BTS PLAY LONDON SHOWS WEAVING KOREAN CULTURE INTO TOUR

BTS performed the first of two sold-out concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 6 July, marking the Korean group's return to London for the first time in seven years. The performances formed part of the 'Arirang' world tour, which supports their latest album of the same name. The tour began its European leg in Madrid and Brussels in late June, with the London shows followed by dates in Munich and Paris before continuing across North America, Latin America, Asia and Australia across 88 total dates.

The 'Arirang' tour incorporates traditional Korean music, architecture and dance throughout its production. Traditional gukak music played as audiences entered the venue, whilst video screens displayed hanji-inspired designs. Performances integrated Korean cultural elements: 'They Don't Know 'Bout Us' featured tal mask-inspired visuals, whilst the seungmu dance informed staging for 'Body To Body'. That performance also recreated ganggangsullae, a traditional circle dance, with crew members carrying LED flags and ribbons inspired by sangmo, a hat-spinning technique.

Members referenced BTS' previous performances at Wembley in 2019. Rapper Suga told the crowd he remained emotionally connected to those shows despite the intervening years. Leader RM reflected on the passage of time, stating: "It gives a lot of reminiscence and memories of when we were at Wembley. [Then], I was [wearing] the cap with Sonny on it and everything was fine, but then there was COVID, there was military, and now we're here in 2026, together."