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Restaurants add protein, fiber for weight loss drug users
A mini burger, mini fries and mini beer, Clinton Hall’s “Teeny Weeny Mini Meal”, is pictured next to a regular-sized combo on Dec. 8, 2025 in New York City. Approximately one in eight American adults are currently taking drugs from the class of GLP-1 agonists that are now popular for weight loss, according to a November poll by the non-profit health policy tracker KFF. Some in the restaurant industry are taking note.
Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images
The cost of GLP-1 drugs is falling, and pill versions are hitting the U.S. market. For restaurant chains and snacking giants, higher adoption of weight loss and diabetes treatments poses a threat to their sales — or an opportunity.
GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, suppress users’ appetites and increase satiety. For many restaurants and packaged food manufacturers, those reactions will likely mean weaker sales. Adults who use GLP-1s consume 21% fewer calories and spend nearly a third less on grocery bills on average, according to KPMG. JPMorgan estimates the growing use of the medications could wipe out $30 billion to $55 billion in annual sales for the food and beverage industry as soon as 2030.
About one in every eight U.S. adults is currently taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Zepbound, according to the KFF Health Tracking Poll conducted from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2. That number doesn’t include consumers who have discontinued their use of the drugs; 18% of respondents said that they have taken a GLP-1 medication at some point.
Those numbers are expected to keep climbing, especially after Novo Nordisk launched its Wegovy pill in January and Eli Lilly prepares to roll out its own oral drug this year. By 2030, more than 30 million Americans could be on a GLP-1 treatment, up from 10 million in 2026, based on J.P. Morgan estimates.
Michael Siluk | UCG | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
But the shift also presents an opportunity for restaurants and food and beverage companies.
With new protein- and fiber-rich options, many businesses are hoping to win over GLP-1 consumers and mollify investors’ concerns about how the treatments will affect their bottom lines.
“Whether it is labeling as GLP-1 friendly, decreasing the serving size, emphasizing protein content, or even when you shift over to the beverage world, because hydration is certainly a concern, there are a number of players that are starting to react to this,” said Don K. Johnson, principal of strategy and execution for EY-Parthenon.
Skipping snacks and breakfast
About half of GLP-1 users report consuming fewer calories while taking the medications, according to UBS Evidence Lab. But the effects aren’t even across the industry, and “certain categories are more impacted than others,” Johnson said.
Snacking, once one of the fastest-growing grocery segments, has taken the biggest hit. About 70% of GLP-1 users who report consuming fewer calories said that they are snacking less, according to a survey conducted by EY-Parthenon last spring.
“I think it is about the specific type of snack, but I do think they’re also snacking less … Having said that, we do see that there is a shift to healthier foods, and that certainly will include healthier snacking,” Johnson said.
Think more yogurt, nuts or fruit, and fewer chips or pretzels.
Since GLP-1 drugs lead patients to lower their caloric intake, every calorie consumed means more. Protein intake is more important to prevent muscle loss. So, too, is fiber to support gut health and digestion. And staying hydrated helps mitigate some of the drugs’ side effects, like nausea and headaches.
The effects of eating less extend to restaurants. About 60% of those respondents to the EY-Parthenon survey said that they are dining out less frequently.
The shift could also hit full-service restaurants where diners order a drink with their meals. Roughly 45% of survey respondents who are eating and drinking less said that they are drinking less alcohol.
Surveys conducted by Bernstein indicate that the frequency of restaurant visits among GLP-1 users can fall by as much as 45%, depending on the category of food and the nature of the occasion, analyst Danilo Gargiulo of Bernstein wrote in a research note published on Tuesday.
The pullback in restaurant visits isn’t spread evenly across times of day, according to Dana Baggett, executive director of restaurant client strategy at RRD, which works with more than 200 restaurant brands.
Lunch, so far, hasn’t been impacted, she said. But breakfast has taken a hit, particularly from high-income GLP-1 users, who represent a bigger percentage of current patients, she said. In practice, that means fewer sugary coffee drinks and doughnuts, although options like Starbucks‘ protein cold foam could encourage those consumers to return.
