Pop royalty BTS returned to London after seven long years away with a spectacular stadium show that was among the slickest, most immersive and unquestionably the loudest the capital has seen in years. If the deafening screams from start to finish were anything to go by, then fans were definitely ready to have them back.
Who Are BTS and Their Journey?
For anyone who needs a crash course, BTS are seven singers from Korea: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, who have become the biggest global success story in K-pop history. Unlike your typical boy band, they've had an interesting journey, from having their meteoric momentum halted by Covid-19 to completing compulsory military service, which is required of all men in South Korea.
The Spectacular Stage Design
But now that they are back the septet made sure fans could see every inch of them. As well as gargantuan screens set up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to catch every on-stage movement, the stage features a 360-degree, in-the-round stage with a jeongja pavilion inspired by Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The BTS Army, as their fans are known, are renowned for their near-unrivalled appreciation of the group, but here there was attention to detail that even they might have missed. The stage floor incorporates visual elements from the South Korean flag with extended multi-directional runways leading out into the audience for those in the pit to really get up close.
The Arirang Tour and Setlist Highlights
The Arirang tour celebrates their comeback with 88 shows, making them the first South Korean act to ever achieve the feat as they continue to raise the bar. During the set they blend their global pop hits with clever staging that reflects their origins and identity. The anthemic Idol sets the stadium alight with 50 dancers holding up traditional Korean flags lit up with LED lights to form a grand parade that marched around the stage - the perfect celebration of an emphatic return.
Flawless Performance and Fan Interaction
The choreography and vocals were flawless, with the band not missing a beat while also managing to make the north London crowd swoon with their easy banter and playful onstage antics. There were plenty of kisses being blown and the group spent much of the night schmoozing the adoring crowd. The guys even attempted English accents, declaring: "It's blooming lovely to be here." And: "Cheers-mate-ing" their fans. They even joked that they were partially responsible for England's World Cup glory.
"London, it's been a while. Congrats on the win last night," 31-year-old band leader RM exclaimed, rewarded with a huge cheer. "We always bring the luck to every place. When we were in Belgium, Belgium won, and now we're in London, England won. You see?"
Emotional Finale and Messages to Fans
After thumping through their hits, the set slowed right down for the final bow of the evening. The stage slowly spun round as each member took turns giving a message to fans that felt genuine and from the heart. Many spoke in their native Korean with a translator. BTS last played London in 2019, becoming the first South Korean group to headline Wembley Stadium.
RM said: "(Being here) gives me a lot of reminiscing. There was Covid, there was military, and now we're here in 2026 together. I missed you so much." Group mate V said: "London is the place I like the most. You always go above my expectations. It's always exciting to perform in front of you, and the Army gives me chills down my spine." Rapper and producer Suga added: "I don't think you guys have changed. You're still a passionate country. I'm still feeling the same emotions I felt at Wembley." If this was the beginning of their next chapter, it was one worth waiting for.
