Comeback with Fifth Studio Album in March... Foreign Media: "Return to K-pop Identity"
Record-Breaking 79-Show Tour Expected to Generate 1.3 Trillion Won
Free Concert Planned at Gwanghwamun... Lee: "Strict Measures Against Price Gouging"
The group BTS will resume their activities at Gwanghwamun Square in Jung-gu, Seoul, after completing their military service. The name of their upcoming fifth studio album, set for release on March 20, is "Arirang." Through the most quintessentially Korean melody, the group aims to reaffirm their roots and reconnect with global fans.
The motif for this album title, Arirang, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012 and embodies universal values symbolizing human creativity and freedom.
As the album release approaches, international media outlets have analyzed and reported on the cultural significance of "Arirang." Forbes in the United States stated, "BTS has always placed Korean identity at the heart of their music," adding, "The title of this album signifies a return to their roots after a hiatus and is an extension of their mission to promote Korean culture worldwide." The BBC and other foreign media predicted, "This album, which contains a narrative of reunion, will serve as a medium to convey the uniquely Korean sentiments of 'Han' and 'hope' to music fans around the world."
The central staircase of the Seoul Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is already adorned with large-scale advertisements featuring the new album’s logo. HYBE, the group’s agency, is working with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the police, and the Cultural Heritage Administration to organize a free performance at Gwanghwamun Square on March 20. The tentative title of the concert is "K-Heritage and K-pop Fusion Performance." Proposed venues include Gyeongbokgung Palace (Geunjeongmun, Heungnyemun), Gwanghwamun and the Gwanghwamun Woldae area (including the surrounding walls), and Sungnyemun.
The decision on whether the concert will take place will be made at the Cultural Heritage Committee meeting on the 20th. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will also hold a review by the Gwanghwamun Square advisory panel by the 23rd to determine whether to permit the concert at Gwanghwamun Square. As this would be a large-scale outdoor performance near national heritage sites of significant historical value, the industry is closely watching the outcome. An agency representative stated, "We will provide guidance as soon as the venue and schedule are finalized."
BTS's 5th studio album logo decorated on the central staircase of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. Provided by Big Hit Music
This is not the first time BTS has performed at Gyeongbokgung Palace. In 2020, they showcased a stage at Geunjeongjeon and Gyeonghoeru within Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was released through NBC’s "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in the United States.
Immediately following the release of their new album, BTS will embark on a world tour starting April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, performing a total of 79 concerts across 34 cities worldwide. This marks the largest tour ever for a K-pop artist. The tour will feature 360-degree stage productions at major stadiums in cities such as El Paso, Foxborough, and Baltimore in the United States. It is estimated that each BTS concert generates an economic impact of approximately 1 trillion won. The BBC projected that the total revenue from this world tour will exceed 1 billion dollars (about 1.47 trillion won).
With hotel prices soaring in conjunction with the concerts, the government has launched a strong, cross-ministerial response. Ahead of the concert in Busan in June, accommodation prices near Haeundae have surged up to 1.2 million won, ten times the usual rate. President Lee Jaemyung defined this as "malicious exploitation" and ordered strict action. Through social media, President Lee emphasized, "This is malicious exploitation that disrupts the order of the entire market and causes significant harm to everyone. It must be eradicated." He further instructed, "Measures should be taken to ensure that the losses incurred far exceed any unjust gains," calling for an effective punishment system.
The Busan Metropolitan Government immediately activated a "price gouging QR reporting system." According to the current Public Health Control Act, accommodation providers who do not comply with posted rates may face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to 5 million won. Busan authorities plan to take strong administrative actions, such as reflecting violations in hotel rating evaluations, if unfair pricing is confirmed. Busan Mayor Park Hyungjoon stated, "We will mobilize all available administrative resources to support a successful event."
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