BTS launches 'ARIRANG' world tour in Goyang, kicking off record-breaking global run

BTS / Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

BTS will open its world tour at Goyang Stadium on Thursday, with additional shows scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, marking the start of what the group's label described as the largest concert tour by a Korean act.

The tour, which supports the group's fifth studio album "ARIRANG," is set to span 85 shows across 34 cities, including stops in Tokyo, North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Additional dates in Japan and the Middle East are being planned, according to group's label, BigHit Music. All 46 shows, including those in Goyang and stops in Tokyo, North America and Europe, have sold out.

The concerts will feature a 360-degree stage format, with no designated front-facing section. Members cited the configuration as both a creative challenge and a highlight, saying it allows the group to engage with audiences in all directions simultaneously.

Speaking ahead of the tour through BigHit Music, the members shared their anticipation for their return to the concert stage after an extended hiatus due to mandatory military service.

"I still can't quite believe it," said BTS leader RM.

"The preparation wasn't easy with a 360-degree stage, but once we get going I think it's going to be a lot of fun. More than anything, I'm excited to finally pick up a microphone again and meet ARMY around the world."

Jin said the group was unanimous in viewing concerts as the most important part of being artists.

"We want to meet audiences around the world as soon as possible, and since it's been a while since we've held a world tour, I want to feel the culture and atmosphere of each region firsthand," he said.

Suga echoed the sentiment. "I've thought since I was young that concerts are the most important thing for a musician, and that feeling hasn't changed," he said. "All the members are genuinely looking forward to this world tour."

J-Hope called the tour "always enjoyable and happy," describing it as a festival shared with ARMY, the group's fandom, worldwide. Jimin, for his part, said the group had put significantly more effort into production design this time.

"There have been many performances where choreography took center stage, which made it difficult to try diverse approaches to staging. But this time, we've put a lot more work into the visuals so audiences can enjoy it with their eyes as well," he said.

V said he had trained several times harder than usual out of concern he might have lost his edge after the break. Jung Kook expressed his eagerness to get on stage and described the 360-degree format as something that, despite the pressure, would make the experience more special by placing the audience around them.

In North America, the tour marks the first-ever solo performances by a Korean artist at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Stanford Stadium, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore and AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

In Latin America, BTS becomes the first Korean act to perform at Estadio El Campin in Bogota and Estadio unico de La Plata in Buenos Aires. Chile's Estadio Nacional is also hosting the group in the first-ever solo concert by a Korean artist there.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.