What’s wrong with a little national pride? Today was the day we "reconfirmed" on stage that South кσяєα is indeed "the home of BTS." The rain had stopped. So, on the second day of the "Arirang" World Tour opening, BTS seemed to have finally "warmed up" on the fields of Goyang.
They tore up the stage for 180 minutes with the seasoned presence we’ve always known—only now at an even higher level. Not only did they perform every track from their new album Arirang, but they also delivered a 22-song setlist packed with mega-нιтs that "even the neighbor’s dog knows"—the very songs that built the BTS of today.
The moment when 44,000 voices united in thunderous fanchants was soмєтнing both the group and fans had long been yearning for. Just as Chairman Bang Si-hyuk predicted, BTS’s power of connection in this new chapter has truly reached its peak!
In particular, before the encore stage, the members shared heartfelt messages with fans, opening up about everything they had been feeling since their return. Among them, the remarks by RM and Jungkook drew the most attention, as they were seen as directly addressing controversies surrounding their statements in previous livestreams.
Starting with RM, he said, "Thank you sincerely for waiting for us and for your unwavering support," before kneeling on stage to offer a deep gesture of gratitude. He emphasized, "We are showing a lot of changes, including our music, but what truly matters remains unchanged: the fact that the seven of us have chosen to continue this journey together."
RM added, "Our feelings for all of you are genuine. We have never once taken for granted the fact that you filled this stadium to capacity." He also opened up further: "We are all over thirty now. As independent individuals who have worked for 15 years, we made this decision (to stay together). So, I hope you can trust us a little more and generously watch over and enjoy our evolution. Please, trust us just once more."
According to Maeil Business, these remarks appeared to be an indirect clarification of the inner thoughts previously shared by RM and other members ahead of this comeback. Back in December last year, during the production of the ARIRANG album, RM had sparked concern among fans by confessing in a livestream that: "I thought tens of thousands of times whether it would be better to disband the team or just halt our activities."
Meanwhile, Jungkook began his confession with a formal bow to fans, saying, "Thank you for coming (to the concert)." He continued, "I’m relieved that we finished safely without anyone getting hurt. The weather, as well as your reactions and cheers, were all so perfect. I feel incredibly good."
He then addressed things more directly: "Regarding the recent incident during my livestream—no matter the situation, I hope you know that all my actions and my heart toward you are sincere." He was referring to a livestream in late February, where he drank with friends, used some casual language, and expressed frustration about being controlled as an idol.
He continued, "In the future, I will continue to give my all, even to the point of 'breaking my body' for you. Therefore, if you just wait for me, I will become a great singer who repays you with a variety of cool and impressive performances. Thank you. I love you."
Instead of choosing silence and letting things pαѕѕ, he addressed everything openly on a major stage, proving his sincerity. His respectful bow and promise to “give everything” showed that no matter what Jungkook does, his ultimate destination is always the stage and the au∂ιєnce. This heartfelt confession has completely won over fans’ hearts!
