Gwanghwamun square became the stage for the grand comeback of BTS and their new album “Arirang” Mar. 21. This was the first time that BTS members performed as a full group in three years after all the members completed their military duties. 

Following the release of “Arirang” on Mar. 20 with the title song “Swim,” the team performed the songs on the following day at Gwanghwamun Square. Netflix livestreamed the concert, marking the first time a K-pop idol’s performance was broadcast live on the platform. The group performed most songs from their new album, including the title song “Swim,” and also staged hits such as “Butter,” “Dynamite,” and “Mic Drop.” 

“It was a sentimental moment for a lot of people because BTS was such a famous figure all along,” Hannah Park (11), a BTS fan, said. “I think it was memorable how they performed in Gwanghwamun Square with their album that embodied Korean identities.” 

The “Arirang” album, named after a 130-year-old Korean folk song, manifests Korean sentiments through its songs. It includes a sampled version of the original Arirang track in “Body to Body” and mentions historical figures in the Korean independence movement, such as Kim Gu, in the song “Alien.” 

Gwanghwamun Square was packed with approximately 40,000 attendees despite only 22,000 of them being able to enjoy the concert with the pre-attained tickets. Other attendees enjoyed the concert far apart, which was only possible as Gwanghwamun Square is an open space. 

The federal government also largely funded and organized the performance: 6,500 police and fire forces were working for safety and restricting people in Gwanghwamun Square. However, such governmental funding also sparked controversy among the Korean public regarding the necessity of government funding and the strict passage restrictions in an open space like Gwanghwamun.