BTS begins world tour with concert in South Korea after completing military service

K-pop sensation BTS reunited for their first concert in nearly four years after completing their conscription. Their return to the stage was celebrated by large crowds of applauding fans who shut down downtown Seoul on Saturday night.

Most South Korean men have to serve in the military for about two years because the Korean Peninsula technically still at war. In the past, years away from the stage have aged K-pop idols or broken up groups. But BTS has defied that pattern, and their comeback attracted fans around the world.

Sopia Kim, 71, told News themezone that she traveled three hours to attend the celebrations dressed head to toe in BTS’ signature purple.

“With all the political situations in the world, this might be the last time humanity can enjoy a festival as grand as this,” she said, adding that she is proud of how the band represents Korea on the world stage.

“You can’t help but recognize it when you see their songs and dances: they are truly exceptional,” he said.

An international return

The concert was streamed live on Netflix, allowing viewers in multiple time zones to tune in simultaneously. The show opened near Gyeongbokgung Palace, combining a historical backdrop with global broadcast.

The concert began with the ringing of a bell and drone video. After singing three songs from their album, BTS greeted their fans. Jin, who he enlisted ahead of the other membersreflected on the group’s hiatus and said he clearly remembers asking fans to wait during their final concert in Busan in October 2022.

“I had a lot of concerns before being here again, but I am grateful and happy to be able to face you once again,” he said.

About 22,000 ticket holders watched the free hour-long concert from designated areas in central Seoul, where large outdoor screens were set up. Beyond the official areas, Gwanghwamun and the surrounding streets were packed with fans. Some sat on the roadside watching the concert on their phones via Netflix, while others gathered outside shops and cafes to watch it on television screens. Security was tight and around 15,000 people were deployed, including approximately 6,700 police officers.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government had initially anticipated crowds of up to 260,000 people, implementing traffic controls since the night before and rerouting buses at more than 60 stops. However, local reports estimate that approximately 40,000 people gathered in the area.

Jen Howes, a teacher from South Africa living in Korea, told News that she was looking forward to “seeing vibes and meeting people” while cheering on the band. She said she always knew the group would get together.

“They always seem to have a good bond and seem eager to perform together again,” Howes, 37, said.

Marco Supetran and two friends traveled from the Philippines, his home country, to see the group. Supertran said he became a fan of the band in 2020, after his daughters introduced him to their music. The trio couldn’t get tickets, but they lined up in front of Seoul City Hall Square starting at 11 a.m. to watch the performance on a screen. Friends said BTS’s “wholesome” feel is part of its intergenerational appeal.

The concert marks the start of their world tour after BTS released their latest album, Arirang, on March 20. Big Hit Music, the music label run by BTS’s management agency, said the new album sold 3.98 million copies on its first day of release. The music video for the title track “SWIM” has already surpassed 40 million views online.

The U.S. leg of the tour kicks off April 25 in Tampa, Florida. The group will then travel through South America, Europe and Asia. The last performance is scheduled for March 14, 2027 in the Philippines.