Global Fandom Sings Along to "Arirang"… Gwanghwamun Welcomes the World

Fans Flock to Gwanghwamun from Around the World
Including Canada, Mexico, France, and Brazil
"Interest in Korea Grows Thanks to BTS"

"I fell in love with Korea thanks to BTS. It feels like a dream to actually be here!"

On March 21, the area around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul was heated with excitement from fans hours before BTS's comeback concert began. Foreign fans, full of anticipation, took photos with the stage—still in the final stages of preparation—as the backdrop, or waved their purple light sticks and sang along to BTS's new songs.

Overseas fans are taking extra editions of some daily newspapers like "goods" and posing for commemorative photos around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 21st, where BTS's comeback concert is being held. Photo by Jaehyun Park

Overseas fans sang along to "Body To Body," a track from BTS's new album "Arirang," helping each other with the Korean pronunciation. During the "Arirang" part at the end of the song, a group sing-along by fans is expected. Kiara (27), who came from Mexico, praised, "I got chills listening to the Arirang part."

Even fans who couldn't get tickets roamed around Gwanghwamun, determined to catch a glimpse of BTS's performance from afar. Many "ARMY"—the BTS fandom—staked out spots from the early morning and stayed up all night to secure the best view, or spent the night at cafes and fast food restaurants in the Gwanghwamun area that were open 24 hours. Sandy (31), a Philippine national who failed to get a ticket, said she rushed to Gwanghwamun Square after finishing work the night before, explaining, "I stayed up all night because I wanted to get as close to the stage as possible."

Seoul. Fans waiting for BTS's comeback performance are gathered sitting in an open space in front of Exit 4 of Gwanghwamun Station. Photo by Ji Eun Oh

Many fans also collected special editions of daily newspapers commemorating BTS's comeback as if they were "merchandise," taking photos with them. The pages featuring large images of BTS members felt like souvenirs to them.

Liam (22), who came from the United States, said, "It's rare to see an actual paper newspaper these days, so it was impressive to see fans carefully carrying newspapers with large photos of BTS members on them. Being able to touch the news, which I usually only see digitally, felt like having a 'limited edition.'"

BTS is scheduled to make a spectacular return on stage set up at Gwanghwamun Square around 8 p.m. They are expected to perform songs from their new album "Arirang," along with hit tracks, over the course of an hour.

Stories of Global Fans Who Came to See BTS

Exchange students from France, Usain (left) and Meiwin, are making a heart shape while waiting for a performance in an open space in front of Exit 4 of Gwanghwamun Station, Seoul. Photo by O Ji-eun

◆ French Exchange Students Who Became Interested in Korea Through BTS

Usain (21) and Meiwin (21), exchange students from France, took their places in the open space in front of Exit 4 of Gwanghwamun Station from 1 p.m. and waited for over two hours. Even though the crowd pushed them outside the fences, just sharing the same space as BTS brought them immense joy. Usain said, "I started becoming interested in Korea because of BTS. I came to Korea last month to attend classes, and I’m happy to have this kind of opportunity."

Meiwin’s eyes sparkled as she also praised BTS's performances. When asked if it was okay not being able to see the stage directly, she replied, "Just being able to see them even beyond the screen will bring me great joy," and smiled brightly.

Noemi (left) and Zesty, who came to Korea on a working holiday from Canada, are waiting for BTS's comeback performance near the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jiyé Lee

◆ "I Love K-pop, So I Came to Korea From Canada on a Working Holiday"

Zesty (25), who came to Korea on a working holiday, also failed to get a ticket but came to Gwanghwamun to feel the vibrant atmosphere with fellow ARMY. She emphasized, "Even without a ticket, I can experience the atmosphere here. I brought water, sandwiches, chocolates, and hot packs to endure until night."

Noemi (21), whose smartphone case was covered with photos of BTS member Jungkook, looked visibly excited as she praised the new song. She said, "I came to Korea about five months ago because I love K-pop, but I never imagined a day like this would come. I’m thrilled to enjoy a concert in Korea that is hard to experience even in Canada."

Marcela (56, far left) and her family from Brazil are waiting for BTS's comeback performance near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 21st. Photo by Hosoo Park

◆ 'Three Generations From Brazil' Travel Halfway Across the World

Marcela (56) and her family traveled halfway around the world from Brazil to Korea. Her son, daughter-in-law, and even her mother in her eighties all made the trip together. Although fatigue might have been expected, her family remained full of energy throughout. Marcela, who planned a six-day, five-night itinerary, said with a laugh, "Even when we suggested going on a trip before, my mother wouldn’t budge, but the moment she heard about BTS, she packed her bags first."

Marcela's mother reportedly practiced simple Korean greetings like "thank you" diligently before coming to Korea. Marcela said, "Ever since my mother arrived in Korea, she’s been saying 'thank you' everywhere we go. I hope that the wonderful time we spend with BTS will remain a great memory for our family."

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