Entertainment News

BTS open the Arirang world tour in Goyang: 132,000 fans, and 79 or 85 shows still to come

BTS opened their “Arirang” world tour at Goyang Stadium, outside Seoul, with three sold-out shows on April 9, 11 and 12. Korea JoongAng Daily reported that each night drew 44,000 people and that the show ran two and a half hours. It is the group's first full world tour in more than six years, following the album “Arirang”, released on March 20.

NME listed a 23-song setlist that opened with the new tracks “Hooligan” and “Aliens”, and noted that “Not Today” (as a remix) and “I Need U” were performed for the first time since 2021.

“We prepared a lot to show you something new,” — Suga, via Korea JoongAng Daily

Financial News put the total at about 132,000 people and said the shows were streamed on Weverse to 194 countries and regions. It described Jung Kook catching a flying drone camera during “Run BTS” and carrying it across the stage. The tour moves to Tokyo on April 17–18, and Big Hit Music has added two Busan shows on June 12 and 13, timed to the group's debut anniversary.

Malay Mail, carrying an AFP report, looked at the size of the tour and said analysts believe it could outdo Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, though it gave no revenue figures.

How each outlet framed it

• Korea JoongAng Daily — a concert review: old and new songs, crowd size, the members' words.
• NME — the full setlist and the tour dates, including London on July 6 and 7.
• Financial News — attendance, streaming reach and the Busan announcement.
• Malay Mail (AFP) — the business question: can this tour rival the Eras Tour?

Where the numbers differ: NME describes the tour as 79 shows in 34 regions; AFP and Financial News say 85 shows in 34 cities. Financial News's own headline says 130,000 fans, while its text says about 132,000.