BTS’s Gwanghwamun comeback stage draws over 18 million viewers on Netflix

Millions of ARMYs virtually showed up for BTS’ comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square, as it drew 18.4 million global viewers on Netflix.

Four days after “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG” was broadcast to global viewers, the streaming giant announced its turnout on social media. 

“18.4 million global viewers (Live+1) showed up for their BANGTAN when BTS reunited LIVE onstage for the first time in almost four years in ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG!’” Netflix said. 

“Congratulations to RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook on their iconic performance,” it continued.

18.4 million global viewers (Live+1) showed up for their BANGTAN when BTS reunited LIVE onstage for the first time in almost four years in BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG! Congratulations to RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook on their iconic performance. pic.twitter.com/CjAkPCJYeK

— netflix⁷ (@netflix) March 24, 2026

According to show director Hamish Hamiltongrand, the comeback stage at the historic and cultural site, which was a joint effort of BTS’s label BIGHIT MUSIC and Netflix, is about bringing the grandness of the septet’s performances while allowing global viewers to experience it in the comforts of their own homes.

“There are big sweeping moments that convey the full scale of what is happening in Seoul, and then there are moments of real intimacy where you are right there with the band,” Hamilton said. “The millions watching around the world are every bit as much a part of this night as the people on the ground in Seoul.”

BTS released their studio album “ARIRANG” on March 20, their first group album in four years. “SWIM” is the album’s title track, while “Body to Body” features a sampling of the Korean folk song “Arirang.” /ra