something new. This time, in particular, working with an overseas production team helped us bring the highlights to life in a different way.” j-hope “When you see the stage setup, it will feel like Gwanghwamun is inside a picture frame. The scene of BTS performances filling that frame itself will feel symbolic.” Jimin “Since the album title is ‘Arirang,’ it would be amazing if we could create a moment where we sing ‘Arirang’ together at Gwanghwamun. Please look forward to the moment when the space and the music come together.” V “The cube that clearly captures Gwanghwamun as the backdrop is the biggest point to watch. Being able to perform in that space feels like an honor and something special.” Jungkook “The stage is divided into three zones, and we prepared many parts of the song lineup in a new way. If you follow the overall flow, I think the show will feel even more fun.” BTS said it has built a new set list to match fans’ long wait. The production team also includes veterans of global stages. Executive director Hamish Hamilton has directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics and the Super Bowl halftime show, and has staged concerts for pop stars including Madonna and Beyonce. Producer Guy Carrington has worked on the direction and production of the Emmy Awards. The album “Arirang” reflects the group’s identity and emotions the members say are widely shared. HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk served as executive producer. Titled after Korea’s best-known folk song, the release expresses BTS’ roots and the feelings the seven members have in 2026 through music. BTS has also been strong on album and streaming charts. Its fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” sold 3.98 million copies on its first day, going straight to No. 1 on the Hanteo daily chart. The figure surpassed the group’s previous best first-week sales record of 3.37 million in a single day. The title track “Swim” topped Melon’s “Top 100” and the real-time chart on Bugs immediately after release. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 16:15:22
  • BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Sells 3.98 Million Copies on Day 1 Ahead of Gwanghwamun Comeback Show
    BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Sells 3.98 Million Copies on Day 1 Ahead of Gwanghwamun Comeback Show BTS is back, and the group’s first-day numbers underscored the scale of the return after a 3-year, 9-month wait. According to Hanteo Chart on Friday, BTS’ fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” released at 1 p.m. Thursday, sold 3.98 million copies on its first day to top the daily chart. The figure surpassed the previous record first-week opening tally set by the group’s 2020 album “MAP OF THE SOUL : 7,” which sold 3.37 million copies, in just one day. The new album reached million-seller status within 10 minutes of release and went to No. 1 on iTunes’ Top Albums chart in 88 countries and regions. The title track, “SWIM,” also led iTunes’ Top Songs chart in 90 countries and regions, including the United States and Japan, as of 9 a.m. Friday. In South Korea, it topped Melon’s Top 100, while B-side “Body to Body” ranked No. 2. Kim Hyeon-jeong, a vice president at BigHit Music, said the album was built from the members’ roots and was produced to help global fans follow the message. “We used Korean and English in alternation so fans around the world can understand the message and enjoy it across generations,” she said, calling it the result of intense deliberation over what the members and Bang Si-hyuk, the company’s chairman, wanted to convey. The choice of Gwanghwamun as the concert venue was also tied to the group’s identity, said Yoo Dong-ju, HYBE’s APAC representative. He said Bang’s view was that if BTS, which began in South Korea and became global superstars, returned, “the starting point must be South Korea’s most symbolic space.” He said the aim is to share a rare cultural experience in an iconic Korean setting where people of all nationalities and generations raise a toast together. The buildup is set to peak Friday night with “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” scheduled for 8 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square. The roughly hourlong show is expected to feature large-scale staging using a route from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gwanghwamun, often referred to as the “King’s Road.” With large crowds anticipated, the members urged fans to prioritize safety. Leader RM asked attendees to “please follow the guidance of on-site staff and safety personnel” and said he hoped for orderly conduct. Jin said it was an honor to greet fans again in a meaningful place and repeatedly emphasized safety. Police expect as many as 260,000 people to gather from the stage area to Sungnyemun. That would be the largest crowd since the 2002 World Cup street cheering, when about 250,000 people assembled. The Seoul city government said that as of 3 p.m., about 23,000 people had already gathered near Gwanghwamun and Deoksugung Palace, up about 23.8% from three hours earlier. Officials said the atmosphere remained festive under organized safety management. The event will be livestreamed via Netflix to more than 190 countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 15:51:19