Journalist
Han Jun-gu
jungu141298@ajupress.com
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BTS Live: Proud to be an ARMY SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - March 21, the day of the BTS comeback performance. Gwanghwamun Square was already filled with people. While several hours remained until the start of the performance, fans turned the wait into a festival. They took photos in front of the stage under construction and posed before the phrase "BTS IS BACK" engraved on the steps of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Some took photos of the members appearing on electronic billboards. Even among strangers, people smiled when their eyes met. Walking through the square, people were revealing they were ARMY in their own ways. Not everyone wore purple. There were tourists in black coats and others in jeans and white T-shirts. Some simply watched the stage from a distance. But those truly enjoying the moment were different. Some held light sticks. Though not yet lit, their presence was enough. Some wore purple jackets, while others wrapped purple fur mufflers around their necks. Purple shoes, purple hats, purple scarves. Even if they did not wear the color, some used purple as an accent through nail polish, hairpins, or phone cases. And above all, their expressions were different. The faces of those taking selfies were full of excitement. Those posing in front of the "BTS IS BACK" sign were smiling. The gaze of a fan taking a photo of Jungkook on a billboard was serious. One fan even showed a tattoo on their arm that read "ARMY" in Korean. Light sticks, purple clothing, and expressions. These three elements filled Gwanghwamun Square. "Borahae (Be Purple)"—a word BTS gave to their fans. Purple is the last color of the rainbow and carries the meaning of staying together for a long time. That promise became light sticks, clothing, and smiles in Gwanghwamun today, filling the streets. Among the people filling the square, it was not difficult to distinguish who was a fan and who was a spectator. Hands holding light sticks, bodies dressed in purple, and above all, brightly smiling faces were the answer. Hours remained until the start of the performance. But for them, the festival had already begun. 2026-03-21 18:01:58 -
BTS Live Update: AJP joins purple, BTS members share mix of nerve and excitement SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -AJP and its sister publication Aju Business Daily joined the wave of anticipation in Gwanghwamun, distributing special BTS editions in Korean, English and Chinese to fans gathering ahead of the evening concert. More than 20,000 copies were handed out, quickly drawing crowds as fans flocked to pick up the editions featuring the latest group photo on the front page. “I love the photo. It’s something I don’t have,” one fan said, asking to take multiple copies. Others followed, collecting extras to share with friends. “I love that it’s a different kind of purple,” another fan said. Members share a mix of excitement and anxiety BTS members shared a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of their first full-group return in nearly four years, while urging fans to prioritize safety amid the unprecedented scale of the event. “Finally, it’s today, ARMY. I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited,” Jimin wrote on Weverse on Friday, adding that he felt both excited and anxious as thousands prepared to attend. “If you feel unwell during the show, please let nearby staff know. Let’s move a little slower, look out for each other, and make sure no one gets hurt. Safety was front of mind for the group. RM urged fans to follow staff and security instructions to ensure an orderly and safe concert environment. ARMY fans complied, adjusting with good humor to multiple layers of security. To enter the plaza, attendees had to pass through 31 gated checkpoints installed along perimeter fences. Each gate was equipped with walk-through metal detectors to screen for hazardous items, while police conducted physical and bag inspections on site. Most of the officers deployed were women, reflecting the predominantly female composition of the ARMY fan base. The tight controls, however, created bottlenecks. Some fans who arrived at dawn were seen circling the area, unable to secure a spot inside the venue. 2026-03-21 12:26:37 -
BTS Live D-2: Fans flock to Gwanghwamun ahead of BTS performance SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - With just two days remaining until BTS's March 21 comeback performance at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul, numerous visitors are already gathering at the venue on Thursday. While workers are busy installing the stage, seating, and lighting at the iconic Seoul square, visitors are already taking photos and observing the construction site. Gwanghwamun Plaza is currently filled with tourists, with temporary walkways installed for safety control, allowing movement only along designated paths. Some fans brought light sticks and took photos in front of the stage that is being set up, enjoying the atmosphere before the global fan-festival kicks off. 2026-03-19 17:42:18 -
BTS Live D-3 - Public toilets and other tips on the concert day SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - Seoul City announced viewing guidelines for the BTS 2026 comeback show. On March 9, Seoul City conveyed viewing information for the 'BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG' performance scheduled for 8 p.m. on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Plaza through official social media. Seoul City stated, "Approximately 2,000 open-type and portable restrooms will be operated for visitor convenience," adding, "Overnight waiting and lining up on sidewalks are restricted to prevent safety accidents and pedestrian congestion." The city continued, "Subway stations near the venue (Gwanghwamun Station, City Hall Station, Gyeongbokgung Station) will operate as non-stop pass-throughs with station entrances closed. Nearby stations such as Euljiro 1-ga Station may also operate as non-stop pass-throughs if necessary depending on congestion," and "Some bus routes will operate temporary detours on the performance day, and public bicycle rental and return will be temporarily suspended." Additionally, starting March 20, the day before the BTS comeback performance, lockers at 17 subway stations in Seoul will be closed in preparation for potential terrorism threats. During the suspension period, all use including new rentals and item retrieval will be restricted. 2026-03-18 16:53:41 -
