The global music industry is bracing for one of the most significant cultural events of 2026 as BTS prepares for their first full-group comeback in over three years.
On January 19, 2026, reports surfaced that HYBE and BIGHIT MUSIC are in active discussions with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Korea Heritage Service to stage a massive, free comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
This ambitious event, tentatively titled “K-Heritage and K-Pop Fusion Performance,” is designed to celebrate the group’s return and their deep connection to Korean culture.
A Return to the Heart of Seoul
Gwanghwamun Square, a site of immense historical and symbolic importance in South Korea, has been identified as the top-priority venue for the septet’s return.
The choice of location is deeply intentional, aiming to showcase the “cultural roots” of the members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—as they reunite following the completion of their mandatory military service.
The proposed event is not just a concert but a multi-site cultural celebration. HYBE has applied for usage permits for several heritage landmarks in central Seoul, including:
- Gwanghwamun Square: The primary performance hub.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Specifically the Geunjeongmun and Heungnyemun gates, intended for pre-shooting and a grand opening sequence.
- Sungnyemun (Namdaemun): To be used for large-scale media facade projections and art installation.
”ARIRANG”: Reclaiming Korean Identity
The comeback marks the release of the group’s fifth full-length studio album, titled “ARIRANG,” scheduled for March 20, 2026.
The title is a direct reference to the most iconic Korean folk song, often described as the unofficial national anthem of Korea.
BTS (Credit: Pinterest)
During a recent live stream, RM explained that as a team of seven Koreans, they wanted to “show where we come from.”
The album will feature 14 tracks that capture the members’ growth, maturity, and reflections during their hiatus.
To promote the release, the group has already installed a massive logo sculpture on the outdoor staircase of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, turning the area into a temporary pilgrimage site for fans (ARMY).
Scale, Safety, and Global Reach
If approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee on January 20, the event is expected to be a free public concert for approximately 15,000 to 20,000 attendees, who will be selected via an advance registration system.
Given the open nature of Gwanghwamun Square, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and police are already coordinating extensive crowd management and safety protocols.
The performance is being designed for a global audience, with plans to livestream the event to 190 countries.
HYBE estimates that the broadcast could reach up to 300 million people, with 50 million viewers watching live.
This digital reach ensures that even those unable to secure a spot at the plaza can participate in the historic moment.
Kickstarting the Largest World Tour in K-Pop History
The Gwanghwamun stage serves as the grand prologue to the group’s upcoming world tour, which is set to begin on April 9, 2026, at the Goyang Sports Complex.
The tour is rumored to be the largest ever for a K-pop artist, with 79 shows scheduled across 34 cities through 2027.
By starting their journey at the historic core of Seoul, BTS is making a powerful statement about their identity and their commitment to their roots.
As the world waits for the final approval and official schedule, Gwanghwamun Square stands ready to host what is likely to be the most viewed musical performance of the year.
The power of the “BTS phenomenon” has reached a new fever pitch as the group prepares for their full-group return in 2026.
This sudden and massive surge in numbers has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, highlighting the unprecedented anticipation for the group’s upcoming album, “ARIRANG,” and their recently teased historic comeback stage at Gwanghwamun Square.
A Statistical Miracle: Breaking Down the Numbers
The rapid growth observed between January 15 and January 19 is being described by industry analysts as a “statistical miracle” for a group that has been on a hiatus for military service. According to data tracked by fans and industry monitors
- :Weverse Growth: The group’s official community on the fan-to-artist platform Weverse saw a spike of approximately 1 million new followers. This brings their total closer to a monumental milestone, reinforcing Weverse’s position as the primary hub for the global ARMY fanbase.
- Spotify Momentum: Simultaneously, the group’s “Monthly Listeners” count on Spotify jumped by 1 million.
This is particularly impressive as it indicates not just old fans returning, but a significant influx of new listeners discovering or revisiting the group’s discography ahead of the new release.
This “all-kill” in growth across both social and streaming platforms demonstrates that the BTS brand has remained incredibly resilient, with the “hiatus” only serving to increase the public’s hunger for their return.
BTS (Credit: Pinterest)
Netizen Reactions: “The Kings are Back”
As the news spread across online communities like the Pann, theqoo, and Reddit, netizens expressed a mix of awe and disbelief.
”I’ve never seen a group gain 1 million listeners in 4 days while not even being active yet. This is the true definition of a ‘World Class’ artist.” ”People said the gap would be filled while they were away, but it seems like the gap just grew larger. Nobody can touch their impact.” ”The Gwanghwamun Square news must have triggered this. Everyone is realizing that a historical moment is coming and they don’t want to miss out.”
Many netizens also pointed out that this growth is occurring organically, driven by the massive media coverage surrounding their reunion and the high-budget “ARIRANG” logo installations across Seoul.
Strategic Momentum Ahead of “ARIRANG”
With the “ARIRANG” album pre-orders set to begin shortly, having an additional million active users on Weverse significantly increases the direct-to-consumer sales potential.
Also, the Spotify growth suggests that BTS is poised to dominate the Billboard Global 200 and Hot 100 charts the moment their new music drops in March.
Industry experts suggest that HYBE and BIGHIT MUSIC’s “slow-burn” teaser strategy—releasing subtle clues and large-scale physical installations—is working perfectly.
By the time the group stands on the stage at Gwanghwamun Square, their digital and social presence will likely be at an all-time high, dwarfing the records they set during their “Butter” and “Proof” eras.
A New Chapter of Global Influence
The data confirms that BTS is not just returning as a musical act, but as a cultural powerhouse.
The fact that they can draw in a million new fans in less than a week without a single new song being released is a testament to their legacy.
As they approach their 13th anniversary and their first full-group tour in years, the group is proving that they are the definitive leaders of the global Hallyu wave.
As the “ARIRANG” era officially begins, all eyes are on the charts to see just how many more records will fall. One thing is certain: the world is ready for the return of BTS, and the numbers are there to prove it.
