Foreign Media Cover BTS Comeback Concert Live, Call Group a K-Pop Powerhouse As BTS’ comeback concert began at 8 p.m. on the 21st, international media outlets delivered real-time coverage to audiences worldwide. The New York Times created a separate online live page to report on the “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang” concert held at Gwanghwamun in Seoul, providing continuous updates from the event. The newspaper also detailed the atmosphere among fans in the Gwanghwamun area, safety measures put in place, and reactions from nearby businesses. AFP, in a breaking news alert, described the event as the start of a “massive comeback concert” by “K-pop powerhouse BTS,” reporting that the South Korean megastar group took the stage for the first time in about four years and thrilled large crowds in Seoul. Foreign outlets also focused on reactions from ARMY, BTS’ global fan base. The New York Times cited interviews with fans of various nationalities, including a woman who traveled from Brazil, while emphasizing the group’s global reach. In addition, reports noted that BTS members fulfilled mandatory military service, described what security steps the Seoul city government took for the concert, and highlighted the historical backdrop of Gwanghwamun, the venue for the performance. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 21:09:15

BTS Live: Special forces, police, firefighters in action SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Large numbers of police and fire personnel have been deployed across central Seoul ahead of a performance by BTS, with security and safety measures stepped up in the Gwanghwamun area. Police have positioned riot units and traffic officers around Gwanghwamun Square, implementing vehicle restrictions and managing pedestrian flow in parts of the area. Special police units have also been deployed on site to prepare for any emergencies. Fire authorities have stationed fire trucks and emergency medical teams nearby, maintaining a rapid response posture. On the day of the event, roads in the Gwanghwamun area are under traffic control, while boarding and alighting are restricted at nearby subway stations including City Hall, Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun, with some trains passing through without stopping. Notices informing the public of traffic controls and viewing guidelines have been posted throughout the area, with citizens and tourists advised to use public transportation and take alternative routes. 2026-03-21 20:39:18

[[UPDATE]] BTS Live: K-pop legend reclaims global spotlight SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -The silence that has defined the cultural landscape of Seoul for nearly four years vanished in a single, percussive instant as BTS initiated its Arirang comeback performance in the heart of Seoul on Saturday night. At least 50,000 people have occupied Gwanghwamun Square, according to Seoul's real-time crowd management system, creating a dense sea of violet light that stretches from the Sejong Center for Performing Arts to the gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace. This sudden mass assembly triggered the city's highest tier of traffic and safety monitoring, effectively paralyzing the heart of the capital to accommodate the group's first full ensemble appearance since the conclusion of its collective military service. The opening sequence signaled an immediate, aggressive departure from the group's previous polished aesthetics. By launching into "Body to Body," "Hooligan," and "2.0"—all tracks from the new fifth studio album—the seven-member group asserted a raw, industrial identity that suggests a radical creative recalibration during their years away from the public eye. This performance is not merely a musical return but a high-stakes restoration of the primary engine of South Korean soft power, transitioning the ensemble from a period of national conscription back to its position as a global phenomenon. The setlist for the evening reflects a meticulous balance between institutional legacy and future ambition. While the inclusion of "Butter" and "MIC Drop" provides a bridge to the group's past dominance, the narrative core of the performance remains centered on the debut of the title track, "SWIM." The logistics of the event are managed by thousands of police officers and city personnel who have cordoned off the Sejong-daero corridor to maintain order within the historic district. 2026-03-21 20:08:42

