SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — BTS will hold its eagerly anticipated comeback concert on Saturday night at Gwanghwamun Square, a prominent landmark in Seoul that epitomizes South Korea's royal heritage and vibrant cultural and political life. This free concert is expected to attract tens of thousands of fans, where the seven members of BTS, all South Korean, will showcase songs from their new album, "ARIRANG," marking their first release in nearly four years.
The album's title, "ARIRANG," references the beloved traditional folk melody that symbolizes Korean identity. Hybe Corp., the parent company of BTS's management agency, emphasized that the album reflects BTS's origins and their current message. The choice of Gwanghwamun Square for the performance underscores the album's symbolic significance as a representation of Korean culture.
Gwanghwamun Square is named after the main gate of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal residence for the Joseon dynasty, which ruled Korea for over five centuries until 1910. Situated in Seoul's heart, the expansive square hosts numerous cultural and artistic events and is home to impressive statues of revered historical figures, including King Sejong, the inventor of the Korean script, and Admiral Yi Sun-shin, who triumphed against Japanese forces in the 16th century. Furthermore, the square stands as a symbol of South Korea's resilient democracy, having been a gathering place for large-scale protests during significant political events in recent years.
The concert at Gwanghwamun will not only reaffirm BTS's roots but will also be streamed live on Netflix for a global audience. BTS's hiatus, due to their mandatory military duties in South Korea, makes this concert particularly significant as it reunites the members after a prolonged absence from the stage. Cultural critic Ha Jae-keun indicated that while BTS could thrive no matter the venue, performing at such a historically rich location offers deeper meaning for the band.
Jung Dukhyun, a pop culture commentator, noted that selecting Gwanghwamun illustrates the idea that Korean traditional culture can resonate globally, paralleling the international success of the Netflix animated series "KPop Demon Hunters," which received an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and Best Song recently.
The concert aims to bolster South Korea's cultural influence worldwide. In preparation for the event, officials are implementing extensive safety measures to prevent crowd-related incidents. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung praised BTS as "a proud artist of the Republic of Korea" and expressed hope that the concert would showcase the nation’s cultural heritage and the charm of K-culture.
While 20,000 ticketed fans are expected to fill the square, an additional 240,000 spectators are anticipated to watch on temporary screens in adjacent areas. Authorities will block roads, reroute subway trains, and close the Gyeongbokgung Palace to ensure public safety and manage the large crowds. Some residents have criticized the event for perceived preferential treatment and potential inconvenience, but many experts argue that the concert serves a broader public interest.
As noted by cultural critic Ha, BTS symbolizes the nation's band and their decision to hold a free, public performance can be seen as a natural choice for the government to support. The concert not only reflects BTS's dedication to their roots but also highlights the global appeal of their culture.
