BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour
BTS Overcome Intense Rainfall to Launch $1 Billion World Tour
BTS braved severe weather conditions as they launched their global world tour at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. The outdoor event saw the group and their supporters drenched by relentless downpours that soaked the massive 360-degree stage. V, one of the group’s members, shared his sentiment with the audience, remarking, “It’s raining so heavily, it’s like a downpour.” The rapper Suga humorously described the venue as resembling “a water park,” while Jimin expressed his frustration with the situation, stating, “The weather has left me stressed and disappointed.” Despite these challenges, the band remained committed, delivering an electrifying performance.
The Band’s Return After a Four-Year Break
Following a four-year absence, during which the members fulfilled their mandatory military service, BTS returned to the stage with renewed vigor and excitement. V highlighted the rain’s role in the show, lying down on the damp stage and mimicking a breaststroke during an impromptu rendition of their comeback single, Swim. RM, who had recently suffered an ankle injury during rehearsals, warned fans, “You might get hurt like me,” as he joked about the conditions. Though he performed on a stool at a promotional event last month, RM was back on his feet for the opening night, which took place in his hometown. However, he was still supported on a makeshift throne during a fan interaction segment, indicating his injury had not fully healed.
RM explained, “It’s been three weeks since the injury, so the doctor said I could perform. It’s not a big deal—we just wanted to give it our all today.” The rain didn’t deter fans, who arrived early at 06:30 to secure prime spots, capturing moments under umbrellas and sharing stories as lines formed around the stadium. Even after the performance began, hundreds of ticketless attendees braved the storm to listen to their idols nearby.
A Focus on New Music and Experimental Sound
The concert heavily emphasized their latest album, Arirang, which blends Korean folk music’s melodies and myths with their energetic pop style. Nearly all of their new tracks were included in the setlist, kicking off with a dramatic entrance involving a hooded figure carrying a red flare as fans chanted the group’s name. The performance then transitioned to Hooligan, a high-intensity rap track featuring RM urging the crowd to “grab a bigger mop,” a nod to the chaotic weather.
The show leaned toward edgier tracks like Mic Drop and Run BTS, showcasing a more intense side of their sound compared to their earlier, melodic hits. The stage design included catwalks, pyrotechnics, and LED lights, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Toward the end, V and Jimin surprised the audience with an unscripted dance routine for I Need U, highlighting their strong bond and playful chemistry.
Dynamic Energy and Audience Connection
After the main set concluded with a prolonged version of Idol, the group walked along the stadium’s edge as fans sang the chorus from the crowd. The encore was a celebration of their artistry, with the English-language … (the original content cuts off here) signaling a return to their signature style while maintaining the night’s bold, urgent tone. The performance underscored BTS’s ability to adapt and thrive, even in the face of unpredictable elements.
