Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square overflowed with excitement as BTS fans gathered in massive numbers for the group’s highly anticipated comeback live broadcast on March 21. The event, titled “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,” aired on ARIRANG, BTS’s fifth regular channel, marking their full return after three years and nine months.
Venue Reaches Full Capacity Early
The comeback event kicked off at 8 p.m., but crowds began swelling around noon in surrounding areas. Officials estimate 22,000 to 24,000 fans packed nearby streets and landmarks, pushing the total attendance toward a peak of 26,000. The venue hit full capacity well before showtime, with the manager stating, “Even without tickets, they came—every corner of Gwanghwamun is packed.”
Ratings soared immediately, hitting a three-minute peak of 91.9% and a one-minute high of 20.8%. The show continued with encore performances, including “Yet to Come” in the final segment, followed by “BTS Bomb” at 1 a.m. and “Yakgan Bump Bump” at 2 a.m.
ARMY Takes Over Seoul Streets
BTS fandom ARMY transformed the area into a sea of purple. Fans without tickets lined up for direct views on large screens, while businesses swiftly adapted by displaying BTS merchandise and hanging “Welcome ARMY” signs. Cafes and restaurants brimmed with purple decorations, capturing the group’s signature vibe.
Foreign fans joined the frenzy, snapping photos, trading goods, and setting up pre-concert vibes. Even online broadcasters hosted special fan meetups, amplifying the global energy around the event.