BTS Live: Packed, pushed, imperfect, yet orderly for BTS moment SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -Two hours before BTS’s comeback concert, hundreds of fans without tickets for the free reserved seats had already formed tightly packed lines, hoping they would lead as close to the stage as possible beyond the police fence. The official seating at Gwanghwamun Plaza totaled 22,000, divided into Zone A for standing, Zone B for reserved seating and Zone C for additional seats. The rest were left to watch from around the plaza. Of those, 15,000 seats vanished almost instantly when online booking opened on Feb. 23, followed a week later by another 7,000 standing tickets. Police estimated that as many as 260,000 people could gather from the stage area to Sungnyemun, making it the largest crowd in central Seoul since the 2002 World Cup street cheering, when 200,000 to 250,000 people filled the area. Officers repeatedly urged pedestrians to keep moving whenever foot traffic slowed. “You cannot stand here. Please move,” they said in Korean, while foreign visitors were met with a constant refrain of “Move, move!” Access to Gwanghwamun Plaza was restricted to 31 gates equipped with metal detectors to block hazardous items, with police special forces also deployed inside. As crowds swelled, some gates were temporarily closed. When frustrated citizens protested, officers redirected them, warning that certain entry points were already overcrowded. Fans who failed to secure tickets adopted their own strategies to claim the best possible viewing spots. Some brought newspapers to sit on, others folding fishing stools. Even benches became contested territory. One concertgoer let out a sigh after losing a hard-won seat during a brief trip to the restroom. In front of the Kyobo Life building, some spectators sat on the pavement and stretched out their legs, prompting police to ask them to move for safety reasons. Near the KT building, there was not even room to sit, leaving fans standing for hours. The lines stretched endlessly, and many were not even sure where they were heading. After nearly an hour, the flow of people spilled into City Hall Plaza — a walk that would normally take 15 minutes. Hundreds, who thought they were heading toward Gwanghwamun, settled instead in front of giant outdoor screens. Those inside the perimeter faced their own constraints. Entry required arrival by 5 p.m., three hours before the concert, and all food except a bottle of water was confiscated. Those in standing zones hesitated to leave even for the restroom, fearing they would lose their hard-earned spots. An AJP reporter inside also reported intermittent internet outages as networks became overloaded. Still, for many, the experience was worth it. Paula, 27, from Chile, who had attended BTS’s last concert before the members began their military service, said the decision was simple. “I could watch it on Netflix, but I wanted to hear their voices in person.” Nearby cafés were already filled with fans waiting with BTS content playing on their screens. She and a Spanish friend she had met just 15 minutes earlier were simply hoping to catch even a partial view. “I just want to be part of this historic moment in a historic place,” she said. Drifting farther away from the venue with each police-guided step, Lil Reinhart, 21, from Germany, found herself pushed toward the outer edges of the crowd. Yet she had come anyway. “At least you can hear their real voice,” she said, her breath visible in the cold after six hours of waiting on the street. It was her first time traveling abroad alone. She booked her flight two months earlier, paying around 800 euros — well above the usual 500 — for what she called a “once-in-a-lifetime event.” “This kind of comeback won’t happen again,” she said. “Not with this many people, live in front of you.” Her determination was shaped by disappointment. She had failed to secure tickets for BTS’s Germany tour, an experience she described as “strong disappointment.” This time, she was not willing to miss it entirely. “I really wanted to see them at least once in my life.” Even as access to the venue became effectively impossible and the crowd was steadily pushed farther away, she stayed. The plan, if there was one, was simple: wait and hope. “Somewhere,” she said, “where I can at least hear their voices.” “I think as soon as I see them,” she said, “I’ll just be like — oh my gosh.” 2026-03-21 19:32:06

BTS Live: Global fans throng merchandise booths as BTS prepares return SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Fans from across the globe gathered at official BTS merchandise booths in central Seoul on Saturday, marking a festive prelude to the first major performance by the group following a prolonged hiatus. The process for purchasing items, including a new lightstick for the seven-member group, was governed by a strict reservation system to manage crowds and prevent unauthorized resale. Lana Ro, 25, from Russia, bought two lightsticks—one for herself and one for her friend. Having followed the group for three years, she focused on the specific design of the items. "I bought a special edition of the lightstick just now," she said. She also selected apparel in various colors. "These are T-shirts in different colors. I bought one white and one red," she said. The scene near the stalls remained orderly as fans of different ages and nationalities waited to buy exclusive merchandise ranging from apparel to limited-edition collectibles. While there were no long lines due to the reservation system, the area remained active with fans taking photos and exchanging small gifts. Adriana, an American teaching in Seoul for six months, was among those who secured a large volume of products. She moved through the area holding a full load of items in both hands, representing the diverse demographic that has traveled to the capital for the event. The atmosphere remained focused on the shared experience of the fandom and the tactile connection to the group through these products. Ami Ostrovskaia, 23, from Russia, has been a fan of the group for six years. On Saturday, she limited her purchase at the booth to a single item. "I only bought a lightstick today. We will go to the pop-up store in Shinsegae Department Store," she said. For Ostrovskaia, who was interested in a wider range of apparel, the cost of the clothing kept her from a shopping spree. Each T-shirt at the booth is priced at 59,000 won. Ostrovskaia expressed a particular interest in the designs featuring the members, but had to hold back due to her budget. "I like the T-shirt with black-and-white photos of the seven members. I want to have each one of them, but I don’t have enough money," she said. Despite the financial considerations, she described her connection to the group as a personal support system. Showing a tattoo related to her fandom, she explained the role the members have played in her life. "I think it’s because they’re always saving me when I go through really rough times. They’re always there to help me, to listen to me," she said. The booths are scheduled to remain open throughout the evening as the city prepares for the start of the performance. 2026-03-21 19:31:39