A commercial for GLP-1 drugs during the Super Bowl LX broadcast on television screens at a bar in Los Angeles, California, US, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
Jill Connelly | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Dinner, especially at fast-food restaurants, has taken the brunt of the damage so far.
Dinner traffic has fallen 6% among consumers who have been taking the medication regularly, according to Baggett; in other words, overall restaurant sales during dinner hours have declined about 0.4% due to GLP-1 use, she said. But as the number of consumers who use the drug consistently grows, so too will the pressure on restaurant traffic.
And snacking isn’t confined to grocery store aisles. For limited-service restaurants, like McDonald’s or Taco Bell, snacking accounts for 12% of spending, according to Bank of America Global Research.
Even so, threats to those large restaurants chains may only be gradual, which gives them time to adapt.
“I think there shouldn’t be this panic out there in the marketplace, but this is a trend that’s not going away,” Baggett said. “This is an amazing opportunity for brands to start repositioning themselves and focusing on what consumers want: less sugar, higher protein and that focus on fiber.”
How Big Food is evolving
If recent earnings conference calls are any example, restaurant and food executives also think that it isn’t time to panic just yet. For some companies, the trend offers a chance to reach new customers through healthier options.
“I think there are more opportunities than threats, but there are both,” PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta told Wall Street analysts on the company’s earnings conference call in early February.
In recent months, Pepsi has released protein-packed Doritos, relaunched Gatorade and unveiled fiber-rich varieties of SunChips and Smartfood popcorn. Those moves are part of the company’s broader strategy to modernize its portfolio and boost sales by appealing to health-conscious consumers, but they also align with Laguarta’s assumption that GLP-1 medications will be adopted more broadly.
Domino’s Pizza CEO Russell Weiner sounded unshaken when he told analysts last month that the pizza chain hasn’t seen GLP-1 drugs affect its sales yet.
“Dinner, for us, is a sharing occasion, so perhaps that’s why we’re not seeing any impact, but we’re going to continue to watch it,” he said. “But if there needs to be menu innovation around that, we will do that.”
RRD’s Baggett told CNBC that she thinks portions and snack sizing will be key for restaurants to attract consumers who are on GLP-1 treatments.
When asked about the drugs on McDonald’s earnings conference call last month, CEO Chris Kempczinski touted the burger chain’s existing protein options. But he added that the preferences of GLP-1 users are also being considered as the chain creates new menu items.
“We’re also seeing changes around maybe less snacking, changes in some of the beverages that they drink, less sugary drinks, and so all of those things are factoring into some of what we’re out there experimenting with and testing with,” he said.
Other restaurant chains have already launched options that appeal to diners on GLP-1 drugs, even if the medications weren’t the key impetus. For example, Chipotle launched grab-and-go protein cups in December, aiming to cash in on the protein and snacking crazes as its restaurant sales struggled.
And Olive Garden, owned by Darden Restaurants, released a Lighter Portions menu last year, downsizing a handful of its classic entrees at a lower price. Darden CEO Rick Cardenas said that the chain introduced the new menu to give all of its customers more options.
“It just so happens to benefit the consumers that might want smaller portions that are on GLP-1 medications, and we have a lot of options like that in all of our menus,” Cardenas said on the company’s earnings conference call in December.
Marketing to GLP-1 users
Other companies have explicitly appealed to GLP-1 users, particularly when it comes to innovation.
In 2024, Nestle led the pack when it launched Virtual Pursuit, a frozen-food brand targeting GLP-1 users. While the packaging initially didn’t call out that it was “GLP-1 friendly,” the food company updated it later to include it prominently, boosting sales.
“It’s a big initiative for Nestle,” Nestle USA CEO Marty Thompson told CNBC at a media event earlier in March. “There will be those things that are designed for GLP-1, and there will be those things that will be sort of a companion to GLP-1, clearly calling out protein and fiber, but not necessarily designed portion-size wise or whatever for GLP-1.”
