BTS Kicks Off World Tour Amidst Rain and Adoration in South Korea
Tens of thousands of passionate fans braved rainy weather in Goyang, South Korea, on Thursday to witness the kickoff of BTS's world tour. This electrifying event comes on the heels of their recent chart-topping album and an iconic performance in the heart of Seoul.
The celebrated seven-member group, often hailed as the world’s top boy band, reunited on stage last month after a multi-year hiatus enforced by mandatory military service, coinciding with the release of their latest studio album, titled “ARIRANG”.
Thursday’s breathtaking concert, held just 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Seoul, marks the inception of a tour that will feature an impressive 85 performances across 34 different cities globally.
“So many moments were special… it’s hard to articulate,” shared Janine, a fan from Britain, amidst the jubilation experienced in their hometown of RM.
Abbas Manahil, a 27-year-old physical therapist visiting from Pakistan, expressed initial concerns about the rain affecting the performance, but remarked on how well the group managed the conditions. “It was my first time seeing them so close,” she recalled, highlighting her emotional reaction during the show. “That moment truly made my day.”
Prior to the concert, fans descended upon Goyang, where notable landmarks were illuminated in purple—a hue symbolizing BTS’s devoted global fanbase, known as ARMY. Attendees, many donning purple attire themselves, showcased the band's international allure, with conversations in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese resonating outside the venue.
Evelyn Soto Villarreal, a 27-year-old Mexican fan living in Busan, shared her challenges in securing a ticket, stating, “It was the hardest ticket I’ve ever obtained. Even with fast Internet, I found myself 80,000th in line.”
Despite the inclement weather, numerous fans remained outside the stadium to catch glimpses of the performance and listen to the muffled melodies.
This tour is anticipated to substantially benefit BTS financially, with experts suggesting that it could surpass the success of Taylor Swift’s recent Eras Tour. This follows last month’s extraordinary performance at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where over 100,000 fans gathered in central Seoul, according to the group’s label.
BTS plans to tour cities such as Tokyo, Manila, Toronto, and Buenos Aires, making this the highest number of shows ever undertaken by any South Korean artist in a single tour, as per their management.
“Performing together again felt so natural, and being in a shared space with all of you made it feel like home,” Jin shared with fans on the platform Weverse after the performance. Videos circulated online captured the stadium illuminated in a sea of purple light, with fans waving lightsticks in unison while singing along to “Swim”, the lead single from their new album.
Footage also depicted the band, drenched from the rain, addressing their fans. “We were anxious about the rain… but what truly mattered was seeing you,” Jimin expressed earnestly.
The album “ARIRANG”, also the name of their tour, is highlighted as a representation of the evolving boy band’s Korean heritage. The title draws inspiration from a traditional folk song that symbolizes longing and separation, often regarded as South Korea’s unofficial national anthem.
Recently, this album enabled BTS to become the first K-pop group to dominate the US Billboard 200 for two consecutive weeks, with tracks also claiming notable positions on various Spotify charts.
While many K-pop boy bands experience downturns in their career following military service, BTS seems to be defying this trend according to Sam Richards, an American sociologist at Pennsylvania State University. He remarked, “This holds immense significance for the future of K-culture and Korea, as it indicates that extraordinary growth in soft power will persist.”
The band's community on Weverse boasts over 34 million members, while their Instagram following exceeds 80 million, illustrating their vast global influence.