Members of South Korean phenomenon group BTS gathered on stage Saturday night for their first concert in nearly four years, electrifying a huge crowd gathered in central Seoul for a K-pop performance.
The boy band, among the most listened to in the world, took a break in 2022 while its seven members carry out their military service, compulsory in South Korea.
Their return is an event beyond the country’s borders. Millions of people in some 190 countries are expected to be watching the concert, broadcast live on Netflix. It precedes an 82-date world tour. No date is planned in Switzerland.
In Seoul, hundreds of thousands of fans, known as ARMY, began gathering in the morning in the hope of catching a glimpse of the concert.
The spectacle is already grandiose by its setting: Gwanghwamun Square near the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung, symbol of Korean resilience in the face of the collapse of dynasties and colonial domination, but also traditional scene of political demonstrations of all kinds.
The only downside at this stage: an ankle injury for the singer and leader of the group, RM. BTS’ agency announced Friday that their on-stage participation would be limited.
Record
The group began their comeback on Friday with their first album since 2020: “ARIRANG”. From the first day, it sold nearly four million copies, Big Hit Music, BTS’s label, announced on Saturday. Five million fans pre-saved it on Spotify, a record for a K-pop group.
“ARIRANG” takes its name from a folk song evoking nostalgia and separation, often considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea. The group thus asserts its identity.
Bringing together collaborations with many Western artists and producers, the album’s 14 tracks mix rap, powerful rhythms and experimentation.
Before they took the stage, fans chanted “BTS! BTS!”, while the main avenue leading to Gwanghwamun Square – the historic heart of Seoul – was packed with people as far as the eye could see.
“Hello Seoul, we’re back,” one of the group said.
Rainbow colors
Gwanghwamun Gate was lit up in rainbow colors, while a huge stage installation featuring three circular elements – symbolizing BTS’ new album – glowed under imposing lighting structures.
Formed in 2010, BTS was one of the first K-Pop groups to explode internationally, topping the US Billboard 200 with tracks like “Dynamite” and “Butter.” At the height of their fame before their hiatus, BTS was among the most streamed artists on Spotify, alongside Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber.
Nearly four years later, fans around the world are still there. The streets are decorated with banners proclaiming “Welcome BTS & ARMY” and the shelves are overflowing with merchandise bearing the group’s image.
This article was automatically published. Sources: ats / afp
