BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour

BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour

BTS faced relentless rain during their world tour’s debut at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. The band and their fans endured heavy downpours throughout the open-air performance, with V describing the conditions as “raining like crazy” while navigating puddles on the expansive 360-degree stage. Suga humorously compared the venue to “a water park,” while Jimin admitted the weather had left him “frustrated and stressed.” Despite the challenges, the group delivered a high-energy set, showcasing a 23-song lineup that blended their signature style with new material.

After a four-year break, during which members completed mandatory military service, BTS returned to the stage with renewed vigor. V even incorporated the rain into the performance, lying on the soaked stage and mimicking a breaststroke during an impromptu rendition of their comeback single, Swim. The band’s leader, RM, joked about his recent ankle injury, warning fans, “You might get hurt like me,” before showcasing his recovery by performing on his feet in his hometown.

RM, who had performed from a stool during a promotional concert last month, was carried on a makeshift throne during a fan interaction segment, hinting at lingering discomfort from his torn ligament. “It’s been three weeks, so the doctor said I can perform,” he reassured the crowd. “It’s not that big of a deal. We just wanted to give it our all today.” The rain didn’t dampen the audience’s enthusiasm, with fans arriving early to secure prime spots, sharing stories and selfies under umbrellas as lines wrapped around the stadium.

The concert heavily featured their new album Arirang, weaving traditional Korean folk melodies into their experimental pop sound. All but one of the band’s latest tracks were included in the setlist, opening with a lone hooded figure sprinting onto the stage clutching a red flare as fans chanted “BTS, BTS, BTS.” As dancers flooded the venue, the group performed confidently, launching into Hooligan, a fiery rap track with fragmented strings and dramatic sword clashes. RM’s call for “a bigger mop” added a quirky twist to the performance.

Compared to past tours, this event leaned toward heavier, more intense tracks like Mic Drop and Run BTS, favoring grit over the melodic hits that launched their global fame. The septet darted across catwalks surrounded by pyrotechnics and LED lights, creating a dynamic visual experience. Later, Swim delivered a moody, sultry vibe with flowing choreography that mirrored its theme of resilience. An unexpected performance of Not Today, dedicated to “all the underdogs in the world,” featured dancers in hockey masks holding fluorescent lights, amplifying the song’s urgent message.

While the tour minimized traditional choreography, the focus on raw energy and audience engagement stood out. V and Jimin surprised fans with an unscripted dance routine for I Need U, highlighting the band’s enduring camaraderie. The main set concluded with an extended version of Idol, the lead single from their 2018 album Love Yourself: Answer, as the group walked around the stadium’s perimeter, allowing fans to echo the chorus from the crowd. The encore wrapped up the night with pure, unfiltered joy, marking a memorable return to live performance.