In a video posted to BTS’ official YouTube channel on June 11, the group looked back on their recent performances and interactions with fans around the world. Among the highlights, BTS said hearing fans collectively sing the Korean folk song Arirang during concerts remains one of the most moving experiences of the tour.
“No matter which country or city we visit, the moment ARMY sings ‘Arirang’ together is the one that gives us chills and makes us emotional,” the members shared.
The song was sampled in BTS’ recent track Body to Body, and its inclusion created powerful moments of connection between the group and their global fanbase.
The members also spoke warmly about seeing fans enjoying the concerts with more confidence and enthusiasm than ever before. “We enjoyed seeing how much more comfortably fans enjoy the performances than in the past,” BTS said. “We could really feel how much he missed us during our time away.” Their comments come as the group continues its first major world tour after completing their military service obligations, marking a new chapter in BTS’ career.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the tour took place in Mexico earlier this year. The group reflected on visiting Mexico City after receiving an invitation from Claudia Sheinbaum. During their appearance at the Presidential Palace, more than 50,000 people reportedly gathered in the city’s iconic Zócalo square. “We were shocked when we saw the square full of people,” BTS recalled. “There were so many of them that we couldn’t even tell if everyone had gathered for a festival or for us.”
The group’s three concerts at the Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City, held on May 7, 9 and 10, reportedly attracted a combined audience of approximately 150,000 fans.
As BTS celebrates the 13th anniversary of their debut, the members also discussed how they have changed over the years. Comparing themselves to four years ago, they admitted that their perspective on work and life has matured significantly. “Four years ago, we tackled everything without hesitation,” they explained. “Now we think much more deeply about our work.”
The members added that while the energy between all seven members remains unchanged, each individual has grown personally. “We are still the same seven people, but we have all evolved as individuals. As a group, we have become much more relaxed and balanced. It seems that we have truly become adults.”
BTS is currently in the midst of a massive world tour scheduled to cover 86 shows in 34 cities around the world. The group has completed 20 shows so far.
Subsequently, BTS will celebrate their debut anniversary with special concerts at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on June 12 and 13. The members concluded their message by thanking fans for their continued support. “Please continue to cheer for us so that we can finish the tour happily and in good health. We also hope everyone looks forward to the Busan concerts.”
As BTS enters their thirteenth year together, the group’s emotional bond with ARMY remains as strong as ever, with moments like thousands of fans singing Arirang together serving as a reminder of their unique global bond.
Sources: Daum | Kookmin Ilbo
