BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour
BTS Battle Torrential Rain to Kick Off $1bn World Tour
BTS faced relentless weather conditions as they launched their global tour at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. The open-air event turned into a soaked spectacle, with both the group and their fans drenched by heavy rain. V, one of the artists, humorously noted the downpour, stating,
“It’s raining like crazy,”
while navigating puddles on the expansive 360-degree stage. Suga compared the venue to “a water park,” and Jimin admitted the weather had left him “frustrated and stressed.” Despite this, he reassured the crowd,
“But that’s not what’s important. What’s important is that you’re here with us.”
Relentless Performance Amidst the Storm
Undeterred by the rain, the septet delivered a high-energy show, featuring a 23-track lineup. Their return after a four-year break—during which members completed military service—showcased a reinvigorated group, clearly eager to reconnect with fans. V capitalized on the rain, lying on the wet stage and mimicking a breaststroke while performing an impromptu version of their comeback single, Swim. RM, who recently suffered an ankle injury during rehearsals, joked with the audience,
“You might get hurt like me.”
He had performed from a stool in a promotional concert last month but was back on his feet for the opening night, though he was later carried on a makeshift throne during a fan interaction segment, hinting at lingering recovery needs.
Album Arirang and a Shift in Sound
The concert heavily featured their latest album, Arirang, which blends traditional Korean folk music with their experimental pop style. All but one of their new tracks were included in the setlist, opening with a dramatic scene where a hooded figure dashed onto the stage clutching a red flare as fans chanted “BTS, BTS, BTS.” The performance of Hooligan, a fiery rap number, set the tone, with RM humorously urging,
“We just wanted to give it our all today.”
The show leaned toward edgier tracks like Mic Drop and Run BTS, contrasting with their more melodic international hits. Pyrotechnics, walls of flame, and thousands of LED lights amplified the intensity of their movements.
A Moody Take on New Music
Later, the group performed Swim, a sultry track with flowing choreography that embodied its theme of overcoming turbulent times. They also delivered an unexpected rendition of Not Today, a song honoring “all the underdogs in the world,” surrounded by dancers in hockey masks waving fluorescent lights. The performance felt urgent and powerful, diverging from the seamless fun of their previous world tour. The reduced choreography may have been a result of the weather, but it added a raw immediacy to the show.
Unplanned Moments of Connection
During the main set, the group ended with an extended version of Idol, the 2018 lead single from Love Yourself: Answer. They descended from the stage, walking around the stadium as fans roared the chorus from the stands. The encore, however, was a celebration of joy, with RM’s injury and the rain seemingly forgotten. A spontaneous dance routine for I Need U surprised their bandmates, highlighting their enduring camaraderie and playful spirit.
