On March 21, BTS held their comeback show BTS RETURN LIVE | ARIRANG in Seoul’s iconic Gwanghwamun Square, unveiling the stages of their fifth full-length album ARIRANG.
A “more Korean” concept on a global stage
With the album title inspired by the traditional Korean folk song Arirang and the historical backdrop of Gwanghwamun, the performance was promoted as a stage that embodies “Korean Identity”.
The show featured a fusion of tradition and modern technology, incorporating Gyeongbokgung Palace, Mount Bukaksan and the walls of Gwanghwamun Gate into large-scale multimedia and drone art displays.
“Insane Visuals” – Praise for scale and production
After the show, many viewers praised the quality of the production and the global scale. Comments like “The images are crazy” “They demonstrated their status” AND “Now I understand why it had to be Gwanghwamun” inundated online communities.
In particular, the use of drones, immersive multimedia art and seamless global live streaming were highlighted as standout elements.
Criticisms on the lack of cultural impact
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some spectators expressed disappointment, pointing out that the performance did not fully exploit the symbolic meaning of the location.
Criticisms included comments such as “You can barely see Gwanghwamun,” “Statues such as King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin were not properly displayed” AND “It didn’t seem as ‘Korean’ as expected.”
The relatively short battery life, around an hour, was also cited as a disadvantage.
Mixed reactions on the musical direction
The musical aspect also aroused divergent opinions. While some appreciated the global appeal, others commented, “There are too many English songs” “It didn’t bring out Arirang completely,” AND “The songs were a little disappointing.”
A phase that sparked the conversation
Ultimately, BTS’s attempt to balance Korean cultural identity with the global sensibilities of K-pop resulted in a performance that sparked widespread discussion.
Whether seen as a visually innovative show or a concept that failed to achieve its cultural ambition, Gwanghwamun’s comeback stage has undeniably become one of the most talked about moments in K-pop this year.
Sources: Xports News
