Not Just Fans, Even Seoul’s Mayor Is Excited For BTS’ Return: ‘Entire Nation Is Waiting’

Not just the ARMYs, even Seoul’s mayor is eagerly waiting for the comeback of OT7, aka BTS. At a conference held on Wednesday, February 4, at Seoul City Hall, Mayor Oh Se Hoon addressed the K-pop supergroup as “kings” and said the whole country has been awaiting their return to the music scene. The septet were on a hiatus for nearly four years to complete their mandatory military service.

After the completion of their respective services, the seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, announced through a livestream that they will be returning not just with a brand-new album, but also a massive world tour. Speaking about their return, the mayor, as quoted by local news media, said, “It seems like the entire nation is waiting.

The return of the kings is approaching. BTS, who have completed their military service and are now a complete group, are preparing for a comeback event.”

Seoul’s Mayor Says Entire City Should Be Grateful For BTS’ Return

The comeback event in question is the recently announced live concert, which will be aired on Netflix. Titled BTS THE COMEBACK Live | ARIRANG, their performance will take place at Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. The upcoming event will be their first official stage performance in three years and nine months, and will be broadcast live to more than 190 countries by the streaming platform.

“I think this is an event that is greatly needed for the city of Seoul, and we should be grateful for it,” the mayor shared. He continued, “Moreover, the fact that this event is being held at Gwanghwamun Square, the heart of the capital city of Seoul, will be an opportunity that the city of Seoul should utilise well.”

What’s Next In Schedule For BTS?

BTS is gearing up for the release of their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, on March 20. A day after the release, they will perform live on stage for the first time in almost four years as an entire team. The live show will air at 8 PM KST, which is around 4:30 PM IST on March 21. Hamish Hamilton, best known for directing Super Bowl Halftime shows, is set to direct their performance. The set list, for the time being, is under wraps, but the band is expected to debut songs from their new album, ARIRANG, their first studio album since Proof.

A week after this live event, on March 27, Netflix will release BTS: THE RETURN, a documentary that will chronicle the band’s return and the making of their new album. And then the seven-member group will embark on their massive world tour, scheduled for 2026 and 2027, with over 80 shows planned across 34 regions, including Asia, North America, and Europe. The tour will kick off in Goyang, South Korea, on April 9.