As a local expert living in the heart of Seoul, I can tell you that the “BTS fever” isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s an atmosphere.
While the city prepares for the monumental Gwanghwamun comeback, BTS has just reached another historic milestone. Today, I’m bringing you the latest updates on their record-breaking YouTube achievements and the breathtaking details of the upcoming “ARIRANG” live performance that will transform Seoul into a global stage.
BTS ‘Save ME’ Hits 800M Views: A Prelude to the Historic ‘ARIRANG’ Comeback in Seoul
Before the Kings of K-pop take over Gwanghwamun Square, they’ve added another trophy to their digital mantle. On February 1, 2026, the music video for ‘Save ME’ officially surpassed 800 million views on YouTube.
1. The Magic of ‘Save ME’: Why 800M Matters
Originally released in May 2016 as part of The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, ‘Save ME’ remains a fan favorite nearly a decade later.
- The Sound: A masterful blend of tropical house and future base that feels as fresh today as it did in 2016.
- The Visuals: Filmed using a one-take technique under a gray, windy sky, the MV strips away flashy CGI to focus entirely on the raw, desperate performance of the seven members.
- The Sentiment: The lyrics, “Give me your hand, save me,” resonate deeply with fans, proving that BTS’s art transcends time.
The 800M View Club: BTS’s “Perfect Ten”
With ‘Save ME’ hitting this milestone, BTS now has 10 music videos with over 800 million views. Here is the legendary lineup:
- DNA (The first to hit 800M in 2019)
- Boy With Luv (Feat. Halsey)
- Fake Love
- MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)
- IDOL
- Dynamite
- Blood Sweat & Tears
- Butter
- Dope
- Save ME (Newest member as of Feb 2026!)
2. BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG – The “King’s Return”
Mark your calendars: March 21, 2026. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a cultural restoration. Here is the latest “in-progress” intel on the Gwanghwamun event.
The Royal Opening
In a stunning symbolic gesture, BTS is planning to walk the “King’s Road.” The performance is expected to open with the members marching through the three main gates of the palace: Geunjeongmun → Heungryemun → Gwanghwamun. * Media Facade: The historic walls of the palace and Gwanghwamun will be transformed by massive media art, projecting traditional Korean motifs mixed with BTS’s journey.
- The Scale: 7 members will be joined by 50 dancers and a 13-member Arirang Gugak (Traditional Korean Music) Ensemble.
Super Bowl Standards
This event is being directed by Hamish Hamilton, the legendary director behind the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
- Attendance: While official seating is for ~30,000 (Gwanghwamun + City Hall areas), local authorities are preparing for crowds of up to 200,000 people in the surrounding streets.
- Global Reach: This will be Netflix’s first-ever live event broadcast from Korea, reaching 300 million subscribers in 190 countries.
3. “BTS MU:DS”: K-Heritage Meets K-Pop
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the National Museum of Korea’s brand ‘MU:DS’ (famous for their viral ‘Tiger and Magpie’ badges) will launch a BTS collaboration line in March.
- Expect high-quality goods that blend BTS’s identity with Korean national treasures.
- This collaboration aims to take “K-Heritage” to the global market, timed perfectly with the ‘ARIRANG’ album release.
4. Current “BTS Effect” in Seoul (The Numbers)
- Hotel Surge: Reservations in Jongno and Jung-gu have increased by 450% compared to last year. Most 5-star hotels are completely booked.
- Album Pre-orders: The 5th album ‘ARIRANG’ has already surpassed 4 million pre-orders in just one week.
- Netflix Documentary: A week after the concert (March 27), Netflix will release ‘BTS: THE RETURN’, a documentary detailing the 3-year journey back to this moment.
Kyoung’s Closing Thought:
The atmosphere here in Seoul is reaching a boiling point. Watching the city prepare Gwanghwamun for the “King’s Road” march makes me realize how much this group means to our culture. It’s no longer just music; it’s history in the making.
A lifestyle writer covering K-beauty, fashion, and art. Kyoung shares honest insights on K-pop and smart shopping, capturing the vibrant trends of modern Korea.