Nestle’s focus will extend beyond food, too. Thompson said that the company plans to expand into beverages and listed protein shakes as one potential way to appeal to GLP-1 customers.
Even food companies without much exposure to GLP-1 users are broadening their portfolios to reach them.
Close-up view of Dippin’ Dots ice cream cup in a person’s hand, Santa Cruz, California, June 22, 2024.
Smith Collection | Gado | Archive Photos | Getty Images
For example, Dippin’ Dots and Icee owner J&J Snack Foods makes most of its sales in stadiums, theme parks and malls. Because of its “experiential” focus, CEO Dan Fachner told CNBC that he thinks that J&J is more insulated from the effect of GLP-1 drugs compared with its snacking peers.
“I still think that in most cases, even people on GLP-1 drugs will still use those occasions for snacking,” he said.
Even still, more than a year ago, Fachner presented employees with a challenge for the company’s grocery business, which accounts for 13.5% of annual sales.
“Take the core products — pretzels and churros and Icees and Dippin’ Dots and frozen novelties — tell me how we can make them more GLP-1 friendly as it continues to grow,” he said.
This year, J&J has a number of new products hitting the freezer aisle. Protein has been added to its soft pretzels, now available in a smaller portion size. And Luigi’s Italian Ice, traditionally sold in a cup, will come in a “mini pop size,” with a formula that includes more antioxidants or helps hydration, according to Fachner. If the new products succeed in grocery stores, then J&J plans to take them to the company’s food service customers, as well.
J&J’s new products also have the benefit of appealing to a wider audience than just consumers who are on GLP-1 medication. For example, Fachner expects the new Luigi’s mini pops will appeal to health-conscious moms as a snack for their kids.
Uptake could change strategies
For restaurants and food suppliers, current data on the eating and drinking habits of GLP-1 users are informing their efforts to appeal to those consumers. But that behavior can still fluctuate.
About 5% of users lapse in taking the medications, due to cost, side effects or hitting their weight goal. After quitting, they tend to maintain the same eating habits for a couple of months before eventually returning to a higher caloric intake.
“I think that we don’t spend enough time talking about the fact that there may be sort of a cycle of behaviors — people going on and off of the drugs — that will have sort of an interesting impact on manufacturers of food because there’s no ‘before’ and ‘after,’” EY’s Johnson said. “It’s a process.”
And a whole new group of consumers could soon be taking daily pill versions of GLP-1 medications. It’s too soon to tell if oral GLP-1 drugs will result in more consistent usage or higher quit rates and to know who exactly is trying the pill version over the injectable.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, but my guess is from our survey that the folks using the oral version of the drug will be a new set of people, because one of the barriers to trial was — as can be expected — a lot of people don’t like to take shots of injections,” Johnson said.
There is one prediction that is widely accepted: the pill version will mean much higher adoption of GLP-1 drugs.
LOS ANGELES — Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion now retired, assembled a formidable squad for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic, drafting longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski, rising star Ashton Jeanty and veteran playmaker Stefon Diggs among others in a star-studded draft held March 19, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
The event, set for Saturday, March 21, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, features three 12-player teams competing in a round-robin tournament followed by a championship game. Brady co-captains Team Founders FFC alongside Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, with Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton leading the squad and Robert Saleh serving as defensive specialist.
The draft results, announced Wednesday and widely shared across sports media, highlight Brady’s strategic picks blending NFL talent, former teammates and crossover athletes. His full Team Founders roster includes:
– Tom Brady (QB, retired)
– Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
– Ashton Jeanty (RB, Las Vegas Raiders)
– Alvin Kamara (RB, New Orleans Saints)
– Rob Gronkowski (TE, retired)
– Antoine Winfield Jr. (DB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
– DeVonta Smith (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
– Stefon Diggs (WR, free agent)
– Von Miller (LB, free agent)
– Damar Hamlin (DB, free agent)
– Patrick Peterson (DB, retired)
– Terence Crawford (ATH, boxer)
Brady’s selections emphasize proven winners and versatility. Gronkowski, his frequent target during Super Bowl runs with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reunites for flag football after years of speculation. Jeanty, the dynamic Raiders rookie known for explosive speed, adds youth and athleticism to the backfield alongside Kamara’s elusive style. Diggs and Smith provide elite receiving threats, while defensive standouts like Winfield Jr., Miller, Hamlin and Peterson bolster the back end. Crawford, a boxing champion, brings crossover appeal and physicality as an athlete.
