BTS returns to the United Kingdom after seven years
BTS performed their first concert in the United Kingdom since 2019 on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of the ARIRANG World Tour. The show ended a seven-year wait for British fans after the group’s planned return in 2020 was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that gap, the members also completed South Korea’s mandatory military service and worked on solo projects before reuniting for their latest album and world tour.
BTS IN TOTTENHAM#방탄소년단 #BTS #BTS_WORLDTOUR #BTS_WORLDTOUR_LONDON
📸 HYBE / BigHit Music pic.twitter.com/rWB4cZnDM9
— Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (@SpursStadium) July 8, 2026
Speaking to the audience, RM thanked fans for their patience and reflected on everything the group had experienced before finally returning to London. Suga also shared his appreciation, saying he still felt the same excitement he remembered from their previous visit.
“There was Covid, there was military, and now we’re here in 2026 together,” said RM. “I missed you so much, and thank you for all coming.”
“I’m still feeling the emotion I felt seven or eight years ago,” Suga said. “I don’t think you guys have changed. You’re still in a passionate country.”
The members celebrated with fans throughout the night
During the concert, RM jokingly claimed BTS had brought good luck to England after the country’s 3 to 2 World Cup victory against Mexico. “We always bring the luck to every place we play,” he told the audience, creating one of the night’s funniest moments. “When we played in Belgium, Belgium won. Now that we’re in London, Britain won. You see?” the rapper and leader joked. J-Hope also said it was an honor to perform at the home stadium of football star Son Heung Min. The concert attracted around 65,000 fans, making it the largest concert crowd ever recorded at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The concert highlighted Korean culture and live performances
[#오늘의방탄]
260706 BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN LONDON#방탄소년단 #BTS #BTS_WORLDTOUR_ARIRANG#BTS_WORLDTOUR_ARIRANG_EUROPE#BTS_WORLDTOUR_ARIRANG_LONDON pic.twitter.com/ZH5PgCgveU— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) July 6, 2026
The show was a proud celebration of Korean culture through several visual and musical details. Before the performances began, the audience heard the sound of the historic King Seongdeok Bell, one of South Korea’s best-known cultural treasures. The 360-degree stage also drew inspiration from the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace, while the floor design reflected elements of the South Korean flag. Although BTS had fewer intense choreographic moments than on previous tours, the members used the extra time to interact more closely with fans, creating a more personal concert experience during their long-awaited return to London.
