BTS comeback tour draws praise and criticism after Goyang opener

GOYANG: BTS returned to the concert stage on Thursday night with the opening show of their 'ARIRANG' World Tour at Goyang Stadium, drawing strong enthusiasm from fans as well as mixed reactions online.

The seven-member group has launched its first major tour since completing mandatory military service. The tour is being presented as the largest in K-pop so far, with 82 concerts planned across 34 cities through March 2027. Analysts have projected revenue of as much as 2.7 trillion won, putting it in contention with some of the biggest global tours.

The opening concert took place in heavy rain, with thousands of fans arriving hours before the show, many wearing the purple colour associated with the ARMY fanbase. BTS performed for more than two and a half hours and presented 23 songs, with much of the set drawn from their latest album 'ARIRANG'. The group also included earlier hits such as 'Idol', 'Dynamite', 'Butter' and 'Permission to Dance'.

The concert featured the first live performance of 'Come Over', while the members also returned to choreography from 'I Need U', adding an element of nostalgia to the show.

Even so, the performance prompted debate among fans online. Some said they were disappointed by what they saw as reduced choreography, fewer dance-focused sections and the lack of solo stages, which they viewed as a defining feature of past BTS concerts. Others questioned the pacing, production design and the level of audience interaction compared with previous tours.

At the same time, some attendees said the weather may have influenced the performance style, while others defended the group's choices, arguing that a long global tour required a more measured approach to physically demanding routines.

In a pre-tour interview, HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk said the group had intentionally placed greater emphasis on musical performance rather than highly strenuous choreography after trying different formats. The move points to a broader shift in BTS's stage approach as the group enters a new chapter after a multi-year break.

Album and ticket demand remain strong

The group's latest album has already posted major chart success. 'ARIRANG' topped the Billboard 200 for two straight weeks, the first time a K-pop act has done so, while its lead single 'Swim' debuted at No 1 on the Hot 100.

The album title is taken from a traditional Korean folk song, reflecting BTS's continued focus on cultural identity alongside its international reach.

Demand for the tour has also been strong. Tickets for the Goyang concerts sold out in pre-sale, and later dates in North America and Europe were also sold out within hours. Fans have travelled from abroad to attend the shows, underlining the group's sustained popularity despite the hiatus.

After the opening leg in South Korea and Japan, the tour is set to continue in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Early reaction to the Goyang concert has highlighted the challenge BTS face as they adjust their performance style while maintaining expectations built over earlier tours.