BTS to perform free at Gwanghwamun Square? BIGHIT MUSIC reacts ahead of comeback album ARIRANG release

BTS announces their 2026 tour

• BTS announces comeback album ARIRANG, first group release in nearly 4 years
• Agency is discussing a possible free concert at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square
• BTS world tour starts April 9, with 79 shows planned in 34 cities worldwide

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K-pop sensation BTS has recently announced the highly anticipated comeback album, ARIRANG, and now the boy band is gearing up for an exciting year of music releases and extensive promotions ahead.

The record, which is their first group release in three years and nine months, comes after all seven members have finished their required military service, rekindling enthusiasm among fans all around the world.

Online rumours that BTS might perform a free concert at Seoul's famed Gwanghwamun Square as part of their official comeback to the stage created a stir earlier this week. The group's agency responded when the rumoured event, which was supposedly planned around the album's March 20 release date, gained momentum on social media.

BIGHIT MUSIC addressed the BTS free concert speculations and told Newsen, “We are currently discussing it, and an official announcement will be made once the location and schedule are finalized."

While the agency didn’t confirm or deny the speculations, reports have suggested that the corporation has requested authorisation to film and hold events at several culturally significant areas from South Korea's National Heritage Administration.

These allegedly include the Sungnyemun Gate region, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Gwanghwamun Square. The proposal will be reviewed by the Cultural Heritage Committee on this month's 20th at 2:00 PM KST. If the plan is approved, it would put BTS in the centre of some of South Korea's most famous sites, highlighting the cultural significance of their return.

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ARIRANG, BTS's fifth full-length album, was previously reported to be released on March 20, 2026. Pre-orders and pre-saves for the 14-track album have already opened, indicating great anticipation for its release. It will be available in different editions.

BTS will embark on a huge worldwide tour after the album's release, beginning on April 9 at Goyang Stadium. There are presently 79 shows scheduled for the tour, which will take place in 34 cities worldwide. More dates are anticipated to be revealed in the upcoming months. According to reports, the tour would have an ambitious 360-degree stage design that promises audiences an immersive experience.

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This would not be BTS's first large-scale free concert. The group supported South Korea's quest for the 2030 World Expo in 2022 by holding the Yet to Come in BUSAN concert at Busan Asiad Main Stadium prior to their military enlistments.