BTS battle torrential rain to kick off $1bn world tour
BTS Confront Heavy Rain to Launch $1 Billion World Tour
BTS faced relentless downpours during their world tour’s debut at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. The open-air event turned into a soaked spectacle, with both the band and their supporters drenched by the deluge. V, one of the group’s vocalists, quipped,
“It’s raining like crazy,”
as he navigated puddles on the expansive 360-degree stage. Suga humorously compared the venue to a “water park,” while Jimin admitted the conditions left him “frustrated and stressed.” Despite the chaos, he reassured the crowd,
“What’s important is that you’re here with us.”
After a four-year break marked by mandatory military service, the septet returned with renewed vigor, delivering a 23-song setlist brimming with energy. The rain, however, became a recurring motif. V seized the opportunity, performing an impromptu rendition of their comeback track Swim while lying on the damp stage and mimicking a breaststroke. RM, who recently injured his ankle, joked,
“You might get hurt like me.”
He had performed from a stool in a prior event but was back on his feet for the opening night, albeit carried on a throne during a fan interaction segment.
The concert heavily featured their latest album Arirang, which blends traditional Korean folk melodies with their experimental pop style. Only one old track was omitted from the setlist, which began with a hooded figure sprinting onto the stage, holding a red flare as fans chanted. The performance leaned toward edgier tracks like Mic Drop and Run BTS, contrasting with the smoother pop hits that defined their global success. Pyrotechnics, fire walls, and LED lights amplified the intensity, with the band darting across catwalks as if competing in a high-stakes race.
Despite the weather’s interference, the show’s emotional core remained unshaken. A rendition of Not Today saw dancers in hockey masks swaying fluorescent lights, embodying the song’s themes of resilience against injustice. The stripped-back choreography, a shift from their signature precision, added rawness to the performance. Yet, it was a spontaneous moment—V and Jimin reenacting the I Need U dance routine—that highlighted their enduring camaraderie. The encore culminated in a triumphant return to Idol, with the band walking the stadium’s perimeter as fans echoed the chorus from the crowd.
As the rain continued, fans’ enthusiasm remained undimmed. Some arrived at 6:30 AM to secure prime spots, using umbrellas and selfies to navigate the long queues. Even after the performance, hundreds without tickets braved the elements to catch the show from the outside. The experience underscored their global appeal, with the group’s determination to deliver a memorable event despite the challenges.
