BTS's ARIRANG tour hits north London - and it's a jaw-droppingly immersive triumph from the K-pop favourites

Pop royalty BTS returned to London after seven long years away with a spectacular stadium show that was among the slickest, most immersive and unquestionably the loudest the capital has seen in years.

If the deafening screams from start to finish were anything to go by, then fans were definitely ready to have them back.

For anyone who needs a crash course, BTS are seven singers from Korea: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, who have become the biggest global success story in K-pop history.

Unlike your typical boy band, they’ve had an interesting journey, from having their meteoric momentum halted by the Covid-19 pandemic before each member completed South Korea's compulsory military service.

But now that they are back the septet made sure fan feel as though they had a front-row view. Giant screens surrounded Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while a spectacular 360-degree stage centred on a jeongja pavilion inspired by Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The BTS Army is renowned for noticing every detail, but even the most devoted fans may have missed some of the symbolism woven into the production. Throughout the night, the group balanced its biggest global hits with staging that quietly celebrated its Korean identity.

The stage floor echoed the South Korean flag, while long runways stretched deep into the crowd, bringing the seven members within touching distance of fans in the pit.

The stage floor incorporates visual elements from the South Korean flag with extended multi-directional runways leading out into the audience for those in the pit to really get up close.

The Arirang tour celebrates their comeback with 88 shows, making them the first South Korean act to ever achieve the feat as they continue to raise the bar.

During the set they blend their global pop hits with clever staging that reflects their origins and identity.

The anthemic Idol set the stadium alight. Fifty dancers carrying LED-lit traditional Korean flags marched around the stage with the group in a spectacular parade that perfectly celebrated BTS' return.

Away from the theatrics, the choreography and vocals were flawless, with the band not missing a beat while also managing to make the north London crowd swoon with their easy banter and playful onstage antics.

There were plenty of kisses being blown and the group spent much of the night schmoozing the adoring crowd. The guys even attempted English accents, declaring: "It's blooming lovely to be here."And even "cheers-mate-ing" the crowd with their playful take on British slang.

They even joked that they were partially responsible for England’s World Cup glory.

"London, it’s been a while. Congrats on the win last night," 31-year-old band leader RM exclaimed, rewarded with a huge cheer.

"We always bring the luck to every place. When we were in Belgium, Belgium won, and now we're in London, England won. You see?"

After thumping through their hits, the set slowed right down for the final bow of the evening. The stage slowly spun round as each member took turns giving a message to fans that felt genuine and from the heart. Many spoke in their native Korean with a translator.

BTS last played London in 2019, becoming the first South Korean group to headline Wembley Stadium.

RM said: "(Being here) gives me a lot of reminiscing. There was Covid, there was military, and now we’re here in 2026 together. I missed you so much."

Group mate V said: "London is the place I like the most. You always go above my expectations. It’s always exciting to perform in front of you, and the Army gives me chills down my spine."

Rapper and producer Suga added: "I don’t think you guys have changed. You’re still a passionate country. I’m still feeling the same emotions I felt at Wembley."

If this was the beginning of their next chapter, it was one worth waiting for.