Arabic version: بي تي إس تعود إلى سيول من أجل حفل عودة تاريخي

Fans flocked to Seoul for the highly anticipated return of BTS, the globally renowned K-pop group, performing together for the first time since October 2022. Approximately 260,000 attendees are expected at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, where the band will showcase their new album, *Arirang*, released just a day prior. According to BBC News, the concert marks a significant cultural moment for South Korea, highlighting the group’s influential role in promoting Korean culture worldwide.

The concert venue will accommodate only about 22,000 fans with free tickets, while the rest will gather outside to watch on large screens. Fans like Ami Ostrovskaia, who moved to Seoul from Russia, expressed their excitement about witnessing the performance live, as BTS has inspired many to explore Korean culture. The concert will also be live-streamed on Netflix, further expanding the group’s reach to millions of fans globally.

As BTS prepares to embark on an extensive world tour next month, the excitement in Seoul is palpable. Authorities are deploying around 7,000 police officers to ensure crowd safety and manage access, with significant restrictions in place around the square. Local businesses are bracing for a surge in customers, anticipating the economic boost that accompanies BTS events.

While some locals express concerns about the disruption caused by the concert, many view it as a worthwhile sacrifice for the cultural and economic benefits brought by BTS. The event underscores the band’s enduring popularity and the impact they have had on South Korea’s global image, with expectations that their upcoming tour could generate more than $1 billion in revenue.