Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Business

(VIDEO) BTS Comeback Concert Draws 40,000 Fans in Seoul Instead of Expected 260,000

Published

on

SANTOS BRAVOS

SEOUL — K-pop supergroup **BTS** made a highly anticipated return to the stage on March 21, 2026, with a free public concert titled “ARIRANG” at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, marking their first live performance together in nearly four years. While the event drew enthusiastic crowds and global attention via a Netflix livestream, actual attendance fell significantly short of pre-event projections, sparking debate over crowd estimates, security protocols and viewing alternatives.

BTS 'SWIM' Official MV
BTS ‘SWIM’ Official MV

Seoul Metropolitan Government and police officials estimated 40,000 to 42,000 people gathered in the Gwanghwamun and surrounding Deoksugung areas as the 8 p.m. show began, according to Yonhap News Agency and real-time city data. This figure included the 22,000 fans who secured free “Golden Tickets” for the cordoned-off prime viewing zone near the main stage. In contrast, authorities had anticipated up to 260,000 attendees stretching from the square toward historic Sungnyemun Gate, prompting one of the largest security mobilizations in recent Seoul history with 15,000 personnel deployed.

The discrepancy has fueled online discussions and media scrutiny. Police projections, based on factors like ticket demand, historical precedents such as the 2002 World Cup street celebrations (200,000-250,000 people) and Seventeen’s 2025 Bridge Concert (206,000 attendees), prepared for a massive influx. However, three hours before showtime, counts hovered around 30,000, with only 26,000-28,000 near the main zones.

BTS agency HYBE countered with its own estimate of about 104,000 attendees, derived from mobile network data across Korea’s major carriers, including foreign visitors and users on budget phones. HYBE’s method tracked cumulative foot traffic rather than a single snapshot, leading to the higher number. This variance highlighted challenges in counting open-air events, where fans move freely and some areas extend over a kilometer.

Several factors contributed to the lower-than-expected turnout, according to analysts, fans and reports. Strict security measures played a significant role. Authorities implemented extensive traffic controls, bypassed subway stations near the venue throughout the afternoon and evening, raised terror alerts (the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued its first-ever concert disaster alert), and deployed anti-drone systems, barricades and rigorous checkpoints. Netizens on platforms like X and Korean forums criticized these as overly restrictive, potentially deterring casual or last-minute attendees who faced long waits or access issues.

Advertisement

The global Netflix livestream, broadcast live to 190 countries, offered a convenient alternative for millions. Fans worldwide — and even some in Korea — opted to watch from home or public screens rather than brave crowds and weather. The one-hour special, part of promotions for BTS’ fifth full-length album “Arirang” (which sold nearly 4 million copies on its first day), reached a vast audience without the physical demands of in-person attendance.

Weather and timing may have influenced decisions. March evenings in Seoul can be chilly, and the event’s Saturday scheduling overlapped with other activities for some potential attendees. Additionally, the free nature of the concert, while inclusive, meant no guaranteed entry beyond the 22,000 reserved spots — over 100,000 joined online queues last month, but many were turned away or chose not to risk the journey.

Despite the numbers debate, the concert succeeded as a cultural milestone. BTS members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook performed hits alongside tracks from “Arirang,” including a revival of the Korean folk song that inspired the title. Eight large video screens helped those farther back enjoy the show, and the event generated significant economic buzz, though below some pre-event projections of $177 million in related revenue.

The lower physical crowd did not diminish the excitement among those present, many of whom described an electric atmosphere. Global ARMY (BTS fans) celebrated online, sharing clips and praising the production quality on Netflix. The concert serves as a launchpad for BTS’ upcoming Arirang World Tour, slated for April 2026 through March 2027 across 34 regions, with expectations of millions in total attendance.

Advertisement

As Seoul returns to normal operations, the event underscores the evolving nature of large-scale K-pop spectacles — blending in-person intimacy with digital reach. While the 40,000-42,000 figure disappointed some hoping for a record-breaking street takeover, it still marked one of the largest public gatherings in recent years, proving BTS’ enduring pull even amid modern viewing options and heightened safety protocols.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

(VIDEO) Sunderland Stuns Newcastle with Late Winner in Tyne-Wear Derby: Black Cats Triumph 2-1

Published

on

Everton 3-0 Chelsea Premier League Highlights: Beto Brace Powers Toffees

Sunderland delivered a dramatic comeback victory in the 144th Tyne-Wear derby, defeating Newcastle United 2-1 on Sunday at St James’ Park in the first Premier League meeting between the fierce North East rivals at the venue in over a decade.

