SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) — K-pop supergroup BTS wrapped up two sold-out concerts in the southeastern South Korean city of Busan on Saturday, marking its 13th debut anniversary with emotional tributes to fans.
Performing at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, the Busan stop of the group’s “Arirang” world tour drew around 110,000 fans over two nights, with the second concert coinciding with the anniversary of its June 13, 2013, debut.
“We spent 13 years together, and I think we were able to endure for a long time because of you,” member Jin told the group’s fanbase, known as ARMY, during the concert, thanking them for their continued support.
J-Hope reflected on the milestone and the group’s global journey, saying he was struck by the scale of international support during the tour.
“I can’t believe it’s June 13. It’s already been 13 years with you — it’s amazing. Thank you so much,” he said. “As we toured overseas, I was surprised to see how many people love us. I could really feel that we are receiving such passionate support.”
Despite the global response, he emphasized the significance of performing at home. “But all seven of us are Korean. There is nothing better than performing in Korea,” he said. “Performing in my country, on this land, is the most joyful.”
Jimin credited fans for the group’s growth, while also acknowledging teachers from his childhood who attended the show. “We will repay you with better performances and good music,” he said.
Leader RM reflected on the group’s journey, saying the past 13 years now “flashes before my eyes.”
“It is an honor and I am truly grateful that we can be together like this,” he said. “Wherever we are, and whatever we look like, we will always do our best to show you who we are as we are.”
He added, “I hope you will stay with us for a long, long time.”
The Busan concerts marked BTS’ first performances in the city since its “Yet to Come in Busan” concert in October 2022, held in support of the city’s bid then to host the 2030 World Expo.
The group launched the “Arirang” tour in April in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, before heading overseas. It has since performed in cities, including Tokyo, Tampa, El Paso, Mexico City, Stanford and Las Vegas, drawing about 840,000 fans across 15 North American shows.
Saturday’s concert was also broadcast live in some 3,800 cinemas across more than 80 countries, including major South Korean multiplex chains.
The tour is scheduled to continue until March, spanning 86 shows in 34 cities, with the next stop set for Madrid on June 26-27.
