SEOUL — BTS performed their first full-group concert in nearly four years Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, drawing an estimated 40,000 to 42,000 fans to the historic plaza despite initial expectations of up to 260,000 attendees.

The one-hour free event, titled “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,” marked the septet’s official return after completing mandatory military service and the release of their fifth studio album *Arirang* on March 20. The seven members — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — delivered a set heavy on new material from the album, blending Korean cultural motifs with their signature sound in front of a sea of purple light sticks.

Seoul Metropolitan Government and police estimates placed attendance at 40,000-42,000 in the Gwanghwamun area as the show began at 8 p.m. KST, significantly below pre-event projections of 260,000 that prompted massive security preparations including 15,000 personnel, anti-drone systems and traffic restrictions. About 22,000 fans with free tickets accessed a cordoned-off standing area near the stage, while others watched from surrounding streets on temporary screens or via Netflix’s global livestream to 190 countries.

The lower turnout reflected stricter crowd controls and the symbolic yet compact venue choice — Gwanghwamun Square, flanked by Gyeongbokgung Palace and statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin — rather than a larger stadium. Authorities designated the area “crowded” but managed dispersal smoothly, with Gwanghwamun Station resuming service by 10 p.m. as fans exited.

The concert opened with RM greeting the crowd: “Hello, Seoul,” before launching into tracks like “Body to Body” and “Swim,” the lead single. The setlist emphasized *Arirang*’s themes of Korean identity and resilience, with fan-favorite moments including group harmonies on “Into the Sun” and a medley nod to older hits. Jung Kook’s high notes, Jimin’s emotive delivery and SUGA’s rap intensity drew cheers, while the members appeared energized despite the long hiatus.

HYBE, BTS’s agency, described the event as a “historic milestone,” with the title *Arirang* — drawn from Korea’s beloved folk song — symbolizing roots and renewal. RM reflected on the wait: “We’ve been away, but our hearts never left.” The show also served as a prelude to the *Arirang World Tour*, starting April 9-12 in Goyang, South Korea, with 82 dates planned across continents through 2027.

The free, open-air format aimed to reach as many fans as possible, with Netflix handling the global stream. While physical attendance fell short of hype, the broadcast reached millions, reaffirming BTS’s worldwide influence. Fans chanted and danced safely, with police praising orderly behavior amid the massive gathering.

The event underscored K-pop’s cultural weight in Korea, temporarily transforming a political and historical landmark into a celebration space. Security was tight — body checks, barricades and restricted access — but the atmosphere remained festive, with purple lights illuminating the square long after the performance ended.

As BTS embarks on their next chapter, the Gwanghwamun show will be remembered as a heartfelt reunion blending intimacy with spectacle, even if the crowd size surprised some observers. The group’s return signals renewed momentum for K-pop’s biggest act.