BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour
BTS Battle Torrential Rain to Kick Off $1bn World Tour
BTS faced relentless weather challenges as they began their global tour in Goyang Stadium, South Korea. The open-air event was plagued by heavy rain, leaving both the group and their fans soaked throughout the performance. V, one of the band’s vocalists, remarked on the intensity of the downpours, describing them as “raining like crazy” while navigating puddles on the expansive 360-degree stage. Suga humorously compared the venue to “a water park,” while Jimin expressed his feelings of frustration and stress due to the conditions. “But that’s not what’s important,” he reassured the crowd. “What’s important is that you’re here with us.”
A Wet Welcome
Despite the soaking rain, BTS delivered an energetic performance, showcasing a 23-song setlist that emphasized their latest album, *Arirang*. The album blends traditional Korean folk music with the group’s signature experimental pop style. All but one of their new tracks were included, opening with a lone figure sprinting onto the stage clutching a red flare as fans chanted their name. The performance kicked off with the high-energy rap *Hooligan*, featuring a chaotic mix of strings and sword clashes. RM, who recently suffered an ankle injury during rehearsals, joked about the weather, warning fans: “You might get hurt like me.” While he performed from a stool at a previous event, RM was back on his feet for the opening night, though he was carried on a makeshift throne during a fan interaction segment, hinting at lingering recovery needs.
“It’s been three weeks [since the injury] so the doctor said I can perform,” RM told fans. “It’s not that big of a deal. We just wanted to give it our all today.”
Musical Evolution
The concert leaned heavily on *Arirang*, showcasing a shift in tone from their previous world tour. Tracks like *Mic Drop*, *Run BTS*, and *FYA* dominated the setlist, contrasting with the more melodic pop anthems that had propelled them to international fame. This approach gave the show a driving intensity, with the septet zipping across catwalks extending from the stage, surrounded by pyrotechnics, flames, and LED displays. Later, *Swim* featured V lounging on the soaked stage, mimicking a breaststroke while performing an impromptu rendition of the track. The mood shifted for *Not Today*, a powerful anthem about perseverance, with dancers in hockey masks holding fluorescent lights as the group sang about fighting injustice.
The reduced choreography was notable, as BTS prioritized crowd engagement over their meticulously crafted dance routines. This change, possibly influenced by the weather, added a raw immediacy to the performance. Toward the end, V and Jimin surprised the audience with an unplanned dance routine for *I Need U*, a moment of spontaneity that underscored their strong bond. The main set closed with a reimagined version of *Idol*, the lead single from 2018’s *Love Yourself: Answer*, as the band walked along the stadium’s perimeter, allowing fans to chant the chorus from the stands. The encore was a celebration of joy, with the group returning to the stage in a flurry of unrehearsed enthusiasm.