BTS made their long-awaited return to the American scene and sent fans wild with ecstasy.
The band treated fans to an intimate rooftop performance for just 1,000 of their top Spotify listeners, marking their first stateside appearance in four years.
K-pop superstars RM, Jin, SUGA, j hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook headlined Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE in New York City on March 23rd.
The event featured a mix of live music, Q&A moments and immersive fan experiences inspired by their new album ARIRANG.
“It’s really an honor for us to do our first leg in America here,” RM told the audience during a Q&A moderated by Suki Waterhouse.
“It’s been four years, but now we’re here. The seven of us, and with you all, ARMY [the group’s fandom name]. We, with you, can take over the world.”
Fans braved chilly downpours to watch BTS perform highlights from ARIRANG, including hip-hop track “2.0,” stadium-ready anthem “NORML,” and their current single “SWIM.”
The set ended with a heartfelt connection.
The event followed the group’s global comeback concert BTS The Comeback Live: ARIRANG, streamed to 190 countries from Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, where over 100,000 fans gathered in person.
ARIRANG sold nearly 4 million copies on its first day, cementing BTS’ comeback after completing South Korea’s mandatory military service.
The ARIRANG World Tour kicks off on April 9 in Goyang, South Korea, before heading to the US on April 25, followed by dates in Europe, then Asia and Australia into 2027.
