#seoul

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 Fans From Around The World Gather In Seoul For Historic Comeback Concert Thousands of fans from across the globe have flocked to Seoul in anticipation of the group’s first full-member comeback concert since members began their mandatory military service. The event, held near Gwanghwamun, has drawn significant attention as authorities have implemented extensive security measures to ensure the safety of attendees. Fans from the United States, Australia, and other countries have arrived days in advance, creating a vibrant atmosphere that underscores the global impact of the group. The concert marks a pivotal moment for BTS and their fanbase, ARMY, as it represents the first time all members will perform together since their service obligations began. With an estimated 20,000 ticket holders expected inside the main venue, the event is anticipated to be a major milestone in the group’s career. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of fans may watch the performance on large screens in nearby areas, further highlighting the cultural significance of the occasion. The gathering reflects the enduring connection between the group and their supporters, as they celebrate a new chapter in their journey.#korea #seoul #bts #army #gwanghwamun

BTS fans have finally witnessed a long-awaited reunion as the group’s seven members performed together on stage for the first time in nearly four years. The event, a free public concert in Seoul, marked the beginning of their comeback and was part of a promotional tour for their new album, Arirang. Named after a traditional Korean folk song and the country’s unofficial national anthem, the album explores themes of identity and belonging. The concert also served as a prelude to their global tour, which will span 34 regions from April 2026 to March 2027. A documentary capturing the reunion and the concert will be released on Netflix. The concert, held in Gwanghwamun Square near Gyeongbokgung Palace, drew thousands of fans, with 22,000 securing “Golden Tickets” to attend. Despite the limited number of tickets, the event was expected to attract up to 260,000 people, making it the largest public concert in South Korean history. Fans dressed in traditional hanbok attire, inspired by the album’s themes, flooded social media with photos of their outfits. Some, like Vivienne Ferrier from the U.S., wore hanbok-inspired designs in red and white to align with the album’s color scheme, while others incorporated purple, the symbolic color of BTS and their fanbase, ARMY. The concert’s stage design, created by Guy Carrington and Florian Wieder, was inspired by a picture frame, blending modern energy with historical significance. The venue, a sacred space in Seoul, required meticulous planning to ensure the performance honored its cultural context without disrupting its heritage. The event was directed by Hamish Hamilton, a renowned director known for productions like the Super Bowl halftime show and the Oscars. He described the logistical challenges as “among the most complex” of his career, noting the absence of rehearsals on the actual stage.#netflix #seoul #bts #hybe #gyeongbokgung

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

Winter and spring weather patterns intertwine across the Korean Peninsula as a warm, mobile high-pressure system settles in the west while a cold, maritime high-pressure system dominates the east. This division is expected to create stark contrasts in weather conditions for the coming days. From February 12 to 13, the eastern regions, particularly Gangwon Province, will experience heavy snowfall with up to 20 centimeters of snowfall, while the western areas, including Seoul, will see temperatures rise to 11-13 degrees Celsius, marking a typical spring-like scenario. The Korea Meteorological Agency issued a snow warning for Gangwon Province’s northern and central mountainous areas starting at 5 a.m. on February 12, followed by a warning for the southern mountainous regions by 6 a.m. Snowfall is expected to accumulate to 5-15 centimeters by the end of the day, with some areas seeing over 20 centimeters. In contrast, the northeastern coastal regions of Gyeongju will receive less than 1 centimeter of snow, while mountainous areas in the northeast will see 1-5 centimeters. The unusual weather pattern is attributed to shifts in the atmospheric pressure systems. As the Siberian high-pressure system weakens, a cold maritime high-pressure system moves toward the northeast, generating strong easterly winds that collide with the Taebaek Mountains, triggering snowfall. Meteorologist Kang Hye-mi explained, “The weakening of the Siberian high-pressure system has caused a shift in the pressure gradient, leading to the movement of cold air masses and increased precipitation.” By late afternoon on February 12, snowfall in Gangwon Province’s Ganghwa Island had already reached 74.1 centimeters.#seoul #korea_meteorological_agency #gangwon_province #taebaek_mountains #bongeunsa_temple

Priyanka Mohan on how filming ‘Made In Korea’ was an experience to cherish Ahead of the release of Netflix’s cross-cultural project Made In Korea, actor Priyanka Arul Mohan and director Ra Karthik shared insights about their journey filming in Seoul, working with a Korean cast and crew, and how the film became a journey of discovery. The film follows Shenba, a character played by Mohan, as she navigates her fascination with South Korea, moving from her hometown in Tamil Nadu to the Land of Morning Calm. For Shenba, South Korea is a distant, almost fantastical place filled with K-Pop and K-Drama dreams. Initially, she believes a train will take her there, but as she grows, her yearning to visit the country deepens. The film blends her personal journey with family and relationship drama, avoiding the typical romance tropes of K-Dramas. Director Ra Karthik emphasized that the story was crafted to connect with fans of K-Pop and K-Dramas by focusing on the shared aspiration of visiting South Korea. “I wanted to explore both the fantasy and realities of this dream,” he explained, “and have her journey through human values rather than romance.” Mohans’ role as Shenba marked a milestone in her career, as it was her first film where she took the lead. The Tamil-Korean collaboration, a first for the region, brought together a diverse cast, including Korean actors like Park Hye-jin, known for her role in Squid Game. Priyanka described the experience as immersive, noting how the team, like Shenba, was constantly learning and discovering new aspects of Korean culture, food, and values during their one-and-a-half months of filming. Karthik shared his own experiences navigating Seoul, recalling how he arrived a week before the crew and had to figure out transportation and daily life on his own.#priyanka_arul_mohan #ra_karthik #made_in_korea #park_hye_jin #seoul