K-pop megastars BTS released a new album as buzz built ahead of their open-air comeback concert in the heart of Seoul that will go ahead despite leader RM being advised to rest with an injured ankle.
The gig today, expected to draw around 260,000 people, will be BTS’s first after a hiatus of almost four years while all seven members served compulsory military service.
It also comes ahead of an 82-date world tour.
Yesterday, BTS’s management said that medical staff recommended RM, 31, wear a cast and “minimise all physical movement” for at least two weeks after hurting his ankle the day before in rehearsals.
But “the artiste himself expressed a strong desire to deliver a performance of the highest quality”, Big Hit Music said.
“Consequently, we wish to inform you that RM’s participation in certain performance elements, such as choreography on stage, will be restricted,” a statement added.
Earlier yesterday, BTS released their fifth studio album, billed as reflecting the maturing boy band’s Korean roots and identity.
The 14-track ARIRANG takes its name from a folk song about longing and separation that is often dubbed South Korea’s unofficial national anthem.
An animated trailer appears to draw on the story of Korean students whose singing of the song a US anthropologist recorded on a cylinder phonograph in 1896.
“We gave deep thought to our identity – and how best to express ourselves authentically – across the entirety of our music and performances,” said BTS member Jimin, 30.
“As an extension of that process, we also revisited the significance of our background as a group comprised entirely of Korean members,” he said.
Ces-Marie Hilo, 40, a fan from the United States, said she listened to the album while waiting to purchase BTS merchandise.
“We are still listening to the album and it’s amazing so far,” Hilo said.
“I can hear titbits from their roots but the majority are new sounds from them and a mix of different genres.”
Excitement, meanwhile, grew in Seoul, with hotels long since booked out and thousands flying in from overseas, ramming home the immense popularity of a multi-award-winning act singing mostly in Korean.
Streets were festooned with “Welcome BTS & ARMY” signs, referring to the group’s fandom. BTS hoodies, wallets and figurines were on sale at new pop-up stores and convenience shops.
Mara Cristia Yao and Rodessa Ericka Bonon, fans from the Philippines, could not secure their tickets for the concert.
“We are just going to come to this area anyway. We are figuring out where to position ourselves tomorrow,” Yao said. — AFP
