BTS To Stage Concert In Seoul's Gwanghwamun To Mark Long-awaited Return

SEOUL, March 21 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- K-pop megastar BTS will hold its first full-group concert in Seoul on Saturday since all its members completed military service, drawing excited fans from around the world.

The free concert is scheduled to begin at 8 pm at Gwanghwamun Square in the centre of the capital to mark the release of the group's fifth studio album, "Arirang," on Friday, Yonhap news agency reported.

The album is the band's first group release in three years and nine months since "Proof" in June 2022.

Named after a beloved Korean folk song often considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea, "Arirang" captures BTS' identity as a group that began in Korea, according to its agency, BigHit Music.

While the setlist has not been unveiled, it is expected to include the lead track, "Swim," and the first track, "Body to Body," which features the folk song "Arirang."

This follows team leader RM's remark during a Weverse live broadcast Friday that it would be magnificent if everyone sang along to "Arirang" together at the concert.

RM, who injured his ankle during a rehearsal earlier this week, will appear onstage but is expected to skip part of the choreography, the agency said.

About 22,000 ticketed fans are expected inside the venue. Police expect the total crowd in the surrounding area, stretching to Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, to reach 260,000.

The album's lead track, "Swim," topped the Melon Top 100 songs chart upon its release, while physical sales reached roughly 4 million copies on its first day.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP