The return of global K-pop sensation BTS has given a significant boost to South Korea’s economy, as thousands of international fans travelled to attend the group’s reunion concerts following a four-year hiatus.
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According to figures released by credit card company Hana Card, foreign visitors spent approximately 55.5 billion won (around £28 million) during BTS’s recent performances in Goyang. The spending covered airfare, accommodation, food, transport, and retail purchases over the three-day concert period.
Around 30,000 overseas fans reportedly visited South Korea specifically for the shows, highlighting the group’s continued global influence. The concerts were held at the 41,000-seat Goyang Stadium, where all three shows sold out during presales, according to local media reports.
BTS members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook returned to the stage after completing mandatory military service in South Korea. The group had been on hiatus since 2022, during which time members focused on solo projects.
Their comeback was marked by a free concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21, followed by the launch of their “Arirang World Tour” on April 9 in Goyang. The tour is expected to continue across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, further expanding their global reach.
Industry analysts say BTS’s return has not only revived excitement in the global music scene but also significantly benefited tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors in South Korea. The influx of international fans has once again demonstrated the group’s ability to drive economic activity beyond the entertainment industry.
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BTS, widely credited with transforming Korean pop music into a worldwide cultural phenomenon, recently released their new album Arirang, marking their first group project since their hiatus began.