What in the World BTS mark comeback with Arirang album and historic concert
Mar 23, 2026
Yuna Koo, an on-site Seoul reporter who covered the Gwanghwamun Square comeback, gives an eyewitness account and local context. She describes the show's blend of traditional and modern staging. She discusses tightened security and lower turnout, mixed South Korean reactions to Arirang, BTS’s economic boost to tourism, and their role as a symbol of national soft power.
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Gwanghwamun Stage Turned Historic Backdrop
- Yuna Koo described Gwanghwamun Square transformed into a massive K-pop venue with a 14th century palace gate as backdrop.
- The show began with a traditional bell and opened with the album track Body to Body, blending heritage visuals with modern staging.
Safety Fears Shrunk Crowd Size
- Attendance fell well short of the 260,000 estimate, with tens of thousands attending instead.
- Yuna Koo tied lower turnout to post-Itaewon safety measures and a heavy police presence directing crowds.
Arirang Sparks Debate Over K-pop Westernisation
- South Korean reactions to Arirang were mixed with expectations it would emphasize traditional heritage.
- Critics link this to a broader trend of K-pop westernisation as the genre globalises, reducing clear traditional elements.