BTS Arirang: Seoul hosts tens of thousands of excited fans

RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook perform together for the first time since October 2022.

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According to entertainment company HYBE, about 104,000 people attended the concert on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square, where the seven K-pop stars - RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook - performed together for the first time since October 2022.

Set against the backdrop of a 14th Century gateway to the royal palace, the band's one-hour set included songs from their long-awaited new album, Arirang, which was released on Friday afternoon.

Entering Seoul's central Gwanghwamun square was like stepping into a temple dedicated to the boyband. It was covered in purple, the signature colour of BTS.

The stage itself resembled a triumphal arch. It is a rare honour paid to the seven idols who have become the face of Korea's cultural success.