BTS gave publishers, songwriters, and rights holders another reminder that a major artist event can still move a city, a fanbase, and a release cycle at the same time. The group returned to Busan for the first time in more than three years, drew more than 110,000 fans across two nights, and used the occasion to premiere new material and mark their debut anniversary week.
A stadium return with commercial weight
BTS hosted BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ In Busan at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on Friday and Saturday night, June 12 and 13. The two shows marked their first performance in Busan in more than three years and took place in the same venue where they last performed before mandatory military service forced a temporary hiatus.
The timing carried added significance because the second night fell on the group’s official debut anniversary, June 13. The two-night run reportedly brought in an audience of over 110,000.
New songs and setlist moments powered the weekend
The Busan concerts came after BTS had already played more than 20 shows across seven cities since launching their tour in April. During the weekend, they delivered the world premiere of NORMAL (Korean Ver.), the Korean rendition of the original track from their latest chart-topping album ARIRANG.
The setlist also leaned into the city connection, with Paldogangsan and Ma City performed on the first day, followed by Ddaeng, Dimple and Magic Shop on the second night.
Fans got a surprise anniversary payoff
For the anniversary show, BTS changed their encore lineup and performed One More Night live for the first time. Fans in attendance also received handwritten cards from the members expressing gratitude for their support.
In tandem with the concerts, the group launched BTS THE CITY ARIRANG – BUSAN, described as an urban play park that transformed the coastal city into an immersive celebration from June 5 through the end of the month.
What to watch next
BTS has already kicked off its huge 2026 and 2027 world tour at Goyang Stadium in South Korea, where it debuted tracks from ARIRANG for the first time. The next major marker from this run will be how the tour continues to build on the new songs and city-linked programming introduced in Busan.
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