K-pop megastars BTS kicked off their world tour, riding the momentum of a chart-topping comeback album and a landmark performance in the heart of Seoul. The performance, on the doorstep of the historic Gyeongbok­gung Palace, drew more than 100,000 fans to central Seoul, the group’s label said, while its Netflix livestream attracted an estimated 18.4 million viewers worldwide, according to the streaming giant. Spanning 85 shows in 34 cities worldwide, the highly anticipated tour – starting in BTS leader RM’s hometown, Goyang, yesterday – is set to be a major money-spinner for BTS, potentially outdoing Taylor Swift’s recent Eras Tour, according to analysts. The cities include Tokyo, Manila, Toronto and Buenos Aires, and marks the highest number of shows for a single tour by any South Korean artist, according to the group’s label. Their latest album Arirang – also name of the tour – is billed as reflecting the maturing boy band’s Korean identity.

Source: The Star April 10, 2026 12:03 UTC