(ATTN: UPDATES with comments from BTS members in paras 6-8; ADDS photo)
By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) — K-pop supergroup BTS will begin the Busan leg of its “Arirang” world tour Friday, returning to the southern South Korean port city, alongside its global fan base, known as ARMY.
The group will perform at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on Friday and Saturday, with the shows expected to draw a combined audience of around 110,000. Tickets for both shows have sold out.
The K-pop septet kicked off the tour in April at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, where it had three shows before heading overseas. The group has since performed in cities, including Tokyo, Tampa, El Paso, Mexico City, Stanford and Las Vegas, attracting roughly 840,000 fans across 15 shows during the first leg of its North American tour alone.
K-pop boy group BTS performs during a concert at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California, as part of its “Arirang” world tour, in this undated photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
It marks BTS’ first performance in Busan in more than three years after staging the “Yet to Come in Busan” concert in October 2022 in support of the city’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo.
The upcoming shows also carry added significance as the group reunites with fans at the venue where it last performed before entering a hiatus for its members’ mandatory military service.
Team leader RM said in a written interview with BigHit that he was “very happy” to be performing again in his home country after about two months, noting that Busan holds special meaning as the site of the group’s last concert before enlistment. “I want to create an enjoyable time together with the audience,” he added.
Suga said he still vividly remembers the “cheers and heat” from the previous concert in the city, expressing excitement about returning. “I hope we can create another passionate concert together this time,” he said.
Jimin and Jungkook, both hailing from Busan, said they feel the upcoming shows in their hometown are all the more special. “I miss you and can’t wait to see you!” Jungkook added.
K-pop supergroup BTS (Yonhap)
The second night of the Busan concerts coincides with the band’s 13th debut anniversary and will be broadcast via live viewing in about 3,800 movie theaters across more than 80 countries. In South Korea, screenings will be available at major multiplex chains, including CGV, Lotte Cinema and Megabox.
Alongside the concerts, BTS will roll out a cultural project titled “BTS The City Arirang Busan” through June 21, offering fans and visitors a range of BTS-themed events across the city. The program includes a drone lighting show over the Gwangan Bridge and a lighting show on the big roof of the Busan Cinema Center.
The group’s world tour is scheduled to run through March next year, spanning 86 shows in 34 cities. After the Busan concerts, BTS will continue the tour in Madrid on June 26–27.
K-pop supergroup BTS is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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