BTS Partners with Netflix for Historic Gwanghwamun Square Comeback Concert on March 21
BTS has partnered with Netflix to broadcast their first full-group performance in over three years, staging a historic comeback at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 at 8 p.m. KST.
The free concert, titled "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG," celebrates the release of their fifth studio album ARIRANG and marks a groundbreaking moment for both K-pop and Netflix. The streaming platform will broadcast the event live to over 190 countries-the first time a major Korean event has been livestreamed globally on Netflix.
First Solo Concert at Gwanghwamun Square
This performance represents the first time any artist has held a standalone concert at Gwanghwamun Square since its 2022 redevelopment. Big Hit Music emphasized the venue's symbolic importance: "Because the word 'Arirang' carries such strong cultural meaning, we wanted to present the first performance in a space that represents Korea."
The group will perform new tracks from ARIRANG for the first time, featuring a dramatic entrance through Gyeongbokgung Palace's ceremonial gates-Geunjeongmun, Heungnyemun, and Gwanghwamun-in what organizers describe as a fusion of Korean heritage and cutting-edge production.
Up to 15,000 fans can attend in-person at Gwanghwamun Square, with an additional 13,000 watching on screens at Seoul Plaza. The production will include 50 dancers, 13 traditional musicians, and media facade projections on the historic gates, directed by Hamish Hamilton, known for directing Super Bowl halftime shows.
Return After Military Service
BTS went on hiatus in December 2022 as all seven members-RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook-completed South Korea's mandatory military service. SUGA was the last to be discharged on June 21, 2025, finally reuniting the complete group.
This marks their first major Seoul performance since 2020, when they appeared at Gyeongbokgung Palace for NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
ARIRANG Album and Documentary
ARIRANG drops on March 20, 2026 at 1 p.m. KST-one day before the concert. The 14-track album draws its name from a traditional Korean folk song symbolizing longing, separation, and reunion. Big Hit Music describes it as capturing "BTS's identity as a group that began in Korea" and exploring themes of yearning and deep love.
The album already surpassed 3 million presaves on Spotify, crossing 1 million in just two days and hitting top rankings on Spotify's Countdown Charts Global for two consecutive weeks.
On March 27, Netflix will premiere "BTS: THE RETURN," a feature-length documentary directed by Bao Nguyen (The Greatest Night in Pop). The film follows the group's reunion in Los Angeles as they recorded ARIRANG, capturing their creative process and emotional journey after nearly four years apart.
World Tour to Follow
After the Gwanghwamun concert, BTS will launch the ARIRANG World Tour, beginning April 9, 2026 in Goyang, South Korea. The tour spans 34 regions with 82 shows across Asia, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Australia through 2027.
The comeback has already generated massive economic impact in Seoul, with hotels near Gwanghwamun reaching full capacity two months in advance and room rates jumping 72% at some properties. Major retailers throughout central Seoul are planning special events and promotions to capitalize on the expected influx of international fans.
