BTS Comeback Live: Arirang - A Historic Fusion of Traditional Korean Beauty and Modern Culture
BTS is gearing up for an exciting comeback performance on the 21st of next month at Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung, promising a global cultural festival blending traditional Korean beauty with modern culture. The group plans to showcase a historic stage utilizing the three gates of Gwanghwamun during the 'BTS Comeback Live: Arirang' event scheduled for 8 PM. They are considering a march performance called 'The King's Path' starting from Geunjeongmun inside Gyeongbokgung, passing through Heungnyemun and Gwanghwamun towards the stage.
The organizers have secured permission to use Gwanghwamun, Geunjeongmun, Heungnyemun, and Woldae inside Gyeongbokgung for the event. The members are expected to make their entrance through the open gate of Gwanghwamun and march towards the stage after passing Woldae. The stage will be set up facing south near the north side of Gwanghwamun Square's Yukjo Yard. Discussions are ongoing regarding whether the opening performance from inside Gyeongbokgung to Yulgok-ro will be live or pre-recorded.
The performance will feature the seven BTS members, along with 50 dancers and 13 members of the Arirang traditional music group, performing in front of their global fanbase 'ARMY.' Traditional Korean cultural content will be broadcast on the walls of Gwanghwamun, and related content will be screened at Sungnyemun and the fortress on the album release date, the 20th. This event is expected to showcase the fusion of national heritage and modern K-POP culture to promote South Korea globally.
With the release of their new album after nearly four years, BTS is anticipating a significant global audience. Plans are being discussed to accommodate around 15,000 people at Gwanghwamun Square and 13,000 people at City Hall Plaza and Sejong-daero intersection. The performance will be free, and ticketing information will be announced through HYBE's fan platform Weverse. The event will also be live-streamed to 300 million users in 190 countries via Netflix.
Director Hamish Hamilton, known for directing the Super Bowl halftime show, is overseeing the overall direction of the comeback performance. A documentary film titled 〈BTS: THE RETURN〉 capturing the album production process will be released on Netflix on the 27th of next month. The fifth studio album 'Arirang' will be released worldwide on the 20th, featuring 14 new songs exploring universal emotions and the group's identity, longing, and deep love.