BTS launched their Arirang World Tour on April 9 at Goyang Stadium near Seoul, delivering a polished 23-song set amid steady rain for the first of three sold-out nights. Around 40,000 fans braved the downpour, with half a million more watching a livestream, staying engaged throughout as the group blended tracks from their new Arirang album with hits after a four-year hiatus due to mandatory military service.
The concert marked BTS's first major tour since completing military service, following a free March concert in Seoul that drew 250,000 attendees. Fans arrived as early as 6:30 a.m., undeterred by torrential rain described by the BBC. Standout moments included high-energy medleys and a communal sing-along of the traditional folk song Arirang. The opener, 'Hooligan'—produced by El Guincho, Fakeguido, Jasper Harris, and Ghstloop—built tension with rising strings and sharp effects, highlighting the group's vocal-rap interplay.
Elaborate production shone through the weather: lasers and fluorescent-lit dancers joined during the 'Not Today' remix from Wings, ending in pyro; 'Fire' featured more pyrotechnics; the 'Mic Drop' remix showcased tight choreography. The members used a circular stage for 'Run' to engage all sections. During 'Swim,' V lay on the wet stage mimicking a breaststroke, prompting RM to quip, 'Watch out. You might get hurt like me,' referencing his rehearsal ankle injury. Suga dubbed the venue a 'water park.' Jimin addressed the soaked crowd at the main set's end: 'I’m soaked down to my underwear, but the most important thing was getting to see you all. For four years, I couldn’t see you and it was tough, but it’s an honor that I got to see you again.'
BTS has additional South Korea dates through the weekend and U.S. shows starting April 25 in Tampa, Florida.