BTS Returns to Seoul with Global Fanbase After Four-Year Hiatus Tens of thousands of fans gathered in Seoul to witness the return of the South Korean boy band after a four-year absence, proving their enduring global appeal despite the passage of time. The event, held at Gwanghwamun Square, drew attendees from across the world, including families, fans, and industry figures, all united by their admiration for the group. The concert marked a significant moment for BTS, who had paused their activities to fulfill military service obligations, and highlighted the deep connection between the artists and their devoted fanbase, known as ARMY. The Zubillaga family from Veracruz, Mexico, traveled over 15 hours to attend the event, bringing their daughters Renata, 15, and Fernanda, 11, as a birthday gift. Despite missing out on world tour tickets, they joined the crowd in Seoul, where Renata expressed her excitement about the band’s new album, Arirang. Her favorite member, Jung Kook, was a shared choice among the family. Similarly, Nani Cruz, a 30-year-old from Guam, emphasized the emotional significance of seeing BTS reunite, describing the experience as a fulfillment of ARMY’s longing. The concert’s scale and organization reflected BTS’s global influence, with over 22,000 free seats allocated for the viewing zone and additional viewers tuning in via live streams on Netflix. Maggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker who recently won an Oscar for KPop Demon Hunters, praised the event’s ability to bring people together in public space, underscoring South Korea’s capacity to host such a massive gathering. Yu Hye-sun, a Seoul office worker, joined friends she met at BTS’s last concert before their military service, highlighting the group’s role in fostering international fan communities.#seoul #bts #gwanghwamun_square #army #zubillaga_family
Pop megastars BTS electrify historic centre of Seoul with comeback concert The heart of Seoul transformed into a vibrant sea of purple on Saturday, a color that dominated everything from towering billboards to the Han River’s drone light displays. The city’s landmarks, posters, and even fans’ clothing were splashed with the K-pop group’s signature hue, signaling the return of BTS after a three-year hiatus due to mandatory military service. The world’s most popular band was back, and their fans, known as the "Army," were ready to celebrate. Veronica and Amanda, who traveled from the U.S. for the event, described the atmosphere as electric. Though the concert had not yet begun, the presence of BTS was undeniable. The group’s members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—had not yet appeared, but their influence was everywhere. The Army, dressed in matching purple hanboks, cheered and waved light-sticks, their excitement palpable. For many, the break had been a long wait, but the anticipation was finally paying off. As the sun set, the square erupted with chants of the members’ names. A solemn toll of the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok echoed through Gwanghwamun Square, a moment that grounded the spectacle in Korea’s rich history. The bell’s sound, part of the group’s new album Arirang, marked the beginning of the performance. RM greeted the crowd in Korean and English, declaring, “We are back,” before the band took the stage. The setup resembled a triumphal arch, setting the tone for their first full track from the album, Body to Body, which blended their signature sound with Korea’s iconic folk song Arirang. The concert featured a mix of new and old hits, with tracks like Butter, MIC Drop, Dynamite, and Mikrokosmos igniting the crowd.#netflix #seoul #bts #gwanghwamun_square #army
BTS Returns with 'ARIRANG' Live Performance: A Historic Comeback BTS made a triumphant return to the global stage with their "THE COMEBACK LIVE" event, streamed live on Netflix, marking their first full performance together in nearly four years. The group, now fully reunited after completing their mandatory military service, showcased their latest album ARIRANG and reaffirmed their status as cultural icons. The event took place in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, a historic location with deep symbolic meaning, and featured a blend of high-energy performances, emotional moments, and a celebration of their journey as artists and Koreans. The concert opened with "Body to Body," the first track from ARIRANG, which encapsulated the group’s identity as they declared, "Born in Korea, playing for the world." The members, including RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, took the stage with their signature swagger, greeted by a wave of cheers from fans in Seoul and around the world. The song’s pulsating beat and powerful lyrics resonated with the audience, who had waited nearly four years for this moment. RM’s opening line, "안녕 Seoul, we’re back," was met with overwhelming applause, signaling the start of a night that would be remembered for its emotional depth and musical brilliance. The choice of Gwanghwamun Square as the venue was both symbolic and practical. The square, a historic landmark with ties to Korea’s Joseon dynasty, also holds political and cultural significance as a site of protests and public gatherings. The stage design incorporated the square’s iconic Gwanghwamun gate and surrounding mountains, creating a visual backdrop that honored the group’s roots while highlighting their global reach.#netflix #bts #arirang #gwanghwamun_square #the_comeback_live
BTS Fans Gather in Seoul for Highly Anticipated Comeback Show More than 260,000 fans are expected to gather in Seoul’s historic Gwanghwamun Square to witness the long-awaited return of K-pop sensation BTS, marking their first live performance together since October 2022. The group, consisting of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, will deliver a one-hour set featuring tracks from their newly released album Arirang, which debuted on Friday afternoon. BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon reported that fans have been flocking to the square ahead of the event, expressing overwhelming excitement. The concert, held in the heart of South Korea’s capital, is anticipated to be a landmark moment for the group, who have been absent from the public eye since their last collaborative performance. The album Arirang has generated significant anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. The concert will serve as a platform to showcase the group’s latest musical endeavors, blending their signature fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and emotional storytelling. The event is expected to draw global attention, as BTS continues to solidify their status as one of the most influential acts in K-pop. The gathering in Gwanghwamun Square underscores the deep connection between the group and their fanbase, who have remained steadfast in their support despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and global events. As the concert approaches, the atmosphere in Seoul is electric, with fans preparing to celebrate the return of their favorite artists.#seoul #bts #arirang #gwanghwamun_square #jake_kwon
Seoul raises terror alert as it prepares to host BTS comeback concert South Korea’s capital has increased security measures ahead of BTS’s highly anticipated comeback concert, with authorities elevating the terror alert level and mobilizing thousands of police officers to ensure safety. The event, set for Saturday, is expected to draw over 260,000 attendees, including fans from around the world, as the K-pop group returns to the stage for the first time as a full group since October 2022. The concert will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, near the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, and will be streamed live on Netflix to audiences in more than 190 countries. President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of security during a cabinet meeting, urging government agencies to prepare for all possible scenarios. He highlighted the event’s significance in showcasing South Korea’s global cultural influence. In response to growing international tensions, including the Middle East crisis, authorities have raised the terror alert to the second-lowest level on a four-step scale for parts of Seoul, effective until midnight on Saturday. The US embassy, located approximately 160 meters from the stage, is under heightened scrutiny. Security operations are extensive, with 6,500 police officers, including over 70 riot police units, deployed on the day of the concert. The Seoul city government will add 3,400 personnel, supported by 102 fire trucks and 803 firefighters. Subway services will bypass stations near the event to manage crowds. The venue will operate like a stadium, with 31 entry gates equipped with walk-through metal detectors. Civilian firearm access to police stations across Seoul has been restricted.#netflix #seoul #bts #gwanghwamun_square #gyeongbokgung_palace
BTS Returns to Seoul for Massive Concert Amid Security Measures The historic heart of South Korea's capital is preparing for what may be the year's largest gathering as the world's most successful band, BTS, makes its long-awaited return. Over 260,000 fans are expected to gather at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday for the group’s first full performance since October 2022. The seven K-pop stars—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—will take the stage for an hour, featuring songs from their upcoming album Arirang, set to release on Friday. While only about 22,000 fans with free tickets will enter the concert venue, the majority will watch via giant screens outside the square. For many, the event represents more than just a music performance. Ami Ostrovskaia, a Russian student in Seoul, credits BTS with inspiring her to learn about Korean culture, history, and language. “BTS is the reason I’m here,” she says. The concert, held near the 14th-century gateway to the royal palace, will also be streamed globally on Netflix, which has secured exclusive live-streaming rights. The platform’s partnership with BTS includes a documentary on the band’s reunion, a move that has bolstered the group’s global influence. The return of BTS marks a significant moment for South Korea, as the band has long been a symbol of the country’s cultural soft power. Their rise to fame coincided with their mandatory military service, with Jin enlisting first in 2022 and Suga completing his in June 2023. The group’s 82-date world tour, spanning over 30 cities, begins next month, reflecting their enduring popularity. However, the stakes are high as they re-enter a K-pop industry that has grown more competitive. Park Joo-young, a fan, acknowledges the pressure but remains confident: “They’ve always exceeded my expectations. I believe they’ll do their best.#netflix #seoul #bts #gwanghwamun_square #kim_yong_ran
New Streaming Premieres in March 2026 In the third week of March 2026, several highly anticipated movies and TV shows are set to debut on major streaming platforms. This week’s lineup includes a mix of original series, returning franchises, and live events, offering fans a variety of content to enjoy. Netflix is launching two major titles this month. The first is Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, a film that continues the story of Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. The plot follows Shelby, who has been living in self-imposed exile while writing a novel, as he is drawn back into action when his estranged son becomes entangled in a Nazi plot. The film serves as both a conclusion to the Peaky Blinders saga and a standalone period drama, praised for its style and Murphy’s performance. It will be available for streaming starting March 20. Another Netflix premiere is BTS The Comeback Live | ARIRANG, a live concert event marking the K-pop group’s return after completing their mandatory military service. The concert, held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, will feature songs from their upcoming album ARIRANG alongside classic hits. A documentary titled BTS: THE RETURN will also debut on Netflix one week later, chronicling the group’s journey back to music. Apple TV is set to release Imperfect Women, a new series starring Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara. The show follows three best friends whose lives are upended by a shocking death, revealing the secrets and betrayals that have shaped their friendship. The series premieres on March 18. HBO Max is launching the third and final season of The Comeback, a cult favorite that follows Lisa Kudrow’s character, Valerie Cherish, as she navigates the modern entertainment industry.#cillian_murphy #imperfect_women #peaky_blinders_the_immortal_man #bts_the_comback_live_arirang #gwanghwamun_square
