BTS 2.0’ kicks off in Gwanghwamun as septet returns in triumphant fashion

The opening track, “Body to Body” featured musicians from the National Gugak Center, blending contemporary pop with traditional music in a nod to the group’s Korean roots.

The show ended with “Mikrokosmos,” a fan-favorite, with phone lights spreading across the sprawling plaza like a sea of stars — to which RM said, “It's beautiful.”

“We’re so happy to be back,” J-Hope said near the finale. 

“Every moment like this is thanks to you,” he stressed, declaring, “BTS 2.0 is just getting started.”

The group’s fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” has been dominating charts since its release, with the lead track, “Swim,” topping iTunes Top Songs chart in 90 countries, as well as domestic platforms Melon and Bugs. The album sold 3.98 million copies on the first day of its release, according to data compiled by Hanteo Chart.

Following the Gwanghwamun performance, BTS will embark on what is expected to be K-pop’s largest world tour yet, with at least 82 shows across 34 stops, starting with three shows at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi on April 9, 11 and 12.

BY LEE JI-MIN [lee.jimin2@joongang.co.kr]