▲ BTS performing in Paris, France, on July 17, local time
Group BTS has taken the stage in France for the first time in seven years.
The concert drew 92,000 spectators, setting a record for the highest attendance for a single show in BTS concert history.
BTS wrapped up their "Arirang" album European tour yesterday (July 17), local time, at the Stade de France in northern Paris, France.
Stade de France is the largest stadium in France, with a capacity of 80,000.
Including floor-seat spectators, a whopping 92,000 people flocked to see BTS.
This concert was the largest not only of the "Arirang" album world tour but also among the numerous performances BTS has staged since their debut.
As ARMY (BTS's fandom) who had waited seven years since the June 2019 Paris concert gathered, the area around the stadium was a veritable festival even before the show began.
ARMYs, matching their clothes, bags, accessories, and even makeup with BTS's signature colors, danced to BTS songs or took commemorative photos everywhere.
Long lines formed everywhere in front of official merchandise shops.
The areas around ARMYs who brought self-made BTS merchandise, such as bracelets and keychains, were also packed with people, leaving no room to step.
ARMYs squeezed through the crowd, even competing to receive merchandise featuring the name or photo of their "favorite member."
Lee, a Korean in his 30s living in France who was collecting merchandise, said, "I was very depressed during the COVID-19 lockdown, but I overcame that depression by watching BTS's self-produced content and was deeply moved by their lyrics. Thanks to that, I also succeeded in getting a job, making this concert very meaningful."
While a significant portion of ARMY appeared to be women in their 20s and 30s, "elderly" ARMYs who came to burn with passion were also spotted here and there.
Kristina, 57, who said she came from Hungary, proudly picked V as her favorite member.
For her favorite song, she shouted out their 2013 debut track "No More Dream."
A family of eight also came to watch together.
Romain, a French national with four daughters, said, "I became a BTS fan thanks to my daughters and listen to all of their songs," adding that the entire family plans to come again for the second Paris show held today (July 18), local time.
The oldest member of the family, a 70-year-old grandmother, proudly said, "I am the youngest here."
▲ Group BTS begins the first show of their 'Arirang' album Paris tour at the Stade de France in France on July 17, local time.
The heat inside the venue was even hotter.
The fans' excitement exploded simultaneously with the intro of "Hooligan" signaling the start of the concert.
As the members appeared on stage amid red smoke, a deafening roar shook the venue.
The fans' sing-along was so loud that BTS's singing could barely be heard.
During the concert, BTS performed tracks from the "Arirang" album, as well as their hit songs including "Not Today," "IDOL," "Butter," and "Dynamite."
As a surprise song for French fans, they gifted performances of "Boy With Luv" and "JUMP."
While the members changed outfits and prepared for the next stage, the large screen in the center of the stage took turns showing ARMYs, the other protagonists of the concert.
Whenever signs appeared with messages such as "Paris is romance, BTS is touching," "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for staying by my side throughout my 20s," and "I'm happy thanks to you. My bank account isn't happy, but I still love you," the venue became a mix of laughter and tears.
▲ French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife attending the BTS concert
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, who visited the venue, were also caught on broadcast cameras holding ARMY Bombs.
President Macron posted a video of the concert he filmed himself on his mobile phone to his Instagram account, writing, "Welcome to Paris."
Pianist Kun-Woo Paik, who resides in France, also enjoyed the concert with people who appeared to be his family.
After finishing the concert, which lasted over two hours, BTS sat on a 360-degree rotating stage and thanked ARMYs in Korean and French.
The youngest member, Jungkook, said, "Since there were over 80,000 seats today, I actually had high expectations, but it was so much more fun than I thought, and I was so happy."
He then greeted in French, "I spent a happy time with you all tonight. Thank you for gifting me this precious memory, and I will never forget it."
The oldest member, Jin, recalled that his first schedule outside of a fan meeting after his military service was carrying the torch for the Paris Olympics in July 2024.
Jin said, "At that time, I was with the very beautiful streets and the beautiful you, and today, being with the beautiful you again makes me so, so joyful and happy. Thank you so much for making this a wonderful day."
V explained, "I prepared a greeting in French, but my pronunciation is bad, so I don't think it will get across. Still, I'll give it a try with confidence."
He then said he likes croissants and escargot, which symbolize France, drawing enthusiastic cheers from local fans.
Leader RM also said in French, "I am so, so happy to be back in Paris. You are the best," while blowing a hand heart.
Suga, who had said he was looking forward to the France concert the most during the world tour, shared, "We performed at this exact same venue seven years ago before COVID-19, and back then, the audience was about half of what it is today."
He added, "I think this will be the city with the largest crowd and the hottest energy of our tour. Thank you so much for doing well."
Jimin also stated, "This is the concert that mobilized the largest audience in our team's performing history."
He promised, "Whenever I come to Paris, I will always keep in mind that you are waiting for us this much."
Lastly, J-Hope, taking the microphone, asked in French, "Everyone, did you have a good time?"
He then praised Paris as "the city of the best ARMYs."
▲ 92,000 fans who came to see the BTS concert
The BTS concert was also covered as major news by local French media outlets.
The daily newspaper Le Monde published a lengthy online article on its website covering BTS's journey from their debut days to the present.
Le Monde evaluated, "Although the hiatus due to the members' military service could have shaken the group, the members instead seem more tightly united and stronger than ever, and confident in their identity."
Articles introducing the group and reporting on the BTS concert were also featured on BFM TV, the daily Le Parisien, radio Franceinfo, and the online media outlet HuffPost.
Ahead of the concert, a pop-up store is open in Paris from July 10 to August 2, quenching the fans' long-held thirst.
Angela, an Italian met in front of the pop-up store yesterday afternoon (July 17), local time, said, "I left Naples at 2:00 AM today for the BTS concert. This is the first time in my life visiting Europe outside of Italy."
Angela added, "It cost quite a bit, but since it's my first time seeing them perform, I am so happy and delighted."
BTS will finish their second Paris concert today (July 18), local time, and immediately depart for the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show.
(Photo: Courtesy of Big Hit Music, Captured from X, Yonhap News)
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