Seoul: BTS is set to captivate fans with a free concert marking their comeback at Gwanghwamun Square and the adjacent royal palace on March 21. The K-pop sensation is preparing to deliver a performance that integrates Korean traditional heritage with cutting-edge stage production.
According to Yonhap News Agency, music industry insiders and Seoul city officials revealed on Wednesday that discussions are ongoing for the opening sequence of "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang," scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. on the concert day. The seven members are anticipated to emerge from within the palace grounds, traversing through Geunjeongmun and Heungnyemun gates, before making their way through the main Gwanghwamun gate. This entrance will utilize the three major southern gates of Gyeongbok Palace, with approval already secured to incorporate these gates and the "woldae," a restored ceremonial stage historically used by kings of the Joseon Dynasty.
The planned sequence aims to evoke a traditional royal procession, providing a grand entrance to the main stage, which is expected to be erected on the northern end of the square. Whether this procession will be live or prerecorded is yet to be determined.
Onstage, BTS will reportedly perform alongside 50 dancers and 13 members of a traditional music troupe, aligning with the theme of their fifth studio album, "Arirang." The concert will feature media facade projections showcasing Korean traditional cultural motifs on the Gwanghwamun gate's walls. These projections will also be displayed on the Sungnyemun gate and its walls on March 20, coinciding with the album's release.
Organizers are planning for an audience of 15,000 at Gwanghwamun Square, with live broadcasts on large screens potentially accommodating an additional 13,000 fans at Seoul Plaza. However, safety considerations may lead to adjustments in these numbers.
Fans will soon be able to reserve tickets for the free concert through online ticketing platforms, following an announcement on Hybe's K-pop fan community platform, Weverse. Despite the official capacity limits, it is anticipated that up to 200,000 people could gather in the vicinity, as many fans may congregate outside designated zones.
The event will be directed by renowned British director Hamish Hamilton, known for his work on the Super Bowl halftime show. It will be streamed live on Netflix, marking the platform's first global livestream of a Korean show, targeting 300 million users across 190 countries.
Following the concert, Netflix will air a documentary film titled "BTS: The Return" on March 27, offering a glimpse into the band's creative process behind the new album. The 14-track album, the first new release from BTS in nearly four years, is set to be unveiled at 1 p.m. on March 20.