BTS holds full-group debut anniversary festival in Busan

BTS has finally reunited as a full group to celebrate its debut anniversary with a festival concert.

According to agency Big Hit Music on Friday, BTS is holding the world tour "BTS World Tour 'Arirang' in Busan" at Busan Asiad Main Stadium through Saturday.

The concerts mark the group's first domestic shows in about two months since their Goyang performances in April, and carry special significance as the first full-group "BTS Festa" since all members completed their mandatory military service.

Saturday falls on BTS's 13th debut anniversary. The group's return to Busan comes roughly three years and eight months after "BTS 'Yet to Come' in Busan," a concert held in October 2022 in support of the city's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. That event was tinged with bittersweet emotion as the members were on the verge of enlisting. This time the mood is expected to be one of genuine celebration, marked by the remarkable success of their post-discharge full-group album and the joy of being back together.

Leader RM said through the agency that he was "so happy to be performing in Korea again after about two months." He added that Busan holds deeper meaning for him as the site of his last concert before enlisting. "I want to create a wonderful time together with the audience," he said.

Jin, the eldest member, also expressed his excitement. "I'm so happy to be able to enjoy a performance again with our ARMY in Korea on such a wonderful day," he said. "I hope we can share that same emotion again through this concert. I hope it becomes a time everyone can enjoy to the fullest and remember for a long time."

Other members who vividly remember the energy of the previous Busan concert shared their own anticipation. Suga said the roar and heat of the crowd that day still stayed with him nearly four years later. "I'm really looking forward to being with you all in Busan again," he said. "I hope we can create another blazing concert together." J-Hope, reflecting on a renewed sense of purpose after completing his military service, said his mindset had changed considerably since that last Busan show. "Now I can say it with confidence — I'm having more fun now," he said, and went on to say he hoped the tour would bring everyone together. "Please enjoy it to the fullest."

The feelings surrounding the group's debut anniversary were equally heartfelt. V said performing in Busan around June 13 — BTS's debut date — held truly special meaning for the members. "I want to share this happy moment with ARMY," he said. "I hope everyone who comes to the concert makes many wonderful memories."

Jimin and Jungkook, both Busan natives, could barely contain their excitement. Jimin said performing in his hometown after such a long time was thrilling, and that following the Goyang shows, reuniting with fans in Korea again made it all the more meaningful. "I want to give everyone who has waited so long another great memory," he said. Jungkook sent a warm message directly to fans: "Busan feels even more special because it's my hometown. I can't wait to get there and enjoy the concert with you all. It's been a while since we've met in Busan, so I really want to make it a fun time. I miss you — let's meet soon!"

The Busan concerts sold out the moment tickets went on sale, further demonstrating the strong momentum of the "Arirang" tour, which has spanned 20 shows across seven cities including Tokyo and cities in North America. For global fans unable to attend in person, a live online stream will be available through Weverse. On Saturday, a live viewing broadcast will reach more than 80 countries and regions worldwide.

Throughout the concert period, Busan will transform into one vast festival space. A drone light show over Gwangandaegyo, a big-roof light show at the Busan Cinema Center, and media facade displays along Gwangbokno and at the Busan Eurasia Platform will fill the city's major landmarks with the group's musical narrative and message, building the festival atmosphere to a peak.

shee@heraldcorp.com