The group took several years off while all seven members participated in South Korea’s mandatory military service.
WASHINGTON — The wildly popular K-pop group BTS is back with a new album, Netflix special and a massive world tour following a four-year pause.
The group released its latest album, “ARIRANG,” a day before hitting the stage Saturday for a free performance in Seoul, South Korea. The show drew crowds of up to 250,000, including more than 20,000 ticketholders, according to reports from the Associated Press. Thousands of police were reportedly assigned to the performance area to ensure safety.
The album sold roughly 4 million copies in its first day, with songs from the latest release featured heavily during the hourlong show, which was streamed live on Netflix.
The album name is derived from a centuries-old folk song and is considered an unofficial anthem in both South and North Korea.
The group took several years off while all seven members participated in South Korea’s mandatory military service, which requires most able-bodied men to serve 18 to 21 months under a conscription system.
The group debuted in 2013 and was the first K-pop band to top Billboard’s Hot 11 chart in 2020, with their first all-English song “Dynamite.”
Its current members include RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook.
The world comeback tour was announced in January. It’s the largest tour in the group’s career, featuring 79 shows is more than 34 regions across the world, with more shows expected to be announced in the coming months. The official tour begins in April and stretches into 2027.
In addition to the live streamed show, Netflix is also launching a documentary film about their comeback journey. “BTS: THE RETURN” premieres on the streaming service on March 27.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.