Editor’s note
This is the second of two articles diving into the meaning and spectacle of K-pop act BTS’ comeback show, slated for March 21 at the historic and symbolic Gwanghwamun Square in the center of Seoul. — ED.
K-pop juggernaut BTS is preparing to return as a full group with a large-scale free concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square next month, transforming one of the capital’s most symbolic public spaces into a rare open-air performance venue.
As anticipation builds around the group’s first complete lineup concert since October 2022 — nearly three years and four months ago — official announcements and industry sources are offering a clearer picture of what fans can expect from the upcoming comeback event.
Titled “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,” the Gwanghwamun concert will take place March 21 at 8 p.m., a day after the release of the group’s fifth studio album, “Arirang.”
The concert will serve as the live launch for the new record. According to HYBE Labels, the group’s agency, the show will run for roughly an hour, presenting a compact stage centered on the new work alongside several of the group’s well-known hits.
Tourists dressed in hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing, visit Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul, Jan. 5. Yonhap
Rooted in Korean heritage
The staging concept of the show draws directly from Korea’s cultural legacy, combining historical symbolism with large-scale contemporary performance. The show will be directed by Hamish Hamilton, the renowned live event director best known for leading the Super Bowl halftime show annually since 2010, raising expectations for the production.
HYBE has received approval from the Korea Heritage Agency to incorporate several of the country’s most iconic cultural sites, including Gyeongbok Palace, Gwanghwamun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate, into the show’s staging and visual narrative.
One of the concert’s most notable components is expected to be a ceremonial-style opening sequence, beginning inside Gyeongbok Palace and moving through key royal gates: Geunjeongmun, Heungnyemun, Gwanghwamun and the recently restored “woldae,” or royal ceremonial platform. This path follows the historic “eodo” — the king’s road once reserved solely for monarchs during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
The main stage is expected to be set up in the northern section of Gwanghwamun Square, positioned against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun Gate. While final staging details are still under the veil, the location and layout suggest a deliberate visual alignment between BTS’ performance and the country’s historic seat of power.
Industry sources additionally indicate that the performance may incorporate a large supporting cast, including around 50 dancers and a 13-member traditional “Arirang” ensemble, hinting at a concept that blends contemporary performance with Korean musical motifs.
In a further nod to this theme, special media projections are planned on major Seoul landmarks, including Sungnyemun Gate, on March 20, the album’s release date. Organizers say these visual displays will juxtapose contemporary digital expression with traditional architecture, creating symbolic scenes where past and present meet.
Large digital billboards display advertising content near the Gwanghwamun Square of central Seoul, Feb. 5. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Massive turnout expected
HYBE is currently in discussions with Seoul City officials to accommodate around 15,000 ticketed spectators across standing and reserved seating areas, though the figure has not been finalized.
The confirmed portion of the audience so far includes 2,000 standing spots distributed through a raffle on Weverse, a global fan platform, for buyers of the new album, while additional tickets for reserved seating behind the standing zone will be offered later this month.
According to information announced on Weverse, the stage will feature a T-shaped design with a protruding runway extending toward the audience, placing standing sections near the front and temporary seating likely stretching along the plaza behind. While a detailed seating map has not yet been released, the layout is expected to reflect the long, linear structure of Gwanghwamun Square rather than a traditional arena configuration.
General reservations for free tickets to the performance will open at 8 p.m. on Feb. 23 via NOL Ticket. Reservations will be open to all, with detailed booking instructions set to be announced at noon on Feb. 20 through Weverse and NOL Ticket.
Interest around the event has already extended beyond the official ticketed zones. Prime locations near the venue, including hotels such as Four Seasons Hotel Seoul — the closest property to Gwanghwamun Square — have sold out, as fans secure rooms offering distant views of the concert atmosphere.
City officials are also reviewing plans to install large outdoor screens at nearby locations such as Seoul Plaza and major intersections along Sejong-daero. They are also reviewing the possibility of using existing electronic billboards in the area to broadcast the performance, allowing more people to watch the performance outside the ticketed area.
Authorities are preparing for significantly larger crowds beyond the designated zones, as fans without tickets are expected to gather around the site. Police estimate that up to 230,000 people could assemble from the stage area toward Deoksu Palace’s Daehanmun Gate, with numbers potentially reaching around 260,000 as far as Sungnyemun Gate.
Netflix will livestream BTS’ upcoming performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul at 8 p.m., March 21. Courtesy of BigHit Music
Netflix bets big
The comeback is also positioned as a global broadcast event. The concert will stream live on Netflix to viewers in more than 190 countries, beginning simultaneously at 8 p.m., marking the platform’s first global livestream of a major music event staged in Korea.
“Both companies shared the understanding that a moment this meaningful needed a live experience. Netflix’s ability to connect audiences across more than 190 countries made it a natural home for BTS’s return,” a Netflix Korea spokesperson told The Korea Times.
“This event reflects Netflix’s broader approach to live programming, which is focused on creating distinctive, global events. We’re always exploring ideas that feel culturally meaningful and can bring fans together in real time.”
Netflix declined to disclose specific deal points with HYBE, but industry sources speculate the platform invested billions of won to secure the livestream as they expect increased membership to attract BTS fans worldwide.
The global streaming service will further extend the comeback rollout through a feature-length documentary, “BTS: The Return,” which follows the making of the group’s upcoming album and is set to premiere March 27.
In tandem with the performance, BTS will also launch a citywide project, “THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL,” commemorating its return, beginning March 20, the day of the album release, through April 12. The program will feature interactive content combining BTS’ music and media, along with installation projects integrated into Seoul’s urban landscape.
K-pop act BTS / Courtesy of BigHit Music
