At Tottenham, BTS brought the album’s themes to life. Before they arrived on stage, the audience heard the toll of the sacred bell of King Seongdeck, one of Korea’s revered cultural treasures, cast over 1,200 years ago.
The massive 360-degree stage, which featured four catwalks into the audience, was also inspired by Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, while the stage floor incorporated visual elements inspired by the South Korean flag.
Taking place in much drier conditions than the first night in Goyang Stadium, the first London date is largely focused on the Arirang album, which harks back to the band’s hip-hop roots.
They burst into action with an explosion of pyrotechnics and fireworks with Hooligan, which showcased their trademark blend of honeyed harmonies and crisp rap verses.
Surrounded by 50 dancers, dressed head to toe in black, the opening set a high bar that was matched by the defiant Aliens and a gripping version of Run BTS.
The highlight was a medley of 2026’s FYA and the 2016’s Fire, during which fans jumped with such ferocity that I could literally feel the stands bounce under my feet.
The band responded to the energy, running up and down the catwalks and spraying water over fans (and each other) as the beats pounded down.
Swim also got a huge response in the stadium – Jimin even took out his earpiece during the first chorus to hear the fans’ screaming the words.
After the song, V told the fans, “Honestly, you should just join the tour with us”. The ensuing screams were so loud they could flatten an entire city.
