BTS launches North American leg of Arirang World Tour at MetLife Stadium

South Korean boy band BTS opened the North American leg of its "Arirang" world tour with two sold‑out concerts on August 1‑2, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Approximately 80,000 fans attended each night, marking the group’s first full‑lineup stadium show in the United States since 2019. The production featured a 360‑degree stage inspired by Korean cultural symbols, including a taegeuk‑shaped platform and lighting in the national flag’s red and blue. Surprise songs such as “Dis‑ease,” “Run,” “Autumn Leaves,” and “Go Go” were performed, and RM shouted out rapper Nas during the second night.

Fans engaged in a citywide "BTS the City Arirang" project in New York, with pop‑up stations at the Korean Cultural Center and Grand Central Terminal for light‑stick customization and other activities. Social media buzz centered on two moments: Jimin’s visibly exhausted collapse on stage, which prompted criticism of Hybe’s camera crew for close‑up filming, and his later viral exit through smoke, described by fans as “fairy‑like.” Ticket demand remained high, with Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium shows on August 10‑11 nearly sold out and secondary‑market listings showing limited inventory. The tour will continue to Foxborough, Dallas, Toronto, Chicago and Los Angeles.