BTS to Return as Full Group at Gwanghwamun Square for 'Comeback Live: ARIRANG'

BTS members, speaking through their agency BigHit Music, shared their thoughts and what to watch for ahead of “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” set for 8 p.m. on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. It will be the group’s first performance as all seven members since a Busan concert in 2022, about three years and five months ago. The members expressed anticipation and urged attention to safety.

How do you feel ahead of “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG”?

RM “While practicing for a great stage, I picked up a minor injury. I’ll adjust the performance to match my condition, but I’ll do my best within what’s possible. More than anything, I want to repay those who have waited with a good performance.”

Jin “I’m very nervous. I never imagined I’d perform at Gwanghwamun Square, and it’s really sinking in. This is all possible because so many people prepared it together. I want to say thank you to everyone.”

Suga “Preparing for a world tour while also working on the Gwanghwamun comeback show has been a blur. That makes it even more meaningful because the whole team focused in one direction. I’m really looking forward to it.”

j-hope “It’s a big event the world is watching, which is a burden, but it also makes me want to do even better. Since it’s been a while since we’ve been on stage together, I’ll keep the energy and focus to the end.”

Jimin “As much as I’m excited, I’m honestly anxious, too. Still, it’s a chance to meet fans again after a long time, so I’m even more thrilled. I’ll stay focused so that feeling comes through on stage.”

V “I’m happy. We prepared very solidly and practiced with everything we had every day. I hope we finish the show looking good — and above all, safely.”

Jungkook “I’m excited and nervous. I’m thrilled, but I also have worries, so I ended up preparing even more. I’ll make it a stage I won’t regret and create a time we can enjoy together.”
What are the key points to watch in the Gwanghwamun Square show?

RM “To make the most of the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, we built the set in an ‘open cube’ structure with a clear view. The point is that Gwanghwamun and the stage don’t block each other, so they can be captured in a single frame.”

Jin “The cube structure is the core device of the stage. We all thought hard about the stage setup, and the cube became the solution. It will be used in many ways in the production, so I hope you look forward to it.”

Suga “We prepared the stage with the mindset that we always have to show something new. This time, in particular, working with an overseas production team helped us bring the highlights to life in a different way.”

j-hope “When you see the stage setup, it will feel like Gwanghwamun is inside a picture frame. The scene of BTS performances filling that frame itself will feel symbolic.”

Jimin “Since the album title is ‘Arirang,’ it would be amazing if we could create a moment where we sing ‘Arirang’ together at Gwanghwamun. Please look forward to the moment when the space and the music come together.”

V “The cube that clearly captures Gwanghwamun as the backdrop is the biggest point to watch. Being able to perform in that space feels like an honor and something special.”

Jungkook “The stage is divided into three zones, and we prepared many parts of the song lineup in a new way. If you follow the overall flow, I think the show will feel even more fun.”

BTS said it has built a new set list to match fans’ long wait.

The production team also includes veterans of global stages. Executive director Hamish Hamilton has directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics and the Super Bowl halftime show, and has staged concerts for pop stars including Madonna and Beyonce. Producer Guy Carrington has worked on the direction and production of the Emmy Awards.

The album “Arirang” reflects the group’s identity and emotions the members say are widely shared. HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk served as executive producer. Titled after Korea’s best-known folk song, the release expresses BTS’ roots and the feelings the seven members have in 2026 through music.

BTS has also been strong on album and streaming charts. Its fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” sold 3.98 million copies on its first day, going straight to No. 1 on the Hanteo daily chart. The figure surpassed the group’s previous best first-week sales record of 3.37 million in a single day. The title track “Swim” topped Melon’s “Top 100” and the real-time chart on Bugs immediately after release.