Kpop supergroup BTS performed in front of tens of thousands of fans in Seoul on Saturday in their first concert in more than three years, with authorities closing the city’s historic center, although attendance was much smaller than expected.
The hour-long open-air concert at Gwanghwamun Square was the official comeback for the group that helped turn Korean pop music into a global phenomenon before going on hiatus in 2022 while its members completed mandatory military service.
They returned Friday with a new album that their record label says sold nearly 4 million copies on its first day, ahead of a global tour that kicks off next month and is billed as the biggest in Kpop history.
Although there were only 22,000 tickets for the indoor area to see Saturday’s concert live, Seoul authorities had expected as many as 260,000 people to show up outside the crowd. An entire part of the city was closed off with barricades.
Ultimately, most fans decided to stay away for the time being. According to the Yonhap News Agency, 40,000 to 42,000 people showed up based on city government estimates. Fans, who call themselves the BTS ARMY, could instead watch the concert on Netflix, where it was streamed live to 190 countries.
“It’s been a long journey, but now we’re finally here,” said BTS leader RM, who performed much of the concert from a chair after hurting his ankle during rehearsals.
“While preparing this album, we were worried that we might be forgotten, or that you might remember us,” said another member, J-Hope.
Municipal authorities in Seoul have been extremely cautious about crowds since a crush killed dozens of Halloween revelers in the Itaewon entertainment district four years ago. The Seoul government, the group’s management agency HYBE and other organizations have jointly deployed 8,200 staff and set up medical stations.
BTS’ world tour continues through 2027 and includes 34 regions and 82 shows so far, according to the tour website., opens a new tab
The comeback album ‘Arirang’ sold 3.98 million copies on its first day of release. – Reuters
