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Global K-pop group BTS launched its highly anticipated “ARIRANG” world tour on Thursday with a rain-soaked opening concert that drew tens of thousands of fans near Seoul, marking the group’s first full-scale performance following their completion of mandatory military service.
The seven-member group 'RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook' performed together in Goyang, located approximately 16 kilometers from the South Korean capital, Seoul. The concert marked their first group appearance after a multi-year hiatus prompted by mandatory military service.
Despite heavy rain, the stadium was filled to capacity as fans gathered for the opening night of a global tour spanning 85 shows across 34 cities. Additional supporters who were unable to enter the venue remained outside, listening to the performance under difficult weather conditions.
The tour follows the release of BTS’s comeback studio album ARIRANG, which draws inspiration from the traditional Korean folk song of the same name and is presented as a reflection of the group’s evolving artistic identity.
Many attendees described the event as emotionally significant, citing the group’s return after years of separation due to military service obligations.
During the performance, members expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support and acknowledged the challenging weather while emphasizing the importance of performing together again.
Industry analysts expect the tour to become one of the highest-grossing in K-pop history, citing BTS’s sustained global popularity and strong digital engagement as key drivers.
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