The opposing Wildcats FFC, captained by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (coached by San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan), features a mix of current stars and veterans: Saquon Barkley (RB), Kyle Juszczyk (RB), Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Davante Adams (WR), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Derwin James Jr. (DB), Luke Kuechly (LB), Jalen Ramsey (DB), Logan Paul (ATH) and IShowSpeed (ATH).
A third team, the U.S. men’s national flag football squad, rounds out the competition with established flag specialists like QB Darrell “Housh” Doucette III and DB/WR Aamir Brown.
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, backed by the sports merchandise giant, aims to blend NFL talent with celebrity draw ahead of flag football’s Olympic debut in 2028. The event includes a four-game round-robin starting at 1 p.m. PT Saturday, with the top two teams advancing to the title game. Broadcast details and streaming options are expected via Fanatics platforms and partners.
Brady’s involvement has generated significant buzz, especially after recent verbal exchanges with Logan Paul (on the Wildcats roster), adding a promotional edge. The draft emphasized entertainment and competition, with captains selecting from a pool of NFL players, retired stars and non-football athletes.
Analysts praised Brady’s team for balance: elite quarterbacks, dynamic skill players and veteran defense. Gronkowski’s return alongside his former QB fuels nostalgia, while Jeanty’s inclusion highlights emerging talent. The event tests flag football’s appeal as a faster, less-contact alternative, potentially boosting its visibility.
With rosters locked and the tournament hours away, anticipation builds for on-field matchups featuring future Hall of Famers, current Pro Bowlers and crossover stars. The Fanatics Flag Football Classic could serve as a blueprint for future celebrity-flag events.
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Police body camera footage from Justin Timberlake’s June 2024 drunken driving arrest in the Hamptons was released to the media Friday, March 20, 2026, after an agreement between Sag Harbor officials and the singer’s attorneys allowed redacted portions to be made public.
The video, obtained and published by outlets including TMZ, ABC7 New York and CBS New York, shows Timberlake performing field sobriety tests after being pulled over for allegedly running a stop sign and veering out of his lane. Officers suspected impairment, and the footage captures the 44-year-old singer struggling with tasks requiring him to walk a straight line and stand on one leg.
At one point, Timberlake tells officers, “These are like really hard tests,” and mentions his heart is “racing.” The video also includes moments from his booking at the Sag Harbor Police Department, where he interacts with officers and appears unsteady during balance evaluations. A friend reportedly referenced Timberlake’s *NSYNC background during the encounter, though details remain limited in the released clips.
Timberlake was arrested on June 18, 2024, after police observed erratic driving in Sag Harbor, a village on Long Island’s South Fork. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor. In a subsequent plea deal, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired by alcohol, avoiding a trial. The outcome included a $500 fine, 25 hours of community service and a temporary driver’s license suspension.
The release of the footage comes nearly two years after the incident and follows legal negotiations. Timberlake’s attorneys and village officials reached an agreement for redactions to protect privacy and comply with disclosure rules, though the exact nature of the edits has not been detailed publicly. Sag Harbor Police confirmed the video’s authenticity and noted it was released voluntarily under the accord.
The footage has circulated widely online, with clips shared on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and X drawing millions of views and comments. Many observers noted Timberlake’s apparent difficulty with the tests, while others criticized the handling of the arrest or questioned the delay in public release. Public reaction has been mixed, with some fans defending the singer and others expressing disappointment over the incident.
Timberlake has not issued a new statement since the plea deal in 2024, when he apologized and said he accepted responsibility. The singer, known for hits with *NSYNC and solo work including “Cry Me a River” and “Mirrors,” has maintained a lower public profile in recent years amid family life and selective performances.
