pop stars — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — performed together for the first time since October 2022.

Set against the backdrop of a 14th-century gateway to the royal palace, the band’s one-hour set included songs from their long-awaited new album, Arirang, which was released on Friday afternoon. Entering Seoul’s central Gwanghwamun Square was like stepping into a temple dedicated to the boy band. It was covered in purple, the signature colour of BTS. The stage itself resembled a triumphal arch. It is a rare honour paid to the seven idols who have become the face of Korea’s cultural success. Fans are expected to follow the band throughout its world tour, which begins next month. The band is expected to rake in USD 1bn (747m. pound) in revenue, but the government has said its contribution to South Korea goes far beyond money. Only about 22,000 people who managed to obtain free tickets were allowed to enter the concert venue — a smaller area in Gwanghwamun Square that had been cordoned off.

Ami Ostrovskaia, who moved to Seoul from Russia last year to study, was one of the lucky ones. “BTS is the reason I’m here,” she says. “It’s why I started learning about Korean history, culture, food, sports and the language.”

The rest watched the giant screens outside, like Margarita Perez, a 58-year-old architect from Germany. She didn’t manage to snag a ticket but had been scouting the area so she could “stay nearby” on concert day. Jacqueline, a 29-year-old teacher from Mexico City, said she would also be at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday to catch a glimpse of her favourite stars before seeing them next month on the world tour.

“The last few years have been a sad time for the BTS Army. I loved their solo albums, but they’re even more amazing when they’re together.” As for the millions of fans around the world, the concert was live-streamed on Netflix. As part of its deal with BTS, Netflix has exclusive rights to live-stream the show, as well as a documentary on the band’s reunion — a marketing triumph given the billions it has invested in Korean entertainment. (BBC)