BTS set for return to Busan on 13th anniversary with 'Arirang' tour
BTS returns to Busan for two sold-out "Arirang" shows, with the second concert marking the group's 13th anniversary and airing in theaters worldwide.
심선아 심선아
Published
Boy band BTS performs during its ″Arirang″ world tour in Goyang, Gyeonggi.BIGHIT MUSIC
BTS will begin the Busan leg of its "Arirang" world tour Friday as its global fan base, known as ARMY, flocks to the port city.
The band will perform at the 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 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, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Mexico City, Stanford, California; and Las Vegas, drawing roughly 840,000 fans across 15 shows during the first leg of its North American tour alone.
The weekend shows mark BTS's 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.
Schedule for BTS's North American and European legs of the ″Arirang″ world tourBIGHIT MUSIC
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.
Leader RM said in a written interview sent out by the band's label, BigHit Music, that he was "very happy" to be performing in his home country again 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.
BTS performs during its "Arirang" world tour concert held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on May 23, 24, 27 and 28.BIGHIT MUSIC
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.
The second night of the Busan concerts coincides with the band's 13th anniversary and will be broadcast via live viewing in about 3,800 movie theaters across more than 80 countries. In Korea, screenings will be available at major multiplex chains, including CGV, Lotte Cinema and Megabox.
Along with 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 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 and 27.
