BTS Returns from Military Service for Global Tour, Reunited with Fans in Korea

BTS, the K-pop sensation, reunited for their first concert in nearly four years after completing mandatory military service. Huge crowds of cheering fans shut down central Seoul on Saturday night, celebrating their return with BTS.

South Korean men serve in the military for roughly two years due to the country’s ongoing state of war. Despite past hiatuses affecting other K-pop idols, BTS has defied this trend, drawing international fan support.

Sopia Kim, 71, traveled three hours to attend the concert dressed head-to-toe in BTS’s signature purple. She expressed pride in how the band represents Korea globally and acknowledged their outstanding performances.

The live-streamed concert on Netflix allowed viewers across multiple time zones to watch simultaneously. It opened near Gyeongbokgung Palace, blending historic significance with a global broadcast.

BTS greeted fans after singing three songs from their album. Jin, who enlisted first, reflected on the group’s hiatus and his worries before reuniting with fans at Busan in October 2022.

Approximately 22,000 ticket holders watched the free one-hour concert from designated areas, while many more gathered outside shops and cafés to watch it on television screens. Around 15,000 security personnel were deployed, including about 6,700 police officers.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government anticipated up to 260,000 people but estimated around 40,000 attended in the area. Jen Howes from South Africa and Marco Supetran from the Philippines were among those eager to see BTS perform again.

BTS’s latest album, Arirang, released on March 20, sold 3.98 million copies on its first day. The music video for “SWIM” surpassed 40 million views online. Their world tour begins in Tampa, Florida, on April 25 and concludes in the Philippines on March 14, 2027.