The Sag Harbor case drew national attention due to Timberlake’s celebrity status and the high-profile nature of DWI enforcement in the affluent Hamptons area. No further charges or related incidents have been reported since the plea.
As the bodycam video spreads, it renews focus on celebrity accountability in traffic offenses and the role of police transparency in high-profile cases. The footage serves as a visual record of the arrest that previously relied on police reports and court documents.
Timberlake continues professional commitments, including music and acting projects, though no immediate impact from the released video has been confirmed. The incident remains a notable chapter in his public life as he navigates career and personal matters.
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CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are shaping up as major upgrades when they launch in September 2026, with leaks pointing to under-display Face ID, a variable aperture main camera, a record-breaking battery and the A20 Pro chip built on advanced 2nm process technology.
The premium models will debut alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone in the fall, while the standard iPhone 18 and lower-end variants shift to spring 2027. Production testing for the iPhone 18 Pro series reportedly began in late 2025, with trial manufacturing underway by February 2026, signaling a timeline on track for the traditional September event.
A key highlight is the rumored shift to under-display Face ID, eliminating the Dynamic Island pill on Pro models. Multiple sources, including supply chain reports from South Korea and Chinese leakers like Digital Chat Station, indicate Samsung-supplied LTPO+ OLED panels will embed infrared Face ID sensors beneath the screen. This leaves only a punch-hole front camera (potentially shifted slightly left) visible, creating a cleaner, more seamless display. The redesign could shrink the visible cutout significantly compared to the iPhone 17 series, while maintaining full Face ID functionality and security.
Display sizes are expected to remain similar: around 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max, with LTPO+ technology enabling higher refresh rates at lower power draw for improved efficiency and battery life.
Camera upgrades dominate speculation. Leaks suggest the 48-megapixel Fusion main sensor gains variable aperture, allowing users to adjust depth of field and light intake dynamically — a first for iPhone — offering greater creative control in photos, especially portraits and low-light shots. The telephoto lens could see a wider aperture than the current f/2.8, enhancing zoom performance and subject isolation. Additional rumors mention refined Camera Control hardware (version 2.0) and potential new color options like deep red, brown, purple or burgundy to refresh the aesthetic.
Battery capacity is another major rumored leap. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a 5,000mAh+ cell — possibly 5,100-5,200mAh depending on SIM configuration — delivering up to 40 hours of usage on a single charge, shattering previous iPhone records. This stems from internal space optimizations, including eSIM-only models in some regions freeing room for larger cells, combined with the power-efficient A20 Pro chip.
The A20 Pro processor, fabricated on a 2nm process (likely by TSMC), promises substantial gains in speed, efficiency and thermal management over the A19 series. Paired with an in-house C2 or N2 modem for improved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular performance, the chip should enable smoother multitasking, enhanced Apple Intelligence features and longer endurance.
Design remains evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The rear camera plateau and overall form factor are expected to carry over from the iPhone 17 Pro, with minor refinements like a more unified two-tone look or slightly thicker, heavier build for some models. No major redesign is anticipated until a potential 20th-anniversary overhaul in 2027.
Pricing is projected to hold steady at $1,099 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max, though global economic factors and component costs could influence final figures. The foldable companion, rumored at around $1,999-$2,399, may reshape perceptions of premium pricing.
As trial production advances and supply chain chatter intensifies, the iPhone 18 Pro series appears poised to deliver meaningful upgrades in photography, battery life and display tech without dramatic overhauls. With the foldable iPhone entering the mix, Apple’s fall 2026 lineup could mark one of its most ambitious in years, balancing familiarity with forward-looking innovation.
Oil Shocks Could Continue to Rattle the Market As Iran War Rages On
‘Barron’s Roundtable’ panelists discuss how the Iran conflict and soaring oil prices are impacting global supply chains and fueling inflation fears.
United Airlines is slashing flights as soaring fuel prices tied to the Iran war hit U.S. carriers, becoming the first major U.S. airline to announce a cut to capacity after weeks of industry warnings.
United CEO Scott Kirby said in a staff memo released Friday that the airline will cut about 5% of capacity by trimming less profitable routes. He said the company is preparing for a prolonged period of elevated fuel prices, modeling oil at $175 per barrel and expecting it could remain above $100 through the end of 2027.
“The reality is, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in the last three weeks,” Kirby said in a statement. “If prices stayed at this level, it would mean an extra $11B in annual expense just for jet fuel. For perspective, in United’s best year ever, we made less than $5B.”
Kirby stressed the airline is not panicking and plans to manage the short-term pressure by cutting unprofitable flying while continuing its long-term growth strategy.
ELON MUSK OFFERS TO PAY TSA WORKERS’ SALARIES AMID DHS BUDGET STANDOFF
A United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives at Los Angeles International Airport on March 7, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images / Getty Images)
United said the cuts will total about 5 percentage points of its planned capacity, including roughly 3 points from off-peak flying such as midweek and overnight routes, about 1 point from reductions at Chicago O’Hare, and another 1 point tied to suspended service to Tel Aviv and Dubai. The airline expects to restore its full schedule in the fall.
Despite the pullback, Kirby said demand remains strong, noting that the airline has recorded its “10 biggest booked revenue weeks” in its history over the past 10 weeks.
He emphasized that United is not responding to the fuel shock with drastic measures seen in past downturns, such as furloughs or delaying aircraft orders. Instead, the airline plans to continue taking delivery of about 120 new planes this year, including 20 Boeing 787s, with another 130 aircraft due by April 2028, he said.
MAJOR AIRLINE SUSPENDS ABU DHABI FLIGHTS UNTIL END OF YEAR AMID AIRSPACE ‘UNCERTAINTY’
United CEO Scott Kirby said in a staff memo released Friday that the airline will cut about 5% of capacity by trimming less profitable routes. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“To be clear, nothing changes about our longer-term plans for aircraft deliveries or total capacity for 2027 and beyond, but there’s no point in burning cash in the near term on flying that just can’t absorb these fuel costs,” he said.
The strategy, Kirby said, is to cut unprofitable flying in the near term while continuing to invest in long-term growth.
Other airlines, meanwhile, have so far stopped short of announcing major flight cuts, underscoring how United is among the first U.S. carriers to move from warnings to action as fuel costs surge.
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Commercial vessels are pictured offshore in Dubai on March 11, 2026. The war with Iran has caused oil prices to soar, impacting U.S. airlines. (AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Delta Air Lines has said it could trim capacity if fuel prices stay elevated, according to Reuters, while other major U.S. carriers have so far relied on fare hikes to offset rising costs.
International carriers have moved faster, with airlines including Qantas, Scandinavian Airlines and Thai Airways raising prices, and Air New Zealand canceling more than 1,000 flights, according to earlier reports.
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BTS’s Comeback Show Heavy on New Album ‘Arirang’ as Group Delivers Emotional Reunion in Seoul
SEOUL — BTS made a triumphant return to the stage Saturday, March 21, 2026, with their first full-group performance in nearly four years at a free outdoor concert in Gwanghwamun Square, delivering a setlist dominated by tracks from their new fifth studio album *Arirang* and leaving millions of ARMY worldwide emotional in the historic moment.
The one-hour special event, titled *BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG*, streamed exclusively on Netflix starting at 8 p.m. KST (7 a.m. ET), drew an estimated 260,000 fans to the iconic square in central Seoul — the largest gathering for a K-pop concert in the city. A pre-show drone display lit up the night sky with members’ faces and symbolic imagery, while massive crowds filled security checkpoints from early morning, chanting and waving light sticks in purple.
The show opened with the album’s lead single “Swim,” setting a reflective tone that blended Korean cultural motifs with BTS’s signature introspective lyrics. RM addressed the crowd early, thanking ARMY for their patience during the hiatus caused by mandatory military service. “We’ve been away, but our hearts never left,” he said, drawing cheers that echoed off Gyeongbokgung Palace’s gates.
