The return of BTS is a big deal. In case you were in any doubt, just look at the frenzy surrounding the South Koreans' comeback.
On Saturday, the band will kick off a sold-out, 82-date world tour with a free concert in Seoul, which is expected to be attended by more than 250,000 fans and will be live-streamed on Netflix to more than 190 countries.
When the tour wraps up in 2027, BTS are expected to have generated more than $1bn in revenue, with some estimates suggesting they could eclipse Taylor Swift's $2bn for her Eras tour.
With demand soaring, even Mexico's President has approached the South Korean government requesting more concert dates in her country.
Eager fans pre-saved 'Arirang,' BTS's tenth album, over five million times on Spotify - a record for K-Pop. Shares in their record company, HYBE, surged in anticipation.
During their four-year hiatus, all seven members completed mandatory 18-month military service, during which HYBE's operating profit dropped by 37.5%. Expectations for 'Arirang' are accordingly high, seen as a rebirth for BTS in an industry shaken by scandals and declining album sales.
The album features a mix of rebellious tracks reminiscent of their earlier work, interlaced with themes of reconnection and the pressure of fame, asserting their commitment to their music career. Songs like 'Swim' reflect on the currents of life, while tracks like 'Normal' reveal ambivalence towards celebrity.
The closing track, 'Into The Sun', experiments with digital effects, culminating in a powerful embrace of their journey back into international music dominance.
