On March 21, BTS held their comeback show BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG at Seoul’s iconic Gwanghwamun Square, unveiling stages from their 5th full album ARIRANG.
A “Most Korean” Concept on a Global Stage
With the album title inspired by Korea’s traditional folk song Arirang and the historic backdrop of Gwanghwamun, the performance was promoted as a stage embodying “Korean identity.”
The show featured a fusion of tradition and modern technology, incorporating Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukaksan Mountain, and the Gwanghwamun Gate walls into large-scale media art and drone displays.
“Insane Visuals” — Praise for Scale and Production
Following the performance, many viewers praised the production quality and global scale. Comments such as “The visuals are insane,” “They proved their status,” and “Now I understand why it had to be Gwanghwamun” flooded online communities.
In particular, the use of drones, immersive media art, and the seamless global livestream were highlighted as standout elements.
Criticism Over Missed Cultural Impact
However, not all reactions were positive. Some viewers expressed disappointment, pointing out that the performance did not fully utilize the symbolic significance of the location.
Critiques included comments like “You can barely see Gwanghwamun,” “Statues like King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin weren’t properly showcased,” and “It didn’t feel as ‘Korean’ as expected.”
The relatively short runtime—approximately one hour—was also cited as a drawback.
Mixed Reactions on Music Direction
The musical aspect also drew divided opinions. While some appreciated the global appeal, others commented, “There are too many English songs,” “It didn’t fully bring out Arirang,” and “The songs were a bit underwhelming.”
A Stage That Sparked Conversation
Ultimately, BTS’ attempt to balance Korean cultural identity with global K-pop sensibilities resulted in a performance that sparked widespread discussion.
Whether viewed as a visually groundbreaking spectacle or a concept that fell short of its cultural ambition, the Gwanghwamun comeback stage has undeniably become one of the most talked-about moments in K-pop this year.
Sources: Xports News