BTS Celebrates 13th Anniversary in Busan with 'Arirang' Concert

BTS celebrated their 13th anniversary in Busan, performing for approximately 110,000 fans inside the venue while the city resonated with their music outside.

The group held their concert, titled 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN BUSAN,' at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on June 12 and 13. The event was also streamed online via the global fan platform Weverse, attracting viewers from 191 countries and regions. On their debut anniversary, June 13, over 80 countries and regions participated in a 'Live Viewing' event in cinemas.

BTS greeted the audience, saying, "It has been 3 years and 8 months since we last performed in Busan for 'BTS 'Yet To Come' in Busan.' Are you ready to run?" Members Jimin and Jungkook, both from Busan, expressed their excitement, stating, "It's a dream to hold a concert in our hometown. We will present an unforgettable stage for you on our birthday."

The concert featured the debut of the Korean version of 'NORMAL' from their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG.' The members described it as a stage prepared exclusively for Busan. Another track, 'One More Night,' also had its first performance. During the stage for the new song 'Come Over,' released on June 12, the audience illuminated the venue with their phone flashes.

A segment featuring random song performances was included. On the first day, tracks like 'Paldo Gangsan' from their first mini-album 'O!RUL8,2?' and 'Ma City' from their fourth mini-album 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt.2' were performed. The rap in 'Paldo Gangsan' utilized regional dialects, while 'Ma City' had some lyrics altered to resonate with Busan, garnering a positive response.

On the second day, unit performances followed. The vocal line, consisting of Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, performed 'Dimple' from the album 'LOVE YOURSELF 承 'Her'.' The rap line, including RM, Suga, and J-Hope, shared 'Ddaeng,' a song released to commemorate the 2018 BTS FESTA. Encouraged by the audience's reaction, they also performed 'Magic Shop' from their third studio album 'LOVE YOURSELF 轉 'Tear.'

The stadium's scale was creatively utilized, with water cannons erupting during performances of 'Body to Body' and 'Butter.' The audience joined in singing the folk song 'Arirang' during 'Body to Body.' During the 'IDOL' stage, the members paraded around the stadium track with about 50 dancers.

As the concert neared its conclusion, BTS reflected on their 13th anniversary. They stated, "Celebrating our birthday in our hometown and singing with you is truly meaningful and beautiful. We have spent 13 years together. We believe we have endured this long thanks to all of you. We also want to make music with our ARMY for a long time." The audience responded with a birthday song to celebrate the anniversary. The final performance of 'Into the Sun' concluded with fireworks.

Alongside the concert, the city of Busan hosted 'BTS THE CITY ARIRANG - BUSAN,' a project featuring exhibitions, experiences, and events throughout the concert city. This project connected the concept of BTS's new album 'ARIRANG' to key locations such as Gwangalli, Busan Cinema Center, Haeundae, and The Bay 101.

On June 12 at 10 p.m., a drone show featuring 1,000 drones lit up the night sky. The drones performed to songs including 'SWIM,' 'NORMAL,' 'Hooligan,' 'Body to Body,' 'Magic Shop,' and 'Mikrokosmos,' displaying visuals such as the phrase 'HELLO ARMY,' pixel art of swimming, sailing ships, and masks from the album's key visuals.

Busan's major landmarks also participated in the festivities. Media art using lights was showcased at the Busan Cinema Center's Big Loop, while music videos were screened at the Grand Chosun and Gwangbok-ro Media Poles. The Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Busan Harbor Bridge, and Suyeonggang Human Bridge were illuminated in red, the key color of 'ARIRANG.'

A welcome center and photo zones were set up around Busan Station for visitors. Services for luggage storage, delivery, and information on major tourist attractions were provided. Haeundae Beach featured a large sand sculpture representing 'KEEP SWIMMING,' and an interactive program allowed fans to write slogans to complete the 'ARIRANG' logo. At The Bay 101 Gallery Hall and outdoor terrace, 'ARMY MADANG' offered programs for decorating T-shirts and light sticks.

Collaboration with local brands also took place. Busan's F&B brands introduced special BTS-themed menus, and tourism infrastructure for accommodation and mobility was integrated into the project. A pop-up inspired by the sea and sandy beaches was held at Shinsegae Department Store in Busan Centum City.

Meanwhile, BTS is set to begin their European tour in Madrid, Spain, on June 26-27. They will perform a total of 10 shows across five cities, including Spain, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.