BTS held its first full-group concert since completing mandatory military service at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026. The one-hour show followed the release of its fifth studio album 'Arirang' and drew tens of thousands of fans, streamed live on Netflix worldwide. Members shared candid emotions about their hiatus and return.
BTS staged a one-hour free concert at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026, at 8 p.m., marking the K-pop septet's first full-group performance since completing mandatory military service after nearly four years. The show premiered tracks from its fifth studio album 'Arirang,' released the previous day and selling 3.98 million copies on day one—BTS's record—topping iTunes charts in 88 countries. Hits like 'Butter' and 'Dynamite' featured alongside an encore of 'Mikrokosmos,' with the stage design framing the historic Gwanghwamun Gate, 50 traditional Korean dancers, and costumes inspired by Joseon-era general armor. Livestreamed on Netflix, it fused heritage and modern music. Members opened up emotionally: V said, 'It still doesn't feel real that we're back together as a group.' Jungkook admitted, 'I definitely felt some pressure, but being here in front of you all, it feels great.' J-Hope confessed worries the group 'might be slightly forgotten,' while Suga noted spending time 'thinking about what we should hold onto, and what we need to change,' adding, 'We are still not completely sure and still feel anxious at times, but I think even those emotions are a part of who we are right now.' RM, performing seated due to a rehearsal ankle injury, reflected, 'It's been a long journey, but we've finally made it here.' Crowd estimates varied: police reported 40,000-48,000 attendees including 22,000 ticket holders, Hybe estimated 104,000, below the initial 260,000 projection. Authorities deployed 15,000 safety personnel including 6,700 police, raised the terror alert to the second-lowest level, implemented traffic blocks, subway adjustments, firearm restrictions, and metal detectors in a fenced zone.