Brian Brobbey scored a 90th-minute winner to hand Sunderland the three points after Chemsdine Talbi leveled the score in the 57th minute, overturning Anthony Gordon’s early opener for Newcastle. The result lifted Sunderland to 11th in the Premier League table while leaving Newcastle in 12th, deepening frustration for the Magpies amid a challenging season.

Sunderland Stuns Newcastle with Late Winner in Tyne-Wear Derby: Black
Sunderland Stuns Newcastle with Late Winner in Tyne-Wear Derby: Black Cats Triumph 2-1

The match, played before a raucous sell-out crowd of 52,253, kicked off at 12:00 p.m. GMT under referee Anthony Taylor. Newcastle struck first in the 10th minute when Anthony Gordon capitalized on a defensive error by Sunderland’s Nick Woltemade, slotting home from close range after a precise assist. The goal ignited St James’ Park, with Newcastle dominating possession and creating chances through Anthony Elanga and others.

Sunderland weathered the early storm and grew into the game. A disallowed header from Malick Thiaw for offside kept the deficit at one at halftime. The Black Cats equalized shortly after the restart when Chemsdine Talbi fired in a composed finish to make it 1-1, shifting momentum decisively.

The second half saw end-to-end action, with Newcastle pushing for a winner and Sunderland threatening on counters. Late drama unfolded in stoppage time as Brobbey pounced on a loose ball in the box, rifling a shot past the keeper for the 2-1 lead. Newcastle pressed desperately in the final minutes but could not find an equalizer, with yellow cards shown to Reinildo Mandava and others amid heated exchanges.

Advertisement

Sunderland’s comeback marked a statement win in a fixture absent from the Premier League since 2016 due to Sunderland’s lower-league spells. The victory provided a boost for manager Regis Le Bris’s side, rewarding their resilience and tactical discipline. Brobbey, a summer signing, emerged as the hero with his clinical strike, while Talbi’s equalizer showcased the team’s growing confidence.

For Newcastle, the defeat stung deeply. Manager Eddie Howe faced questions about defensive lapses and inability to hold leads, with Gordon’s bright performance — earning praise as player of the match in some reports — unable to mask broader issues. Expected goals (xG) stats favored Sunderland at 2.45 to Newcastle’s 1.27, reflecting their second-half dominance.

The Tyne-Wear derby carries intense regional rivalry, with fans from both sides creating an electric atmosphere despite the long hiatus at St James’ Park. Sunday’s contest lived up to billing, blending skill, passion and late drama that kept viewers on edge until the final whistle.

Post-match reactions highlighted the significance. Sunderland players celebrated wildly with traveling supporters, while Newcastle’s camp expressed disappointment but resolve to rebound. Analysts noted the result could galvanize Sunderland’s push for mid-table security, while Newcastle must regroup quickly amid a congested fixture schedule.

Advertisement

The match fit into Premier League Matchweek 31, with both teams entering in inconsistent form. Newcastle had shown flashes of quality but struggled for consistency; Sunderland arrived buoyed by recent results and a desire to upset their neighbors.

Highlights included Gordon’s clinical finish, Talbi’s cool equalizer and Brobbey’s decisive strike. Referee decisions, including the disallowed goal and late fouls, sparked debate but did not overshadow the action.

As the 2025-26 season progresses, this derby result adds another chapter to one of English football’s fiercest rivalries. Sunderland’s triumph — their first league win at St James’ Park in years — will fuel celebrations on Wearside, while Newcastle reflects on missed opportunities.

Fans can relive the action through official highlights on Premier League platforms, Sky Sports and club channels. With both sides eyeing European qualification or survival battles, the outcome reverberates beyond the North East.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Business

The Next Bear Market May Have Just Begun

Published

on

The Next Bear Market May Have Just Begun

This article was written by

Michael Kramer is the founder of Mott Capital, and is a long-only investor who focuses on macro themes and studies trends and options activities to identify and assess entry and exit points for investments in his long-term focused thematic growth strategy. He is a former buy-side trader, analyst, and portfolio manager with 30 years of experience tracking market technicals, fundamentals, and options.Michael Kramer leads the investing group Reading the Markets, where he helps a devoted following of members to better understand what is driving trading and where the market is likely heading, both the short and long-term. Features of the investing group include: daily written commentary and videos analyzing the driving factors behind price action; general macro trend education to help members make well-informed decisions based on market conditions, interest rates, currency movements and how they all interact; chat for questions and community dialogue; and regular Zoom videos sessions to discuss current ideas and answer questions. The level of access RTM subscribers and the expertise of the source are unprecedented given that the subscription price is a fraction of similar technical coaching and mentoring services. Learn more.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

