SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - Global K-pop powerhouse BTS is taking an unconventional, fan-first approach to its long-awaited comeback, blending free outdoor performances, livestreaming, and cinema screenings to reach audiences worldwide.
Livestreaming to living rooms and screening concerts on silver screens — both free and paid — mark a departure from traditional commercial touring models, as the group reconnects with fans who have waited nearly four years for a full reunion.
Alongside the free outdoor show at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, which will also stream on Netflix, BTS will bring its sold-out stadium tour to movie theaters at affordable prices.
Concerts scheduled for April 11 in Goyang, South Korea, and April 18 in Tokyo, Japan, will be broadcast live in more than 3,500 theaters across 75 countries. In some regions, screenings will be delayed because of time zone differences.
Live cinema viewing allows fans to gather for real-time broadcasts of concerts and major events. In South Korea, screenings will be available at the country’s three major multiplex chains — CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox — with tickets going on sale at 10 a.m. on March 25.
Largest world tour to date
BTS is set to launch its biggest-ever world tour, spanning 82 shows in 34 cities beginning in Goyang.
The group will become the first Korean act to hold standalone concerts at several major stadiums, including Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Stanford Stadium, Gillette Stadium, M&T Bank Stadium, AT&T Stadium, King Baudouin Stadium, and Allianz Arena.
The group is also expected to set a single-show attendance record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
BTS will release its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” on March 20. From the album’s release through April 12, an immersive citywide project titled “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL” will unfold across Seoul, featuring media installations, pop-up experiences and interactive events.
Available sections include standing areas on the far right facing the main stage and reserved seating extending toward the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin Statue.
Purchases are limited to one ticket per person. Some sections may have partially obstructed views because of stage structures and safety installations, with large on-site screens provided.
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jeong-bo said authorities will intensify monitoring of potential crimes linked to the event, including proxy ticket purchases, resale at inflated prices, cyberattacks targeting ticketing platforms, and accommodation-related fraud near the venue.
With outdoor stages, global cinema broadcasts and a record-setting stadium tour, BTS’s “ARIRANG” era is shaping up as one of the most expansive and accessible comeback projects in K-pop history.
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