Seoul: BTS shared both excitement and heartfelt candor about the fears they carried through nearly four years apart, as the K-pop supergroup made their highly-anticipated return to the stage at Seoul's historic Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday night.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the seven members all spoke candidly about the fears and uncertainties they felt while working on the new album, "Arirang," and preparing for Saturday's special performance, and what it meant to finally be back together. RM, the group's leader, expressed their introspective journey, stating, "We kept asking ourselves what choices we should make and what kind of artist we want to be remembered as. In the end, we found that the answer wasn't outside but within us."
Jin shared his pre-performance concerns, admitting, "I had so many worries before standing here today, but seeing you all again, I am happy." Jimin, visibly moved by the crowd, added, "All seven of us standing on stage together makes me so happy."
Jungkook discussed the pressure associated with the album and their comeback, stating, "I definitely felt some pressure, but being here in front of you all, it feels great." RM, despite his ankle injury, recounted their two months of recording in Los Angeles aimed at creating music that authentically represented the group.
Suga emphasized the importance of honesty in their work, saying, "We worked hard to show a more mature and evolved BTS, and I am so happy to finally present it." J-hope acknowledged the anxieties that accompanied the music-making process, expressing concerns about their lasting impact.
Suga reiterated these sentiments, highlighting the group's ongoing journey of self-discovery and change. "We spent a lot of time thinking about what we should hold onto, and what we need to change. 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," he said.
Before performing "Swim," the main track of their new album, V conveyed determination, stating, "All we can do is keep moving forward without stopping, one step at a time. I keep making music." The performance, livestreamed globally on Netflix, marked the live debut of the group's fifth studio album, released the previous day.