Fans in festive mood as BTS comes back after 4-yr hiatus | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
BTS performs at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square during a concert marking the live debut of the group's fifth studio album, "Arirang," on March 21, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) The concert drew more than 40,000 people to the Gwanghwamun area, authorities said, prompting police to step up security measures and restrict traffic in nearby areas. Fans take photos during BTS' comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul on March 21, 2026. (Yonhap) As all seven members stepped onto the main stage at 8 p.m., cheers erupted across the square. Fans of BTS move under police guidance after the K-pop group's comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul on March 21, 2026. (Yonhap) After the concert wrapped up, fans slowly made their way out under police guidance. Some expressed gratitude to the Seoul city government and police for making the event possible at such a symbolic location, with one fan saying in English, "Thank you, police." ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles BTS opens up about fears, excitement at historic 'Arirang' stage (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul BTS comeback show to 'spotlight symbolism of Gwanghwamun Square' BTS sets own first-day sales record with 'Arirang' Keywords #BTS #concert #fans Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul (LEAD) S.

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SEOUL, March 21 (Yonhap) -- Fans of BTS were in a festive mood as the K-pop supergroup returned to the stage Saturday in full lineup for the first time in four years, with a massive free comeback concert in downtown Seoul.
The 60-minute show, livestreamed on Netflix worldwide, followed the release of the group's fifth album, "Arirang," on Friday, which sold nearly 4 million copies on its first day, according to its agency, Hybe.
The highly anticipated concert came after all seven members have completed South Korea's mandatory military service, marking a long-awaited reunion for BTS fans, ARMY, the group's dedicated fanbase.
BTS performs at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square during a concert marking the live debut of the group's fifth studio album, "Arirang," on March 21, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
The concert drew more than 40,000 people to the Gwanghwamun area, authorities said, prompting police to step up security measures and restrict traffic in nearby areas.
The venue included about 22,000 standing-only spots stretching from Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul City Hall. Many fans also watched the concert on large outdoor screens set up on nearby buildings, while others gathered around the plaza to catch the performance.
Set against the historic backdrop of Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace, the performance was lit in vibrant hues of purple, red and blue, turning the heart of Seoul into a dazzling open-air stage.
Fans take photos during BTS' comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul on March 21, 2026. (Yonhap)
As all seven members stepped onto the main stage at 8 p.m., cheers erupted across the square.
Fans waved light sticks, shouted "BTS, I love you," and some were overcome with emotion, wiping away tears at the long-awaited reunion.
When BTS' global hit "Butter" began to play, the crowd instantly broke into a massive sing-along, swaying and dancing in unison.
The energy culminated in a roaring chorus during the final song, "Dynamite," when one foreign fan shouted "No!" in protest at the concert ending.
Fans of BTS move under police guidance after the K-pop group's comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul on March 21, 2026. (Yonhap)
After the concert wrapped up, fans slowly made their way out under police guidance. Some expressed gratitude to the Seoul city government and police for making the event possible at such a symbolic location, with one fan saying in English, "Thank you, police."
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Some expressed gratitude to the Seoul city government and police for making the event possible at such a symbolic location, with one fan saying in English, "Thank you, police." ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles BTS opens up about fears, excitement at historic 'Arirang' stage (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul BTS comeback show to 'spotlight symbolism of Gwanghwamun Square' BTS sets own first-day sales record with 'Arirang' Keywords #BTS #concert #fans Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul (LEAD) S.

### Implications
- Some expressed gratitude to the Seoul city government and police for making the event possible at such a symbolic location, with one fan saying in English, "Thank you, police." ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles BTS opens up about fears, excitement at historic 'Arirang' stage (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul BTS comeback show to 'spotlight symbolism of Gwanghwamun Square' BTS sets own first-day sales record with 'Arirang' Keywords #BTS #concert #fans Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul (LEAD) S.
- Korea joins 7 countries in leaders' statement on Strait of Hormuz BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return (LEAD) Downtown Seoul braces for massive crowd at BTS comeback concert S.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers bts, seoul, concert topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 733.