K-pop legends BTS returned to the UK this week after a long hiatus that had fans clamouring for their return. All seven members of the band have now completed their mandatory 18 months of military service in South Korea, enlisting between 2022 and 2023 to minimise their time away from the public eye.
All able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 must serve in the army – and BTS were no different, other than being able to defer until the age of 30. While Jin established himself as an assistant drill instructor, RM served in the military band – but admitted “not everything was fun and enjoyable” during his conscription.
But now they’re back and launching straight back into their music careers with their Arirang World Tour. Grab your lightsticks and prepare yourselves for an epic night.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from BTS – after seeing Stray Kids and Ateez, I knew a high-energy show was in order, but would they be on top form after so long away? Would the chemistry still be the same? Tickets, after all, sold like hotcakes, and it took the most dedicated Army member to secure them. It’s hardly surprising, as BTS were the first ever Korean act to secure a no. 1 album in the UK. Their fanbase here is huge.
BTS fever was already spreading around London as I headed to the venue – I spotted merch-toting superfans everywhere, with photo cards attached to bags and lightsticks strung around necks. A special BTS Arirang pop-up store launched last month in Oxford Street for fans to get their hands on tour T-shirts and hoodies, but slots filled up so quickly even that was near impossible to book. Even the London Eye was lit up red for the boys.
Not to worry, I’m here to tell you it was all worth it. The band kicked off their set at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they’ll remain tonight for a second date, with the rap-heavy Hooligan, before launching into the rest of their act one tracks.
As a sweat-soaked Jimin declared: “It was f***ing hot!” – and the height of British summertime seemed a perfect time for one of the most anticipated gigs of the year.
Their 2026 single SWIM was a particular highlight – but it was encore track Butter I’d been waiting for, and it didn’t disappoint. The energy of the band was infectious and reflected back from the crowd, and by the time the lads launched into their two secret songs of the night – Life Goes On and Dionysus – the anticipation was at fever pitch.
But everything, from the impressive staging to the epic choreography, was on point. I spotted plenty of tears in the crowd around me as the night ended in a firework spectacular and the band headed off-stage, screaming for Jimin and RM as they went.
With a tour that is continuing into 2027, BTS are heading to Munich and Paris next before jaunting to the US, where they have dates lined up in everywhere from Los Angeles to Chicago, as well as Canada dates in Toronto. They’ll head to South America, Asia and Australia later in the year.
If you’re headed to Tottenham tonight, beware of crowds – it took a good 40 minutes to elbow my way out of the stadium. Three words, though. So. Worth. It.