BTS Makes a Splash in the US: Highlights from the ‘Spotify X BTS: SWIMSIDE’ Event

BTS / Photo = Provided by BigHit Music

[Sports Today reporter Lim Si-ryeong] BTS kicked off their U.S. activities with a high-profile rooftop event at Pier 17 in New York, a venue long associated with major performances by renowned artists.

On March 24, the group staged \”Spotify X BTS: SWIMSIDE\” on Pier 17’s rooftop, meeting fans in person for a special event co-produced by Spotify to celebrate the release of their fifth full-length album, ARIRANG. This marked the first time all seven members had returned to New York together since the 2018 BTS WORLD TOUR ‘LOVE YOURSELF,’ roughly six years ago.

The atmosphere outside the event reflected the excitement inside. Fans waiting for the group were already singing the new album track \”Body to Body.\” The song weaves in the traditional Korean folk melody \”Arirang,\” and the crowd instinctively joined on familiar lines such as \”Arirang gogae-ro neomeogada\” (crossing the Arirang hill). Clips of that singalong circulated online and attracted widespread attention.

For the appearance, BTS opted for leather jackets and jeans, accented with traditional Korean accessories like norigae, tasseled bands, and bat-pattern brooches. Greeting a packed crowd, the members said, \”This is an iconic venue where legendary artists have performed. We’re honored to use this stage to announce the start of our U.S. activities.\” Pier 17 has previously hosted acts such as Jay-Z and Eminem.

The group took questions from the audience and discussed their recent lives and the album. Introducing the lead single \”SWIM,\” they explained, \”The song is about facing waves of hardship and emotion without stopping — to keep moving forward. We wanted to send a message of pushing through and continuing on.\” Their performance of \”SWIM\” drew thunderous applause and peaked the crowd’s energy.

BTS sustained the momentum with consecutive performances of album tracks \”NORMAL\” and \”2.0.\” Reflecting on the show, the members said, \”It’s been a long time since we’ve performed in the U.S. and it feels incredible to hear the fans’ cheers and feel their energy in person.\” Their last U.S. appearance was in April 2022 for BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – LAS VEGAS, about four years ago.

The band is slated to appear together on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on the 27th at 12:35 p.m.

On the charts, BTS’s new release continues to perform strongly. ARIRANG claimed a triple crown on Japan’s Oricon charts, topping the weekly combined album ranking, the weekly album ranking, and the weekly digital album ranking in the March 25 chart update. \”SWIM\” also held the No. 1 spot on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart for four straight days (as of March 24).

[Sports Today reporter Lim Si-ryeong ent@stoo.com]
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