BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour
BTS Battle Torrential Rain to Kick Off $1bn World Tour
Despite relentless rain, BTS began their global tour in Goyang Stadium, South Korea, with a show that defied the downpours. The band and their fans faced soaked conditions throughout the open-air event, as heavy rains turned the venue into a slick stage. V, splashing through puddles, remarked,
“It’s raining like crazy.”
Suga humorously compared the setting to “a water park,” while Jimin admitted the weather had left him “frustrated and stressed.” Nevertheless, he reassured the crowd,
“But that’s not what’s important. What’s important is that you’re here with us.”
The group delivered an electrifying performance, pushing through the elements with a 23-song lineup that blended high-energy moments with emotional depth. After a four-year break during which members completed military service, the septet returned to the stage recharged and eager to reconnect with their audience. V even embraced the rain, lying on the damp stage and mimicking a breaststroke while performing an impromptu version of their comeback track, Swim. RM, who recently sprained his ankle in rehearsals, joked with fans,
“You might get hurt like me.”
Though he performed upright during the opening night, he was later carried on a makeshift throne during a fan interaction segment, hinting at lingering recovery needs.
RM noted,
“It’s been three weeks [since the injury] so the doctor said I can perform. It’s not that big of a deal. We just wanted to give it our all today.”
The rain didn’t dampen fan enthusiasm, as early arrivals at 06:30 secured prime spots, capturing moments under umbrellas and sharing stories in long queues. Even after the performance began, hundreds of ticketless attendees braved the storm to watch from outside, demonstrating unwavering support.
The concert heavily featured BTS’s latest album Arirang, which integrates Korean folk melodies and myths into their experimental pop style. Nearly all new tracks were included in the setlist, starting with a lone hooded figure sprinting onto the stage with a red flare as fans chanted “BTS, BTS, BTS.” As dancers flooded the venue, the group launched into Hooligan, a fiery rap anthem layered with clashing swords and distorted strings. RM quipped during the performance,
“A bigger mop”
—a playful nod to the chaos of the weather.
The show leaned toward edgier tracks, such as Mic Drop and Run BTS, over their signature melodic pop hits. This shift added intensity, with the band darting across catwalks surrounded by pyrotechnics and LED displays. Later, Swim offered a moody, sultry vibe, its fluid choreography echoing the struggle to stay afloat. A surprise rendition of Not Today, a song for “underdogs worldwide,” was met with dancers in hockey masks wielding fluorescent lights, creating a stark, urgent atmosphere.
While the performance featured less intricate choreography than past tours, the raw energy resonated with the crowd. During the finale, V and Jimin unexpectedly reenacted the dance for I Need U, surprising their bandmates and fans alike. This spontaneous moment highlighted their enduring bond. The main set concluded with a prolonged version of Idol, the 2018 anthem from Love Yourself: Answer, as the group walked stadium perimeters while fans roared the chorus. The encore promised pure celebration, with the English-language portion of the tour yet to unfold.
