BTS Returns to Stage in Seoul, Marking a Historic Comeback

After a nearly four-year hiatus due to mandatory military service, K-pop sensation BTS triumphantly returned to the stage with a comeback concert in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event drew tens of thousands of fans from around the globe, signaling the enduring power of the group and its dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY.

A Global Pilgrimage to Seoul

Fans traveled from as far as Mexico, Malaysia, China, France, Bolivia, and Guam to witness the return of BTS. The Zubillaga family from Veracruz, Mexico – Julio, Miryam, Renata (15), and Fernanda (11) – made the 15-hour journey after being unable to secure tickets for a potential world tour stop in Mexico. “It’s beautiful,” said Renata, expressing her admiration for the new album, Arirang, with Jung Kook as her favorite member.

Nani Cruz, a fan from Guam, emphasized the significance of the reunion, stating, “Seeing them come back is a huge thing. The longing that ARMY is feeling, that’s what we’re able to experience again tonight.”

The Significance of Gwanghwamun Square

The choice of Gwanghwamun Square as the concert venue was particularly meaningful. The square holds a prominent place in Korean history as a site for public gatherings and protests, including those that led to significant political changes. It is a space deeply connected to Korean culture and civic engagement, framed by the Bugaksan mountains and Gyeongbokgung palace, built in 1395.

A New Album and a Familiar Energy

The one-hour concert featured songs from Arirang, the group’s new album released the day before, which had already sold nearly 4 million copies. The setlist also included the 2020 hit “Dynamite,” reminding fans of the group’s global reach. RM, the band’s leader, greeted the crowd with “Annyeonghaseyo! We’re back!”

Lea Baron, a German fan living in Seoul, and Atsumi Shioya, who traveled from Japan with her mother, Ayako, were among those in attendance. Adelina Gainanova, a fan from Russia who moved to South Korea because of BTS, expressed her amazement at the event’s organization.

The Resonance of ‘Arirang’

The album title, Arirang, references Korea’s best-known folk song, often considered an unofficial national anthem. The song’s themes of longing, separation, and return resonated deeply with the audience. An So-young, an English teacher who traveled from Cheongju, noted the unexpected and moving inclusion of the traditional arirang melody within the song “Body to Body.”

The return of BTS marks not only a significant moment for the band and its fans but also a testament to the enduring power of K-pop and its ability to connect people across cultures and continents.