BTS Opens New Year in New York... Times Square Performance

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

K-pop group BTS energetically kicked off the New Year in Times Square, Manhattan, New York, USA. On the night of the 31st of last month (local time), they appeared on ABC's 'New Year's Rockin' Eve 2020' and performed two hit songs for eight minutes.

'New Year's Rockin' Eve 2020' is a New Year's live show watched by 25 million Americans. It is broadcast remotely from Times Square, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Miami. Only top-tier artists take the stage. This day, alongside BTS, Post Malone, Sam Hunt, Alanis Morissette, and the cast of the musical 'Jagged Little Pill' participated.

Host Ryan Seacrest introduced BTS as "the group that has captivated the entire globe." BTS took the sub-stage and performed 'Make It Right,' highlighting a sweet melody. Then they moved down to the main stage, dancing joyfully and presenting the upbeat rhythm of 'Boy with Luv.'

The dazzling synchronized choreography without a single misstep instantly filled Times Square with cheers. Especially, countless fans sang along with the lyrics and cheered enthusiastically. BTS waved to them and shouted in unison, "Happy New Year."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

This was BTS's first time performing directly on the Times Square stage. As Korean artists, they are the second after Psy in 2012 to appear on the Times Square New Year's stage.

The heated excitement reached its peak with the New Year countdown. The large crystal ball at the tip of the flagpole atop the 'One Times Square' building descended and emitted light, and as the countdown ended, spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky. Soon, Frank Sinatra's song 'New York, New York' echoed, and colorful confetti fluttered across Times Square Plaza.

BTS members shared the joy of the New Year at the center of the stage with main performers including Post Malone. Leader RM expressed his emotion, saying, "This is a scene I had watched in movies like 'Home Alone' since I was six years old." The New York Police estimated that 1.5 million people gathered in Times Square for the New Year's celebration.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.