BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour
BTS Overcome Heavy Rain to Launch $1 Billion World Tour
BTS faced relentless weather conditions as they began their global tour at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. The open-air event was drenched by downpours, soaking both the band and attendees. V, one of the group’s vocalists, remarked,
“It’s raining like crazy,”
wading through puddles on the expansive 360-degree stage. Suga described the venue as resembling
“a water park,”
while Jimin shared his feelings of
“frustrated and stressed.”
Despite these challenges, the group remained committed, delivering an electrifying performance with a 23-track setlist.
The concert marked their return after a four-year break, during which members completed mandatory military service. BTS emerged reinvigorated, exuding joy and energy. V humorously embraced the rain, lying on the damp stage and mimicking a breaststroke during an impromptu rendition of their comeback single, Swim. RM, who had recently injured his ankle, joked with fans,
“You might get hurt like me.”
He performed standing on a stool in a recent promotional event but was carried on a makeshift throne during a fan interaction segment, hinting at lingering recovery needs.
A New Sound and Dynamic Performance
The show prominently featured their latest album, Arirang, which blends traditional Korean folk melodies with their signature experimental pop. Nearly all new tracks were included, showcasing a departure from their previous repertoire. The performance opened with a lone figure sprinting onto the stage, holding a red flare as fans shouted their name. The energy escalated with Hooligan, a rap track filled with dynamic string edits and dramatic sword clashes. RM’s playful comment about needing “a bigger mop” set a tone of intensity.
While the set leaned into heavier, edgier songs like Mic Drop and Run BTS, the more melodic hits that fueled their international success were less prominent. This shift gave the concert a raw, propulsive feel, with the group darting across catwalks flanked by pyrotechnics and LED displays. The weather, however, played a role in simplifying choreography, as the band prioritized audience engagement over meticulously planned dance sequences.
Fan Dedication and Emotional Resonance
Despite the downpours, fans arrived early, some as early as 6:30 AM, to secure prime spots. They captured moments under umbrellas and shared stories in long queues. Even after the performance began, many without tickets braved the rain to watch the group from outside. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, reflecting the deep connection between the band and their supporters.
During the encore, a surprise moment of camaraderie occurred when V and Jimin improvised a dance routine for I Need U, delighting their bandmates. This spontaneous gesture highlighted their enduring bond. The main set concluded with a reimagined version of Idol, the lead single from 2018’s Love Yourself: Answer, as the septet walked along the stadium’s edge, drawing cheers from the crowd.