This report contains independent commentary to be used for informational and educational purposes only. Michael Kramer is a member and investment adviser representative with Mott Capital Management. Mr. Kramer is not affiliated with this company and does not serve on the board of any related company that issued this stock. All opinions and analyses presented by Michael Kramer in this analysis or market report are solely Michael Kramer’s views. Readers should not treat any opinion, viewpoint, or prediction expressed by Michael Kramer as a specific solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or follow a particular strategy. Michael Kramer’s analyses are based upon information and independent research that he considers reliable, but neither Michael Kramer nor Mott Capital Management guarantees its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. Michael Kramer is not under any obligation to update or correct any information presented in his analyses. Mr. Kramer’s statements, guidance, and opinions are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Neither Michael Kramer nor Mott Capital Management guarantees any specific outcome or profit. You should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investment commentary presented in this analysis. Strategies or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value. Investments or strategies mentioned in this analysis may not be suitable for you. This material does not consider your particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for you. You must make an independent decision regarding investments or strategies in this analysis. Upon request, the advisor will provide a list of all recommendations made during the past twelve months. Before acting on information in this analysis, you should consider whether it is suitable for your circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser to determine the suitability of any investment.

Advertisement

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Continue Reading

Business

Central Banks Spook The Market (NYSEARCA:SPY)

Published

on

Central Banks Spook The Market (NYSEARCA:SPY)

This article was written by

Jonathan Weber holds an engineering degree and has been active in the stock market and as a freelance analyst for many years. He has been sharing his research on Seeking Alpha since 2014. Jonathan’s primary focus is on value and income stocks but he covers growth occasionally. He is a contributing author for the investing group Cash Flow Club where along with Darren McCammon, they focus on company cash flows and their access to capital. Core features include: access to the leader’s personal income portfolio targeting 6%+ yield, community chat, the “Best Opportunities” List, coverage of energy midstream, commercial mREITs, BDCs, and shipping sectors,, and transparency on performance. Learn More.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Nvidia: AI Is Here To Stay, And The Fear Is Misplaced (Rating Upgrade)

Published

on

Nvidia: AI Is Here To Stay, And The Fear Is Misplaced (Rating Upgrade)

Nvidia: AI Is Here To Stay, And The Fear Is Misplaced (Rating Upgrade)

Continue Reading

Business

Challenges And Opportunities As A Seeking Alpha Analyst Overseas

Published

on

Challenges And Opportunities As A Seeking Alpha Analyst Overseas

This article was written by

I’m a long-term investor focused on U.S. and European equities, with a dual emphasis on undervalued growth stocks and high-quality dividend growers. Through years of experience, I’ve learned that sustained profitability—evident in strong margins, stable and expanding free cash flow, and high returns on invested capital—is a more reliable driver of returns than valuation alone. I manage one of my portfolios publicly on eToro, where I qualified as a Popular Investor, allowing others to copy my real-time investment decisions. My background spans Economics, Classical Philology, Philosophy and Theology. This interdisciplinary foundation sharpens both my quantitative analysis and my ability to interpret market narratives through a broader, long-term lens. I started investing when I became a father. By managing wisely what I received and earn, I aim to ensure for me and my children that we don’t have so much that we don’t have to do anything, but that we have enough assets to be free to do what we want. The goal is not to free myself from work, but to make sure I can work in the place and in a way where I can fully express myself.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Zelenskiy urges allies to keep up pressure on Russia ahead of talks with US

Published

on

Zelenskiy urges allies to keep up pressure on Russia ahead of talks with US


Zelenskiy urges allies to keep up pressure on Russia ahead of talks with US

Continue Reading

Business

Truckers Are the First Victims of the Diesel-Price Shock

Published

on

Truckers Are the First Victims of the Diesel-Price Shock

Long-haul trucker Miguel Caveda recently spent around $1,800 on diesel fuel during a week on the road, about 40% more than he typically paid before the Iran war began. 

The sudden surge in diesel prices has eroded Caveda’s profit and upended his business in other ways, too. He has started searching out lighter hauls and avoiding hilly routes that guzzle fuel. He is also keenly aware that the steeper fuel costs will eventually trickle into the prices consumers pay for goods he is carrying—from tires to watermelon—assuming his business survives.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Continue Reading

Business

Beto Brace Powers Toffees to Dominant Win

Published

on

Everton 3-0 Chelsea Premier League Highlights: Beto Brace Powers Toffees

Everton delivered a commanding performance at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, thrashing Chelsea 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with a brace from Beto and a stunning strike from Iliman Ndiaye sealing a result that boosted the Toffees’ European ambitions while intensifying scrutiny on Blues manager Liam Rosenior.