More Than 30,000 Gather Near Gwanghwamun Ahead of BTS Comeback Show Standing-room entry began at 5 p.m. Saturday ahead of BTS’ comeback concert scheduled for 8 p.m. Fans known as ARMY streamed in from around the world, and some foreign fans were seen wearing hanbok. The Seoul city government said more than 30,000 people had gathered near Gwanghwamun as of 6 p.m. It rated crowding as “slightly busy,” adding that the number was rising quickly as entry to the area began. Entry is set to close at 7 p.m. Organizers prepared 22,000 official seats for the show, with additional standing areas and reserved seating nearby. Others can watch from around the plaza. Police estimated the crowd could reach up to 260,000 around the stage, though some projections said the turnout as of 6 p.m. could fall short of that figure. Yonhap News reported that people who failed to get tickets were competing for “best spots” around the plaza. In front of the KT building, where there is no place to sit, fans have been standing for hours while waiting for the concert to start. Authorities set up near-complete barriers in the area as an anti-terror measure. Barricades and police buses formed a perimeter to block vehicle-ramming attempts, and access routes to the stage were sealed off with multiple layers of fencing. In some standing zones, reports said bringing in newspapers, including a special BTS edition, was banned, prompting complaints. Officials cited the risk of flammable material. To prevent accidents — including blocking detours, rooftop viewing and falls — access to 31 nearby buildings was restricted. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History closed temporarily, and the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts canceled its events for the day. 2026-03-21 19:09:19

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

SPECIAL OPINION: Song crosses century as BTS stands at Gwanghwamun SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Songs rarely defy the gravity of time. Even those that define an era typically fade as the industry of music demands rapid production and immediate consumption. Most melodies remain trapped within their own chronology, yet Arirang stands as the definitive exception. It is not the work of a single composer or a finished product born at a specific moment; it is a collective creation, an accumulation of voices across a century of records and even longer oral traditions. Its essence lies not in its origin but in its layered history, functioning less like a song and more like a vessel for a society’s shared memory of parting, migration, and eventual recovery. To hear Arirang is to experience the passage of accumulated time rather than the consumption of a melody. Today, this anthem stands at Gwanghwamun in the heart of Seoul, performed by BTS. This encounter between a group at the center of global pop and the oldest emotional bedrock of the Korean people is more than a simple fusion of the traditional and the modern. It marks a fundamental transition. Seoul currently stands at the threshold of evolving from the industrial success of K-pop into the permanent realm of K-heritage. While K-pop is a triumph of modern systems—planning, production, and fandom—it remains within the boundaries of a market. Arirang, conversely, belongs to the dimension of time, having survived through history rather than commerce. Their intersection at Gwanghwamun signals a shift from a competition based on individual content to one rooted in the depth of a cultural structure. The success of Seoul on the global stage has largely relied on isolated hits in music, drama, and film. These achievements, while significant, often lacked a reinforced structure that could sustain influence beyond a single release. The focus must now shift toward transforming content success into a durable cultural ecosystem. Arirang is critical to this mission because of its inherent scalability; it exists without a fixed genre, allowing it to be reimagined as performance, film, or digital narrative. Historically, it has adapted to different regions and eras, proving that its flexibility is its greatest asset in a globalized age. Unlike fixed content that is consumed and discarded, an open structure like Arirang can expand indefinitely. In the past, Arirang was often utilized as a one-time centerpiece for international events, appearing as a fleeting scene before disappearing. This approach must change from mere utilization to structuralization. True structuralization requires creating a state where culture is continuously reproduced and interconnected. This demands a broader range of interpretation, ensuring the song is not treated as a static relic but as a narrative of hope and recovery that can be translated across different genres and cultures. When music, tourism, and education flow together as a single stream, tradition ceases to be a ghost of the past and becomes a medium for the future. The most vital shift required is one of perception. Tradition must be viewed as an active force rather than a subject for preservation alone. Arirang has always been a functioning culture, sung in the streets and altered by the circumstances of the people. This inherent fluidity is precisely what makes it relevant today. In this context, the role of BTS becomes clear: they are not mere consumers of tradition but translators who interpret Korean sentiment into a language the world understands. Their presence at Gwanghwamun is a cultural signal that the depth of a nation's narrative is becoming as important as the content itself. One performance cannot create lasting change, but it can establish a direction. As the world begins to look past the hit single to the context and history behind it, the path for Seoul is to move beyond the cycle of temporary success and toward the status of a nation with a deep, accumulated cultural structure. 2026-03-21 17:11:35

