“We’ll show what scale of project is possible when BTS and Netflix come together!” said Netflix VP Brandon Riegg.
After approximately three years and nine months of silence, BTS is finally back. The group is set to take its first step toward a grand return in Seoul, staging a massive performance that will redefine K-pop concerts against the symbolic backdrop of Gwanghwamun, the heart of the city.
The venue itself is unprecedented in scale, stretching across central Seoul from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Plaza. The production includes 9.5 kilometers of power cables, 23 cameras, and 124 monitors, highlighting the sheer magnitude of the event.
Though set in Seoul, the performance will connect audiences worldwide. In partnership with Netflix, BTS will broadcast their comeback stage live, transcending time zones and borders to unite their global fandom in a single shared moment.
At a time when K-pop has already become a global phenomenon, this event aims to redefine its very peak.
On March 20, Netflix held a pre-media briefing for ‘BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG at Cinecube Gwanghwamun in Jongno District, Seoul. Attendees included Netflix VP of Nonfiction Series and Sports Brandon Riegg, HYBE Music VP Kim Hyun Jung, HYBE Music Group APAC representative Yoo Dong Ju, and executive producer Garrett English.
‘BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG’ is a project that will broadcast BTS’s comeback performance live from Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 at 8 PM (KST). It will capture the group’s first full-member comeback stage in nearly four years, along with the electrifying energy of their fandom.
Chairman Bang Si Hyuk was determined to begin this comeback in Seoul. Having grown into global superstars starting from Korea, BTS sought to embed their journey and identity into the album itself.
Yoo explained, “Chairman Bang wanted to open this comeback in a place that embodies Korea’s identity and symbolism, in order to reflect BTS’s narrative. That’s why Gwanghwamun was chosen.”
This vision also aligns with HYBE’s broader goals. Yoo added, “We place great importance on expanding fan experiences. We wanted to create a rare cultural moment where both Korean and international fans can come together in celebration.”
For Netflix, the project carries major significance as well. ‘BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG’ marks the platform’s first major step into global live events.
“We are passionate fans of Korean culture and entertainment,” Brandon said. “It’s an honor to collaborate with HYBE and deliver an extraordinary experience to ARMYs around the world.”
The production, however, was far from simple. Hosting a large-scale event in the center of Seoul while delivering its energy seamlessly to viewers worldwide posed a significant challenge.
To ensure technical stability, Netflix installed 9.5 kilometers of power cables and deployed 23 cameras and 124 monitors to capture the live performance from multiple dynamic angles.
“We made bold investments in local infrastructure to ensure stability,” Brandon noted. “This will be the largest live project Netflix undertakes this year.”
The main stage will span Gwanghwamun and the surrounding areas of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Garrett explained, “From a creative standpoint, our biggest challenge was harmonizing BTS’s vision with Korea’s history. Above all, we made sure to respect the historical significance of Gwanghwamun.”
He continued, “We also incorporated the collective energy of fans gathered across Seoul. In every aspect—creative and operational—the scale goes beyond imagination. This was only possible thanks to the full support of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and related agencies.”
At the center of the performance is BTS’s new album, ‘ARIRANG.’ Kim Hyun Jung shared, “As always, the members poured their current emotions directly into the music.”
The group revisited its roots, which is reflected in the album’s title. While grounded in Korean sentiment, the songs are designed to resonate globally through a balanced use of Korean and English.
“This album is the result of intense discussions among the members, executive producer Bang Si Hyuk, and all staff,” Kim added. “It’s filled with songs that not only ARMY but anyone can enjoy.”
Brandon concluded, “This is the first global live performance challenge for both BTS and Netflix. We invested maximum resources and time to prepare.”
Garrett echoed the sentiment, stating, “Whatever you imagine, we’re ready to deliver something even bigger. We aim to provide a one-of-a-kind cultural experience for viewers worldwide.”
Kim also teased additional content, saying, “We held countless meetings with the members to create this album. You can see the full process in the documentary ‘BTS: The Return,’ which will be released on March 23.”
Meanwhile, BTS will release their fifth full-length album ‘ARIRANG’ on March 20 at 1 PM (KST).
SEE ALSO: BTS return with a romantic serenade in ‘Swim’ MV
