BTS to Perform at Gwanghwamun Square for Netflix Live Event
BTS returns with a historic Gwanghwamun Square performance and a Netflix global live stream. Discover the meaning of 생중계.
EN brief: BTS, 내달 21일 광화문 광장서 컴백 공연…넷플릭스 생중계 (culture) + 1 glossary term.
Summary
Global superstars BTS are set to make a historic return to the stage next month. Their agency, BigHit Music, announced that the group will hold a special comeback performance titled "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG" at Gwanghwamun Square in the heart of Seoul. The event is scheduled for March 21, 2026, at 8:00 PM KST.
This performance marks the first time a solo artist has been granted permission to hold a standalone concert at Gwanghwamun Square. The location is considered the symbolic center of Korean history and culture, making this a significant milestone for the group and the industry.
Fans worldwide will be able to watch the event in real-time. Netflix has secured the rights to broadcast the performance live to over 190 countries. This is the first time a major live event held in South Korea will be streamed globally through the Netflix platform.
In addition to the live performance, a documentary titled "BTS: THE RETURN" will be released on Netflix on March 27. The film will detail the production process of their 5th studio album, "ARIRANG," which is scheduled for release on March 20.
Full story (translated & rewritten)
BigHit Music confirmed on February 3 that BTS will unveil their new title track and other songs from their upcoming 5th regular album at Gwanghwamun Square. The agency emphasized that this venue was chosen specifically because it represents the identity and starting point of Korean culture, aligning with the themes of their new album, "ARIRANG."
While BTS has previously performed at historic Korean sites—notably their 2020 appearance at Gyeongbokgung Palace's Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion for NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"—this upcoming event marks their first major live performance in the center of Seoul in approximately five and a half years. It is being framed as a "new beginning" for the group.
The album "ARIRANG" itself will contain 14 tracks. According to the agency, the songs explore universal emotions such as identity, longing, and deep love. The choice of the word "Arirang" for the title is intentional, as it carries deep symbolic weight within Korean heritage.
The logistics of the event are equally groundbreaking. By partnering with Netflix for a global live stream, the event bypasses traditional broadcast limitations, allowing fans in nearly every corner of the world to participate simultaneously. The documentary following the album release will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the 3-year and 9-month journey leading up to this comeback.
Context
- Gwanghwamun Square is a massive public space in front of the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, often used for national celebrations and major rallies.
- BTS has a history of showcasing Korean landmarks to global audiences, previously filming at the airport, palaces, and national museums.
- This comeback is highly anticipated as it follows a significant hiatus during which members fulfilled various personal and mandatory obligations.
Quick cheat sheet
Expressions in this post
In the headline, the term 생중계saengjunggye (saeng-jung-gye) refers to a "live broadcast" or "live stream." It is a combination of 생saeng (live/raw) and 중계junggye (relay/broadcast). You will see this word whenever a sporting event, award show, or concert is being aired as it happens.
이번 공연은 유튜브로 생중계될 예정입니다.ibeon goyeoneun yutyubeuro saengjunggyedoel yejeoipnida. — This performance is scheduled to be live-streamed on YouTube.
축구 경기를 생중계로 보려고 밤을 새웠어요.chukgu gyeonggireul saengjunggyero boryeogo bameul saewosseoyo. — I stayed up all night to watch the soccer match via live broadcast.