BTS Live: How purple are you? Inside every ARMY's story SEOUL, March 21 (AJP)-Many had crossed the Pacific and the Atlantic. On the day of the concert, they arrived dressed for the scene — in purple. Scarves, dresses, glow sticks and dyed hair turned central Seoul into a moving spectrum of the group’s signature color, as fans circled the barricaded perimeter of Gwanghwamun Square ahead of BTS’s comeback concert. From the open-air stage, rehearsal tracks from the new album carried across the plaza — loud, metallic and unmistakable. Each burst of sound sent phones upward and briefly stilled the crowd. For many, that was enough. They had already come too far not to feel it. Distance and money, at that point, had ceased to matter. Jessie, 35, who works in the film industry in Mexico, had been in South Korea for a week before the show. She traveled to Busan, visited Bukchon Hanok Village and Namsan Tower, and spent days shopping in Myeong-dong. “I’ve already done a lot,” she said. “Now I’m just enjoying cafés, food, taking it slow.” The concert was the anchor of the trip, but not its entirety. For others, the scale of the experience was still settling in. For the Vibe - and Simply to be There Agnieszka, 26, and Paula, 23, flew in from Poland, adding stops in Jeju and Seoul in the days leading up to the event. “Myeong-dong was very overwhelming,” Agnieszka said. They had watched the drone show the night before and planned to stay several more days, venturing beyond the capital to Nami Island and Sokcho. A visit to Gyeongbokgung in hanbok was also on their list. “Korea is all about giving instructions,” she said, pointing to the dense signage across streets and stations. “There’s always something telling you what to do.” She paused, then added with a laugh: “And the roads are dangerous.” Anh Nguyen, 22 and a fan since 2015, flew in from Germany, spending about 5,000 euros ($5,400) on the trip to see their comeback. “Why go this far?” she repeated, before answering her own question. “The older songs — that’s what made me stay. They were my first K-pop boy band. New, interesting… and very humble.” She paused, searching for the right phrase. “There’s always a meaning. A story behind each album. That ‘wow effect.’” In Germany, she said, BTS has long moved beyond niche fandom. “Everyone knows BTS and Blackpink. Even my boyfriend — he doesn’t like K-pop — but he knows them,” she said. “ ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’ are the most famous.” For ARMY, the chance to connect and share the vibe of this milestone comeback is priceless. Australian fans Kim Suda, 42, and Emily Monro, 27, were brought together far from Down Under by a shared fandom. “We literally just met,” one of them said. “There’s a BTS fan page for Australians, and now we’re just hanging out.” Neither had secured tickets for the day, but that hardly seemed to matter. They had already come prepared — light sticks packed before departure — and were now roaming the area, searching for the best vantage point ahead of the 8 p.m. show. Every fan seemed to carry a history with BTS — one that explained how they had come this far, and why simply being close to the moment was enough. “I tried my best to get a ticket, but I failed,” said Christina, 30, who flew 14 hours from Germany. “Still, it’s about being at the scene — vibing with ARMY.” For others, the connection ran deeper, shaped over years. “It reminds me of my teenage years,” said Iman Lee, 23, who traveled 17 hours from Morocco. “I used to watch them with my friends — those are really special memories.” “They gave me strength during a difficult time,” said Alise Tarbuna, who has followed BTS since returning to K-pop in 2016. And for many, the draw extended beyond music into something broader. “Through BTS, I learned about Korea — the people, the culture,” said Dilara Dogan, 25, from Germany. “I’m really thankful.” . Pilgrims from home For Kim Eun-ji, 39, from Cheongju, South Korea, getting inside had been uncertain until the last moment. “I couldn’t get a ticket at first,” she said. “Then I managed to buy a canceled one. When it worked, I couldn’t even scream.” Even on the day of the show, the reality had not fully registered. “It still doesn’t feel real,” she said. “I buy every album,” she added, showing off her 130,000 ($86) won worth purchase on Friday alone. The concert had yet to begin. But for many, the journey — measured in miles, money and time — had already reached its point. 2026-03-21 16:41:19

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