BTS Brings Over 100K Fans to Busan, HYBE Apologizes For Delay

When BTS took over the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the nights of June 12-13, it was not just another date on the group's ongoing Arirang world tour. It was the group's first return to the city since the 2022 Yet To Come Busan concert, where all seven members performed before enlisting in the mandatory military service. Additionally, June 13 marked the group's 13th debut anniversary, which made the event even more special. While The Korea Herald reported a combined attendance of 220,000 across the two-night sold-out run, The Korea Times reported the cumulative attendance to be at 110,000, estimating the presence of 55,000 fans per night.

BTS Returns to Busan for 13th Anniversary Concert

While precise metrics vary, it cannot be denied that the occasion carried weight. Busan is the hometown of Jimin and Jungkook and has also hosted earlier chapters of BTS history, including the 2019 5th Muster: Magic Shop event. Also, BTS THE CITY ARIRANG BUSAN, the citywide festival, transformed its coastline and landmarks weeks ahead of the concerts. The festival activation had also depicted the album's theme in Busan Station, alongside a drone light showcase above Gwangalli Beach.

As noted by The Korea Herald, BTS member V said to the crowd on the final night, "We have so many good memories in Busan, from our earlier concerts to Yet To Come in Busan. We can't wait to make more happy memories with you today," he added further. Jimin, who was performing in his hometown, said he was happy to sing and dance with fans on what he described as a meaningful day. On the other hand, RM noted: "Our 13th anniversary on June 13 only comes once. I hope you enjoy this day with us." 

HYBE Apologizes for BTS Concert Delay: Why was BTS Busan Concert Delayed?

Despite all the arrangements and the hype, the concerts did not begin smoothly. The first night show on June 12 was delayed by about 75 minutes, reportedly because of crowd management issues at the entry point. HYBE, the group's agency, issued a formal apology on the same via its fandom platform Weverse on Saturday morning, ahead of the second show on June 13. "We deeply apologize to all audiences that came to watch the Arirang world tour for the inconvenience caused by the delay in the start of the performance," the BTS Weverse announcement notice read. 

The label pledged to boost its on-site operations to avoid further recurrences in the other shows of the BTS Arirang world tour, as well as in future projects. Despite the apology for the first show on June 13, the second show scheduled on the same date was again delayed by 20 minutes, this time reportedly due to technical difficulties. To fill in the gap, fans began chanting every member’s name and created purple waves using their ARMY Bomb light stick.

Inside BTS Busan Concert 2026: Setlist, Premiere and Stage Moments

The group performed various songs from their new album along with some of their top catalog hits, which include: 

• Hooligan
• Aliens
• Run BTS
• They Don’t Know About Us
• Like Animals
• Swim
• 2.0
• Merry Go Round
• Fake Love
• Mic Drop
• Butter
• Dynamite
• Idol
• Not Today
• Body to Body
• One More Night
• Into the Sun

Most of these performances at the BTS world tour Busan came along with sweeping fireworks and strategic water cannons. Korean symbolism was visible in many of their songs; for instance, Korean-culture inspired ink wash visuals were visible during Normal, while a red-and-blue taegeuk palette was depicted during Not Today. 

Additionally, the traditional Ganggangsullae folk choreography was embedded during the Body to Body performance, where all voices erupted during the traditional Arirang chorus. The most interesting part of the show was J-Hope introducing the exclusive Korean-language version of Normal, which was specifically catered to the Busan audience. Notably, the show in the port city also experienced the premiere of their hidden song Come Over.

Jin, RM, Jimin, and Jungkook Deliver Emotional Remarks

While the show was closing on an emotional note, the band’s oldest member, Jin, told fans that BTS had come such a long way only because of the fans (ARMY). He further expressed his sincere gratitude to both the audience and his fellow members. 

The band’s youngest member, Jungkook, also expressed hope that the two sides could remain together for years to come. Simultaneously, Jimin noted that several of his former teachers were in the crowd. This detail made the sea of thousands shrink, making the moment a reflective one, highlighting that the individuals remembered him since day one, and have seen him grow even before the world knew his name.

As noted by The Korea Herald, at the end of the concluding remarks, RM added, “It feels like it was only yesterday that we were practicing in our studio and releasing albums. It's an honor and a privilege to still be here with you. Please stay with us for a long, long time.”

Arirang World Tour Busan Concert Signals New Era for BTS?

The Busan run was one of the most important parts of the Arirang world tour, spanning 34 cities and more than 80 shows. The tour has already drawn a mayoral commendation in El Paso, a state reception in Mexico City, and the Sphere in Las Vegas lit in the album's signature crimson. More than a routine tour stop, the Busan concert served as a milestone reflecting BTS' 13-year journey. It depicts a poignant transition: the city that once marked the end of an era for the group has now officially opened the next.