The setlist leaned heavily into *Arirang*, released just one day earlier on March 20. Of the 14 tracks on the album — including “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “FYA,” “2.0,” “No. 29,” “Merry Go Round,” “NORMAL,” “Like Animals,” “they don’t know ’bout us,” “One More Night,” “Please” and “Into the Sun” — BTS performed at least eight live for the first time. Highlights included the anthemic closer “Into the Sun,” where all seven members — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — shared vocal lines in a powerful display of unity, and “Swim,” which featured intricate choreography against the backdrop of Seoul’s historic landmarks.
Fans online described the performance as “heavy on new material” but perfectly balanced, with seamless transitions from fresh songs to beloved classics. The group included brief nods to older hits like “IDOL” and “Fake Love” in medley form, but the focus remained on *Arirang*’s themes of Korean identity, resilience and renewal — a deliberate choice after years of solo endeavors and service.
Jung Kook’s high notes in “Please” and Jimin’s emotive delivery in “Merry Go Round” stood out, while SUGA and j-hope brought rap intensity to “Hooligan” and “FYA.” V’s soulful verses in “Like Animals” and Jin’s stable vocals anchored the harmonies. The members appeared energized, with minimal signs of RM’s recent ankle injury (he wore supportive gear but moved freely).
The concert marked BTS’s first group stage since October 2022, following the completion of military duties by all members in 2025. It served as a prelude to the *Arirang World Tour*, kicking off April 9-12 in Goyang, South Korea, with 82 dates across Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia planned through 2027.
Netflix’s global livestream captured the electric atmosphere, including fan chants, light stick seas and emotional reactions from ARMY watching remotely. A companion documentary, *BTS: The Return*, premieres March 27 on the platform, offering behind-the-scenes access to the album’s creation in Los Angeles and Seoul.
*Arirang* — BTS’s first full-group release in six years — debuted with massive streaming numbers, topping charts worldwide hours after its March 20 drop at 1 p.m. KST. The title draws from the traditional Korean folk song, symbolizing the group’s roots and journey through challenges.
As the show concluded with fireworks and a heartfelt group bow, RM promised more to come. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Thank you for waiting. We’ll keep running toward you.”
The event underscored BTS’s enduring global impact, blending cultural pride with universal themes. With the album fresh and tour looming, ARMY worldwide celebrated the start of a new era for the K-pop icons.
Get ahead of the market by subscribing to Seeking Alpha’s Wall Street Week Ahead, a preview of key events scheduled for the coming week. The newsletter keeps you informed of the biggest stories set to make headlines, including upcoming IPOs, investor days, earnings reports, and conference presentations.
Wall Street’s major averages were in the red on Friday, with oil sustaining higher prices even as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the country is helping to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices slipped late on Thursday on the news that Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium or make ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, the U.S. military is reportedly sending thousands more Marines to the Middle East, including three warships, according to U.S. officials.
With no major earnings scheduled, investors will keep a keen eye on key economic data releases next week. S&P Global PMI data for March is due on Tuesday. Crude oil inventory data will be out on Wednesday. On Thursday, initial jobless claims data will be released.
GameStop (GME), BYD (BYDDF), and Carnival Corp. (CCL) are among the companies reporting their results next week.
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Earnings spotlight: Tuesday: GameStop. See the full earnings calendar.
Earnings spotlight: Wednesday: PDD (PDD), Beyond Meat (BYND). See the full earnings calendar.
Earnings spotlight: Thursday: Pony Ai (PONY). See the full earnings calendar.
Earnings spotlight: Friday: BYD, Carnival Corp. See the full earnings calendar.
Volatility watch: Coinbase (COIN) and lululemon (LULU) have a high level of implied volatility based on options trading. Sunrun (RUN) and Omega Therapeutics (OMGAQ) head into the new week with a high level of short interest outstanding on them. The most overbought stocks per their 14-day relative strength index include Tilly’s (TLYS), Adecoagro (AGRO
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