BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour

BTS Battle Torrential Rain to Kick Off $1bn World Tour

BTS endured challenging weather conditions as they launched their global tour at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. The open-air event was marred by relentless downpours, leaving both the group and their fans soaked throughout the performance. Despite the chaos, the septet delivered a high-energy and adrenaline-fueled show, featuring a 23-song setlist that blended their signature style with fresh material.

A Rain-Soaked Beginning

The band’s leader, RM, humorously warned fans, “You might get hurt like me,” referencing his recent ankle injury from rehearsals. Though he performed on his feet for the opening night, he was later carried around the stadium on a makeshift throne during a fan interaction segment, hinting at lingering recovery needs. V, meanwhile, turned the deluge into a performance highlight, lying on the rain-drenched stage and mimicking a breaststroke as he sang an impromptu rendition of their comeback single, Swim.

“It’s raining like crazy,” said V, splashing through puddles on the giant, 360-degree stage.

“It’s not that big of a deal. We just wanted to give it our all today,” RM told fans from the stage.

“What’s important is that you’re here with us,” Jimin added, expressing his frustration with the weather.

Reviving Their Sound

Following a four-year break, during which members completed mandatory military service, BTS returned to the stage with renewed vigor. Their setlist heavily featured tracks from the new album Arirang, which merges Korean folk music elements with their experimental pop style. Only one older song was included, emphasizing their focus on the album’s themes.

The concert opened with a lone hooded figure sprinting onto the stage, holding a red flare as fans chanted “BTS, BTS, BTS.” As dancers flooded the venue, the group stepped forward, unleashing a powerful rendition of Hooligan, a rap track filled with dynamic strings and dramatic sword clashes. RM’s call for “a bigger mop” during the performance added a playful twist to the intense atmosphere.

Embracing New Dynamics

While the show leaned toward heavier tracks like Mic Drop and Run BTS, it marked a shift from the more melodic pop anthems that defined their earlier global success. The energy was relentless, with the band darting across catwalks adorned with pyrotechnics, flames, and LED lights. Even Swim, a moody and sultry number, showcased their commitment to evolving their sound, contrasting with the seamless fun of previous tours.

Unexpectedly, the group performed Not Today, a song celebrating resilience against injustice, surrounded by dancers in hockey masks wielding fluorescent lights. This segment highlighted their urgency and emotional depth, offering a stark departure from earlier performances. The reduced choreography also allowed for a more spontaneous connection, as V and Jimin broke into an unplanned dance routine for I Need U, delighting their bandmates and fans alike.

As the main set concluded, the band descended from the stage, walking the stadium’s perimeter while fans echoed the chorus from the stands. The encore, a celebration of their enduring appeal, underscored the unshakable bond between the group and their audience, even after enduring the elements and the challenges of a reimagined tour format.