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
