More than 100,000 fans turned out to see K-pop superstars BTS's first concert in nearly four years
Kim Hong-JiMore than 100,000 fans turned out to see K-pop superstars BTS's first concert in nearly four years, their label said Sunday, a smaller number than originally expected for the highly anticipated event in central Seoul.
The seven-member group took to the stage together for the first time following a years-long hiatus prompted by mandatory military service, with some stationed near the heavily fortified border with North Korea.
The comeback concert was held on Saturday against the backdrop of the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace -- fitting for the "Kings of K-pop" -- with thousands of fans from South Korea and abroad singing along.
"An estimated 104,000 fans attended the Gwanghwamun Square concert, based on ticket sales and data from the country's three major mobile carriers," HYBE said in a statement to AFP.
The figure was lower than an initial projection of 260,000, while police estimates of the crowd size were far lower at about 42,000, according to Yonhap news agency.
Netflix livestreamed the concert to about 190 countries.
Fans waved a sea of glowsticks and sang along to the group's hits, holding their phones aloft to film the performance as giant screens set up across the venue allowed the crowd to watch.
Some 15,000 police officers and security personnel were mobilised for the concert, with barricades lining the roads and nearby venues shut.
The latest album, "ARIRANG", released Friday, is billed as reflecting the maturing boy band's Korean identity. It sold nearly four million copies on its first day, according to the label.
Following Saturday's concert, the superstars will embark on their "ARIRANG" world tour, beginning April 9 in Goyang, South Korea.
Spanning 82 concerts across 34 cities, the 2026–27 tour will take in Asia, North America, Europe and Latin America.
Tickets for shows in South Korea, North America and Europe sold out within hours.
kjk/lga
Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented