BTS are back! It’s official that the world’s biggest K-pop boy band are back performing together after three years. For the seven-member third-generation K-pop group, their names are known across the world. Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have dominated global charts, and touched the hearts of millions of their fans, known collectively as ‘ARMY’s.’ BTS: The Comeback Live even sees an official hashtag made – #BTSLiveonNetflix.
But it was 2022 that marked BTS’ hiatus after mandatory military service back in their home country of South Korea. Solo activities then proceeded the group, which was named the ‘Chapter 2’ era of BTS. This saw each member release their own solo work. In 2022, J-Hope released Jack in the Box alongside Jin’s The Astronaut, and RM’s Indigo work. Then in 2023 saw other members follow in solo pursuit with Jimin’s FACE, Suga’s D-DAY, Jungkook’s Seven/GOLDEN, and V’s Layover.
Released on 20th March 2026, their highly anticipated fifth full-length album, ‘ARIRANG’ gifts ARMY with 14 new tracks. Alongside their leader, RM having impressively being credited as a songwriter on 13 tracks. Whoever your bias (favourite), you’re sure to enjoy the show with this ever-likeable seven-member boy group.
(L-R: RM, Suga, Jin, V, Jungkook, Jimin, & J-Hope)
The Mics Are “ON”
Live on Netflix the group performed their hit songs at the iconic location of Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Their decision to perform the comeback at an historic landmark sees the boy group return to their roots – at the heart of South Korea. With 22,000 fans securing free tickets to the event, alongside 260,000 ARMYs altogether witnessed BTS perform their comeback live on stage. Alongside fans from 190 countries worldwide streaming the event on Netflix.
BTS fiercely entered the stage with the first track on their ARIRANG album, “Body to Body.” The song was partly written by OneRepublic’s frontman, Ryan Tedder who is widely known for producing hit after hit, including the likes of Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.” On stage, Jimin stood out for his sharp dancing, as well as V for his soulful vocals, and RM for his leadership skills. Whilst Suga shined in his fast-rapping skills, J-Hope for his cool aesthetic and rap verses, and Jin for his light, sweet voice. Alongside the ‘Golden Maknae’ (youngest), the K-pop all-rounder, Jungkook showcases his excellence in singing, dancing, and performing.
Singing a mixture of their new songs, their most popular songs, and of course, some ‘old but gold’ tunes too. BTS are proving they are more powerful than ever before. Mixing Korean and English lyrics – the fans get a cultural cross-over. Their global influence in the K-pop industry is truly unmatched. From not only being live on Netflix but having sold out their 70-arena show tour which begins this year and reaches into spring 2027.
BTS ‘Set the Night Alight’
The one-hour set saw BTS perform 12 tracks. Interspersed between their “Arirang” songs were some of their biggest hits. Chart-topping K-pop bangers including “Butter”, “Mic Drop”, “Dynamite”, and “Mikrokosmos” truly ‘set the night alight’ for their fans. BTS were joined on stage by singers, instrumentalists, and backup dancers dressed in traditional Korean fashions to go all out for this iconic comeback.
Although their leader, RM suffered an ankle injury before the show meant he had to sit at the sidelines and let his vocals lead the way instead. The historic night for the leading K-pop boy group saw them dress in Korean designer Jay Songzio’s ‘Songzio’ label. Their fashions saw a blend of traditional Korean style with a modern, avant-garde twist. Both styles seamlessly came together to create their “Lyrical Armour” collection.
Interestingly, their historic comeback comes with a deeper meaning with “Arirang” being a traditional Korean folk song. Essentially the boy group are returning to their Korean roots. However, this is clearly not only showing in their music but in their fashion aesthetics too. Perhaps most interesting is how they shape BTS into seven individuals. Their fashion styles and music tastes differ to their onstage personas and their dedicated solo fanbases too.
Historic Comeback
Together BTS and ARMY are family and this ‘Live on Netflix’ performance was certainly worth the wait. The power of BTS truly reaches beyond generations, nationalities, and ethnicities. Everything from their singing, rapping, and dancing to their overall performance and their individual talking sections – is their anything BTS can’t do? We see the traditional BTS back from their genuine friendships down to their individual colour microphones. This era surely does mark a darker turn. Shining in black leather pieces, with a bold red backdrop for “Arirang” – the huge crowd saw the ARMY bombs (BTS’ official lightstick) waved to the beats with the colour changes marked in time to the songs.
Away from the stage together after three years – we see an older, mature, and more experienced BTS with new haircuts too for this era. They remain the same inspirational idols, the same fashion icons, and the same boy group the world has longingly adored. In recent years, K-pop has immersed itself into western culture, after last year’s ‘Deadline’ tour for the biggest K-pop girl group in the world, BLACKPINK dominated headlines. It’s time to bring on their world tour. This may just be the biggest year for BTS.
Rating: 4 ½ stars
BTS: The Comeback Live – ‘ARIRANG’ was streamed live on Netflix today and is available to stream now.