Everton 3-0 Chelsea Premier League Highlights: Beto Brace Powers Toffees
Everton 3-0 Chelsea Premier League Highlights: Beto Brace Powers Toffees to Dominant Win

The Matchweek 31 clash, Everton’s first home game against Chelsea at the waterfront venue, saw David Moyes’s side produce one of their most complete displays of the 2025-26 season. Beto opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a delicate finish over goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after latching onto James Garner’s sublime through ball. The Portuguese forward doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, powering home from Idrissa Gueye’s assist to make it 2-0.

Iliman Ndiaye capped the rout in the 76th minute with a brilliant curled finish into the far corner, assisted by Beto, who turned provider after a long pass from Jordan Pickford. The goal marked Ndiaye’s clinical contribution and brought the Hill Dickinson Stadium to its feet amid an electric atmosphere.

Everton goalkeeper Pickford earned his 100th clean sheet for the club with key saves, including two outstanding stops from Enzo Fernández either side of halftime, denying Chelsea any route back into the contest. The Toffees dominated possession at times, pressed relentlessly and exploited Chelsea’s disjointed defending.

For Chelsea, the defeat marked a fourth consecutive loss across all competitions, following a midweek Champions League humbling against Paris Saint-Germain. Rosenior admitted post-match that his team’s performance was “nowhere near” the level expected, with the Blues struggling to create clear chances despite fielding a talented attacking lineup.

Advertisement

The result lifted Everton to seventh in the Premier League table on 46 points from 31 games, putting them firmly in the mix for European qualification — potentially Champions League spots if results elsewhere align. Chelsea remained in sixth on 48 points but saw their buffer shrink, with pressure mounting on Rosenior amid a poor run that has seen back-to-back 3-0 defeats.

Highlights captured the game’s key moments: Beto’s clinical first goal showcased his hold-up play and finishing instinct, while his second demonstrated improved work rate and positioning. Ndiaye’s third was a moment of individual brilliance, curling the ball past Sanchez from the edge of the box after evading Jorrel Hato.

Everton controlled the narrative throughout, with Garner and Gueye anchoring midfield effectively and the defense, led by Jarrad Branthwaite, standing firm. Chelsea’s frustrations boiled over with late bookings and substitutions that failed to spark a comeback.

Post-match, Moyes praised his players’ intensity and execution, noting the significance of consecutive home league wins at the new stadium — a first this season. “The atmosphere was incredible, and the lads gave everything,” he said. Rosenior, meanwhile, highlighted areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for better cohesion and resilience.

Advertisement

The victory marked Everton’s biggest win over Chelsea since 1987 and underscored their progress under Moyes in the new home. Fans celebrated wildly, with social media buzzing over Beto’s impact — his fifth and sixth goals of the season — and the team’s upward trajectory.

Chelsea now face a quick turnaround, with upcoming fixtures testing their credentials further. Everton will look to build momentum as they chase a top-six finish in a competitive race.

Full-match and extended highlights are available on official Premier League channels, NBC Sports, Sky Sports, BBC Sport and club websites, capturing the goals, saves and atmosphere that defined the evening.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Pearl Diver Credit: Preferred Stock Is The Way To Go (NYSE:PDCC)

Published

on

Pearl Diver Credit: Preferred Stock Is The Way To Go (NYSE:PDCC)

This article was written by

The Investment Doctor is a financial writer, highlighting European small-caps with a 5-7 year investment horizon. He strongly believes a portfolio should consist of a mixture of dividend and growth stocks.
He is the leader of the investment group European Small Cap Ideas which offers exclusive access to actionable research on appealing Europe-focused investment opportunities not found elsewhere. The a focus is on high-quality ideas in the small-cap space, with emphasis on capital gains and dividend income for continuous cash flow. Features include: two model portfolios – the European Small Cap Ideas portfolio and the European REIT Portfolio, weekly updates, educational content to learn more about the European investing opportunities, and an active chat room to discuss the latest developments of the portfolio holdings. Learn more.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Allegations against ICC war crimes prosecutor still under review despite report he was cleared

Published

on

Allegations against ICC war crimes prosecutor still under review despite report he was cleared


Allegations against ICC war crimes prosecutor still under review despite report he was cleared

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025