Light drizzles wash away fine dust SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - Scattered showers fell over Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas on Wednesday. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), about 5–10 millimeters of rain fell in the morning and tapered off in the afternoon, helping wash away fine dust that had lingered earlier in the week. Morning temperatures in Seoul hovered around 7.1 degrees Celsius, above the seasonal average, but the wet weather kept them from rising further. Clear skies will return on Thursday, though the cold is expected to linger. The full arrival of spring looks delayed, with temperature fluctuations continuing for the time being, reflecting typically fickle and unpredictable spring weather. 2026-03-18 13:56:41 -
Exhibition in Daejeon to showcase over 300 works by Andy Warhol SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - A special exhibition featuring American pop artist Andy Warhol's works is set to open to the general public in Daejeon on Wednesday. The months-long exhibition, "Andy Warhol: Selling Art," runs until June 21 at the Daejeon Museum of Art, featuring about 300 works including several pieces being unveiled for the first time in the world. The collection was made available by art historian and curator Paul Maréchal, who spent 30 years tirelessly gathering Warhol's artworks, ranging from early illustrations and paintings to album covers and more. 2026-03-17 16:53:32 -
BTS Live D-4 : BTS comeback turns Seoul into citywide festival SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - Seoul is transforming into a festive atmosphere for the BTS comeback. Various commemorative events including a drone show at Ttukseom Hangang Park, media facades, and music light shows will take place. BTS announced detailed programs for 'BTS THE CITY: ARIRANG SEOUL' (hereafter THE CITY SEOUL) through Weverse on March 16. THE CITY SEOUL is a citywide project that will unfold across the city from March 20 to April 19. On March 20, when BTS's fifth full-length album ARIRANG is released, media facades will begin at 7 p.m. at Sungnyemun Gate and N Seoul Tower. A drone light show will take place at Ttukseom Hangang Park for approximately 15 minutes starting at 8:30 p.m. A music light show will be held at Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on March 21-22. 2026-03-17 16:27:57 -
Over 200 South Koreans return home on military aircraft from Middle East SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - Some 204 South Korean nationals residing in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries returned home on a military transport aircraft on Sunday. Amid the prolonged Middle East conflict, which began with U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran late last month, the South Korean government launched an evacuation mission, dubbed "Operation Desert Shine," to ensure the safe return of its nationals. A multipurpose transport aircraft flew to Saudi Arabia to evacuate citizens from the region, 142 from Saudi Arabia, 24 from Bahrain, 14 from Kuwait, and 28 from Lebanon. The plane took off from Riyadh, the Saudi capital, the previous day carrying a total of 211 people, including 204 South Korean nationals, five of their foreign family members, and two Japanese nationals. They arrived at a military air base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, around 6 p.m. 2026-03-16 18:01:22 -
Rice, beans, eggs among items under price control watch SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) -Rice, beans and eggs are among 13 fresh food and grocery items authorities will keep a close eye on amid signs of price increases linked to a prolonged cold spell. In total, 23 items were selected during a government meeting on consumer prices. Of these, 13 items — including rice, beans, garlic, imported fruits, eggs, pork, frozen meat, flour, starch sugar, cooking oil, mackerel, dried seaweed and processed foods — were classified as essential consumer food items. Officials said rice and beans will receive particular attention, with the government ready to release stockpiles to stabilize supply and prices if needed. Authorities will also monitor market conditions and sales when the reserves are supplied. 2026-03-16 17:48:56 -
Shopping arcade in Seoul finds new life as elderly hangout SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - A shopping arcade in central Seoul has found an unlikely second life as a favorite hangout for elderly people with little money. On the first floor of Nakwon Arcade in Jongno, a boisterous crowd of seniors fills the tables daily, some seated, others standing nearby, their laughter and chatter echoing all the way to the entrance. This is where the neighborhood’s best janggi (or Korean chess) players gather to compete. With recreational activities banned in nearby Tapgol Park, once a popular gathering spot for the elderly, the arcade has emerged as a new alternative, giving seniors a place to relax and enjoy their favorite pastimes. The faces of those seated said it all - anger, joy, the tension of their matches. Seventeen janggi tables now fill the space, but it was not always that way. The room originally housed twelve janggi tables and five for baduk, but baduk players had their own gathering spot nearby and rarely showed up. Eventually, all seventeen became janggi tables. The aisles between tables are unusually wide, enough to fit another table. The reason is simple: their matches attract kibitzers who like to offer advice and tips. The extra space lets people move freely even when spectators line the sides. At peak times around sixty people fill the room. No food or smoking is allowed. When someone steps out for a cigarette or a coffee, another player naturally takes their seat. No fees. No restrictions. Visitors come from as far as other provinces. They play against new opponents, test their skills, and find worthy rivals. Unofficial rules sometimes emerge suddenly among them. 2026-03-12 10:23:16