BTS are back: Central Seoul locks down for Kpop supergroup’s first show in years

South Korea today shut down the heart of Seoul for a comeback concert by Kpop supergroup BTS, as the authorities prepare for an estimated 260,000 fans to flood the city’s streets and millions more to watch the show live on Netflix.



The hour-long concert – set to be held in the capital’s historic Gwanghwamun square – marks the release of the seven-member group’s first new album in more than three years, and the start of a global tour in April.



The comeback album Arirang sold 3.98 million copies on its first day of release, Big Hit Music, the music label run by BTS’ management agency HYBE



BTS made their debut in 2013 and have since gone on to global superstardom, becoming the most streamed Kpop artist globally on Spotify with its members invited to the White House and partnering with the UN General Assembly.



In 2022, the group went on hiatus so the members could complete South Korea’s mandatory military service.