K-pop sensation BTS takes stage in Busan to dazzle global audience

BTS performs during its "Yet to Come in Busan" concert at Asiad Main Stadium in the port city, Saturday. Courtesy of HYBE

Concert piques fans' interest in World Expo 2030

By Dong Sun-hwa

BUSAN ― Busan, Korea's second-biggest city, faced some stumbling blocks as it prepared for K-pop juggernaut BTS' concert, which took place at Asiad Main Stadium on Saturday in front of some 50,000 spectators to support the southern port city's bid to host World Expo 2030.

The city government initially intended to hold the "Yet to Come in Busan" concert by setting up a stage in Gijang County, but had to change its plan after numerous people pointed out that the venue was far from being safe and accessible. Then, it came under fire for not restricting local hotels and lodging establishments from overcharging visitors, with some of them raising the price of their rooms by nearly 10 times. When it was revealed that BTS and its management company HYBE needed to spend 7 billion won ($4.9 million) to organize a concert for free, the city was again slammed for "exploiting" the K-pop megastars for its own end without paying them properly.

A series of unpleasant news drew the ire of BTS fans and some of them even asked the septet to call off its concert.

However, despite such hurdles, Saturday's concert was a success for Busan, which managed to win people's hearts after handling most of the aforementioned problems. A plethora of BTS followers who came to Busan told The Korea Times that their interest in the World Expo 2030 has also grown dramatically thanks to the septet.

Amber Nguyen, left, a 24-year-old BTS fan from Vietnam / Korea Times photo by Dong Sun-hwa

"Now I am much more interested in the World Expo 2030 because of BTS," Amber Nguyen, a 24-year-old fan from Vietnam, said. "I want to see whether Korea will become the next host and what would be going on in the days to come. As a fan of BTS, I would like to see my singers make a meaningful contribution to their country."

Asked whether she thinks Busan has sufficient infrastructure to hold a large international event, she nodded and said, "On my way to Busan, I did not have any problems regarding transportation, accommodation and interpretation. Everything was so good and normal. The city has beautiful oceans and a lot of things to see and play, too."

Lui Maddela, left, a 35-year old BTS fan from the Philippines / Korea Times photo by Dong Sun-hwa

Lui Maddela, a 35-year-old from the Philippines, echoed that sentiment.

"I also did not face any issues in Busan, although I sometimes had to use a translator to understand some directions," she said.

BTS electrifies fans with its mega-hits

BTS during its "Yet to Come in Busan" concert at Asiad Main Stadium in Busan, Saturday / Courtesy of HYBE

Saturday's show was literally a festival. With some 100,000 visitors flocking to Busan, the city was so crowded that even the Wi-Fi did not function properly. But still, there were police officers, public servants and volunteers wearing purple outfits ― a symbolic color of BTS ― in every nook and cranny of the city, who could help them.

The K-pop titan used to open its shows with its 2020 hip-hop track "ON" for most of its previous concerts. But on Saturday, it started with "MIC Drop" (2017) ― another powerful hip-hop song that has been critically acclaimed. After popping up on stage amid thunderous screams, the members performed "Run BTS" (2022) and "Run" (2015) before welcoming their fans.

"It has taken three years for us to return to Busan, since our last show in 2019," front man RM said with a beaming smile. "It is an honor for us to stage a concert supporting Busan's bid to hold the World Expo 2030."

Jungkook, who hails from Busan, added, "I am so happy and thrilled to meet our fans in my hometown."

As HYBE said earlier, BTS took the stage with some of their best-known hits that even non-fans could sing along, such as "Dynamite" (2020) and "Butter" (2021), which reigned atop Billboard's main singles chart. They also showed off their vocal bravura and performing skills with "FIRE" (2016) and "IDOL" (2018), adding a festive mood to their party.

BTS performs during its "Yet to Come in Busan" concert at Asiad Main Stadium, Saturday. Courtesy of HYBE

But the crown jewel of the concert was "Ma City" (2015), a tune in which BTS members express their deep love for their hometowns. Jungkook and Jimin ― who was also born in Busan ― looked particularly energetic on stage when they performed against a backdrop of Busan and its signature tourist attractions. The audience members screamed at the top of their lungs.

"Since we are performing in Busan, we cannot leave out this song," Jimin said.

Concertgoers wait for BTS' concert at Asiad Main Stadium, Saturday. Courtesy of HYBE

At the end of the gig, BTS members told their fans that they will continue to perform and produce music against all odds, as long as their fans trust them.

"We have to be active for the next 30-40 years," Jimin said.

Jin made a surprising announcement that he will roll out a solo track in the coming days. Jin, 29, may not be able to join BTS' musical activity in 2023 if he begins his compulsory military service at the end of this year.

"I came to drop a song in collaboration with the people I like," he hinted. "I still have a lot of things to show you."