"BTS tour revenue is likely to surpass 3 trillion won, a magnificent return"... US NYT is buzzing [Star Issue]

The group BTS (RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jungkook) returned with a comeback performance at Gwanghwamun, drawing concentrated coverage from major international media outlets.

The New York Times (NYT) created a separate "BTS comeback" section on its official website, and on the 21st (KST) gave the performance held at Gwanghwamun in Seoul the overall assessment: "The performance, staged in the historic center of Seoul, was a grand return of BTS, the central driving force of Korean soft power."

It also said that the album title "Arirang" and the members taking the stage wearing outfits by Korean designers was "a declaration about the status of Korean culture and identity on the world stage."

It explained that the fact the performance was broadcast live worldwide via Netflix was "evidence proving BTS's global stature and popularity."

The NYT predicted that BTS's tour earnings could exceed or be similar to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ticket revenue of $2 billion (about 3.013 trillion won).

Earlier, on the 21st at 8 p.m., BTS held "BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG" (BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG) in the Gwanghwamun Square area. The site reportedly drew about 104,000 spectators.

After the Gwanghwamun performance, BTS will collaborate with global audio and music streaming platform Spotify to hold "Spotify X BTS: Swimside" in New York, USA on the 24th. In addition, from April 9 to 12 they will hold standalone concerts "BTS World Tour 'Arirang' in Goyang" at the Gyeonggi Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium and begin their world tour.

Reporter Kim Noeul [email protected]