BTS lead sing-along during night one of Baltimore ‘ARIRANG’ tour stop
Watch BTS sing their hit single “Butter,” with the help of their fans, during night one of their Baltimore “ARIRANG” tour stop.
BALTIMORE – When the signs range from “I’m 4 years old, this is my first concert” to “K-pop Grandma willing to break a hip for BTS,” you know your appeal is demographic-proof.
The seven-man sensation that delivered the polished pop/hip-hop/dance music of their native South Korea into the into the ears of a global audience starting 13 years ago (yes, really), is in the midst of another massive moment.
BTS has already made history with the first Korean No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 (“Love Yourself: Tear” in 2018), as the first K-pop band to snag a Grammy nomination (and now voice their opposition to a new Asian pop category spurred by their popularity) and by setting a concert attendance record at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (two shows, 130,000 fans), while selling out others around the world.
The North American portion of the Arirang World Tour – named for BTS’ latest studio album released in March – will cover 31 shows in 12 cities when it wraps with four sold-out So-Fi Stadium shows in September. The globetrotting will continue in South America, Australia and other countries through March.
Is BTS unstoppable? For now, yes.
This massive tour, the group’s first since a three-year hiatus to complete mandatory South Korean military service, finds Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook scampering and dancing, winking and rapping as they spread across a gargantuan stage. At times, 50 (yes, really) dancers swarm around them, sometimes clad in stealth black with face coverings, other times in hooded robes or brandishing lighted sticks and flags.
Fireworks shoot from the top of the artfully curved video screens providing views to all sides of the 360-degree stage from the moment “Hooligan” kicks off the two-hour show. Every time a close-up of shyly pouting lips or enviable cheekbones pops on camera, screams from the 70,000-plus fans at M&T Bank Stadium Aug. 10 escalate, the volume dependent upon the owner of said lips and cheekbones.
Throughout the three-act production – video interludes precede costume changes from sleek black and red to various forms of velvet, sparkles and ripped pants to casually expensive hoodies and T-shirts – the septet breaks into different configurations to stroll the four catwalks jutting from the stage corners.
In one of many nods to Korean heritage, the quad of ramps is inspired by the Geongongamri, the four black trigrams in the corners of the South Korean national flag, while the stage floor bears visual elements of the flag.
BTS’ dedication to their culture is admirable. But the joy that they ignite in fans of multiple generations and ethnicities goes beyond their own loyalties.
Whether trading off vocals or raps in the steady creep of “They Don’t Know ‘Bout Us,” or spotlighting the sweet vocalizing on “Merry Go Round,” the group works tirelessly to connect with fans in a cavernous setting.
How BTS’ live show restores faith in humanity
Their stage patter isn’t anything beyond asking the crowd to scream (ya think?) and confirming that the Baltimore shows are their first in the city. But watching BTS and their liquid moves, especially during their U.S. breakthrough sparklers “Butter” and “Dynamite,” is the real fun.
Seamless transitions, such as from “Fake Love” into “Swim,” are as smooth as the guys’ porcelain skin. Then comes the relentless collection of “Mic Drop,” “FYA” and “Fire,” all complemented by sweaty fist-pumps, frenzied lights and plumes of pyro, like a shot of adrenaline after consuming a magnum of caffeine.
When these Kings of the World lap the venue floor with dancers and security in tow, bopping through “Idol” and its perfect stadium-chant chorus, it’s an exercise in fan appreciation.
While the same could be said for any of the other 23 songs in their supersize show, something about watching these personable men born out of boy band infamy wave and smile at fans from a distance safe enough from the overzealous but close enough to spawn thousands of TikToks, is a faith-in-humanity moment.
There are no divisions at a BTS concert. It doesn’t matter where you came from, how old you are or if you’re wearing bedazzled jerseys with your fave’s name etched on the back, super-short leather ensembles or Converse and jeans.
The vibe is enveloping, the songs an easily digestible pastiche of pop splattered with hip-hop and the dancing pinpoint-perfect but loose when the Magnificent Seven are unleashed to showcase their personalities.
Another proclamation from a sign-bearer in the Baltimore crowd likely spoke for millions of BTS Army members: “Thanks for keeping me alive.”