BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour

BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour

Despite the relentless downpours, BTS launched their global tour in Goyang Stadium, South Korea, marking the start of a highly anticipated journey. The open-air event saw the group and their supporters drenched by the heavy rain, yet they remained undeterred. V, one of the members, described the conditions as “raining like crazy,” splashing through puddles on the massive, 360-degree stage. Suga humorously compared the venue to “a water park,” while Jimin expressed his frustration with the weather, stating it had left him “frustrated and stressed.” However, he reassured the crowd, saying, “But that’s not what’s important. What’s important is that you’re here with us.”

The band delivered an energetic performance, showcasing a 23-song lineup that highlighted their musical evolution. After a four-year break, during which each member completed mandatory military service, the group returned to the stage revitalized and eager to reconnect with fans. V incorporated the rain into the show, lying down on the soaked platform and mimicking the breaststroke while performing an impromptu version of their comeback track, “Swim.” RM, who recently injured his ankle during rehearsals, joked with the audience, warning, “You might get hurt like me.” Though he performed on his feet for the world tour’s debut in his hometown, he was carried on a temporary throne during a fan interaction segment, indicating his ligament had not fully healed.

Even as the rain poured, fans showed unwavering enthusiasm. Some arrived at 06:30 to secure prime seats, using umbrellas to capture moments with selfies and shared stories. Hundreds more, without tickets, braved the storm outside the venue to witness the performance. The concert heavily featured their new album Arirang, blending Korea’s folk music traditions with BTS’s dynamic pop sound. All but one of their new tracks were included in the setlist, which began with a lone hooded figure sprinting onto the stage with a red flare, prompting fans to chant “BTS, BTS, BTS.”

As dancers flooded the stadium, the band took the stage confidently, launching into “Hooligan,” a powerful rap track filled with chopped strings and dramatic sword clashes. RM’s call for “a bigger mop” added a touch of irony to the performance, setting the tone for a night focused on their heavier, more intense music. Tracks like “Mic Drop,” “Run BTS,” and “FYA” dominated the set, contrasting with the melodic hits that once brought them global acclaim. The stage design, featuring catwalks, pyrotechnics, and LED lights, intensified the show’s high-energy atmosphere.

Later, the performance shifted to a moodier, sultry rendition of “Swim,” with fluid choreography that emphasized the song’s theme of overcoming adversity. An unexpected highlight was “Not Today,” a piece dedicated to “all the underdogs in the world,” surrounded by dancers in hockey masks holding glowing lights. The track felt urgent and impactful, a departure from the carefree vibe of their previous world tour. The reduced choreography, favoring crowd engagement over precision dance moves, added a raw immediacy to the show.

Towards the end, a spontaneous moment of connection occurred as V and Jimin performed an unplanned routine for “I Need U,” delighting their bandmates. This display underscored their enduring camaraderie. The main set concluded with an extended version of “Idol,” the 2018 single from Love Yourself: Answer, as the group walked around the stadium’s perimeter while fans echoed the chorus from the stands. The encore, a celebration of their artistry, left the audience in pure joy.