BTS is set to hold their highly anticipated return concert on Saturday evening at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, a renowned South Korean landmark representing the country’s rich heritage and political and cultural significance.
The K-pop group, consisting of seven South Korean members, will perform songs from their latest album, “ARIRANG,” after a hiatus due to fulfilling mandatory military service in South Korea. The free concert is expected to attract a large crowd of fans and will be livestreamed on Netflix globally at 7 a.m. ET.
According to pop culture analyst Jung Dukhyun, the choice of Gwanghwamun Square highlights the belief that traditional Korean culture and local influences can resonate on a worldwide scale, as demonstrated by the success of the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.”
The timing of BTS’s comeback aligns with the increasing popularity of Korean entertainment globally, particularly in North America, where productions like “Squid Game,” “Parasite,” and the musical “Maybe Happy Ending” have gained acclaim.
In the entertainment realm, the film “KPop Demon Hunters” made history by securing four simultaneous Billboard top 10 hits and becoming the first K-pop girl group to top the Hot 100 chart. Their track “Golden” also achieved a milestone by topping Billboard’s radio songs chart and winning the Best Original Song category at the recent Academy Awards.
BTS’s success in North America has been pivotal for the rise of K-pop in Western markets, with achievements such as their Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Dynamite” in 2020 and winning the top social artist award at the Billboard Music Awards in 2017.
Gwanghwamun Square, named after the main gate of Gyeongbokgung palace, embodies Korea’s historical and cultural significance, featuring statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-shin. The square has also served as a symbol of democracy, hosting political rallies during times of unrest.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung praised BTS as proud representatives of Korean culture and expressed optimism that the concert would showcase the beauty of Korean heritage and K-culture. The event is expected to draw around 20,000 ticketed fans at the square, with an additional 240,000 spectators watching on screens in nearby areas.
Authorities have made preparations for the event, including road closures, rerouting subway trains, and closing Gyeongbokgung palace to accommodate the large audience.