BTS Members Share Thoughts Ahead of 'ARIRANG' World Tour in Busan

BTS is heading back to Busan this weekend for its first full-group concert in the coastal city in nearly four years. The timing carries extra weight. Saturday's show falls on June 13, the day the group debuted in 2013.

The group will hold "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN BUSAN" on Saturday and Sunday at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. It is the same venue where BTS held its "Yet to Come" concert in October 2022 to support Busan's bid for the 2030 World Expo. That show was the group's last full-member concert before its members began military service.

The Busan dates will stream live worldwide on the fan platform Weverse. Saturday's show will also be screened through live viewing events in more than 80 countries and regions, timed to the group's 13th debut anniversary.

Ahead of the shows, BTS shared comments through its agency, BIGHIT MUSIC.

RM said he was happy to perform in South Korea again after about two months. "Busan is where we held our last concert before enlistment, the 'BTS Yet To Come in BUSAN' show for the 2030 World Expo bid, so it feels especially meaningful," he said. "I want to make it a fun time with the audience."

Jin said it felt special to share the stage with ARMY, the group's fandom, on such an important day. "I hope this concert lets us share the emotion of that moment again," he said. "I want it to be a time everyone can fully enjoy and remember for a long time."

Suga reflected on the gap since the last Busan show. "It has been about three years and eight months since our last Busan concert. I still can't forget the cheers and the energy from that day," he said. "I'm looking forward to being there with everyone again, and I hope we can build another passionate show together."

J-Hope said his mindset had shifted since the 2022 show. "It's been a long time since we performed in Busan. I think my mindset is very different now compared to then. I can say it confidently. It's more fun now," he said. "I'm really happy to perform in Busan again through this tour. I hope it's a time when we all become one and enjoy ourselves."

Jimin, who is from Busan, said performing in his hometown made him nervous in a good way. "Doing a show in my hometown after a long time makes me really excited. It's even more meaningful because we get to meet again in South Korea after the Goyang shows," he said. "I want to give a good memory to everyone who has waited so long. Please enjoy Busan in June with us."

V said the date itself made the concert stand out. "Holding a concert in Busan around June 13, the day BTS debuted, has a really special meaning for us," he said. "I want to share this happy moment with ARMY. I hope everyone who comes to the show makes a lot of good memories."

Jungkook, also a Busan native, kept his message short. "Busan is my hometown, so it feels even more special. I want to get there quickly and enjoy the concert with everyone," he said. "Since we're meeting in Busan after a long time, I want to make it a really fun time. I miss you, let's meet soon."

The Busan shows continue a run of activity that has kept BTS in the spotlight since the members completed their military service. With the group back together on stage in South Korea on its debut anniversary, the weekend points to a new chapter the fandom has been waiting years to see.