K-Pop boy band BTS Saudi performance was more than an epoch-making. It was a historic event. As the first foreign singers, BTS stood on the stage of Saudi Arabia. The crowd of 30,000 spectators wearing Abaya (a black robe covering their necks and ankles) was more than enough to fill the concert hall, and the BTS has been more passionate than ever to shine in Saudi night. It was a moment when the BTS movement waving worldwide was spotlighted even more.
On October 12th, BTS tour performance, LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF', was successfully completed at Riyadh King Park International Stadium in Saudi Arabia. The performance, which mobilized 30,000 spectators, had its meaning in that it was the first overseas singers to participate in the Saudi Arabia Stadium.
◇ 'Unprecedented Event' in the performance culture of Saudi Arabia
The performance was unique in that it was new to Saudi Arabia's performing culture and has led to the transformation of Saudi society The country is famous for its oppressive culture, limiting women's external activities. Given that Saudi Arabia has had strict controls not only for its own citizens but also for foreign tourists, the show was a surprising exception.
Due to the strict Islamic law and conservative culture, no tent villages were formed around the venue like in the US and Europe. However, it was easy to find a long line of people waiting to buy BTS goods and take a picture in front of BTS's large picture. Fans from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates were also spotted. In addition, Riyadh's landmark Kingdom Tower and Olaya Tower were decorated with purple lighting. It was a new milestone in Saudi Arabia, at the crossroads of change.
◇ The parade of performances on the stage from hit songs to solo songs
The performance was opened up with Dionysus. When BTS members appeared on the stage reminiscent of an ancient temple, 30,000 fans wearing Abaya cheered in unison. The hit song stage continued. 'Boy with Luv', 'IDOL', 'Fake Love,' were performed. Songs of 'Anpanman', 'So What', 'Make It Light' were showcased on the Angkor stage. In the process, the local fans made a spectacular view, shouting in fluent Korean. BTS was also active in leading a concert with the audience together.
The solo stage of the "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" performance was more fulfilling than ever. Starting from J-Hope's 'Just Dance', Jungkook's 'Euphoria', Jimin's 'Serendipity', RM's 'LOVE', and V's 'Singularity' ', Sugar's' SEESAW' and Jin's' Epiphany 'were staged splendidly.
◇ BTS "The stage you made"
This is not the first time BTS has performed in the Arab world. BTS was on the stage of the Korean Wave Expo "KCON" in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2016. Since then, the boy group has entered the Arab Stadium in three years and put a meaningful step. Being fervently welcomed by 30,000 fans in Abaya, they wrote a new history.
BTS Jimin, Jungkook, Jin, and Sugar said, "I was incredible." "It is hard to believe that we could fill this venue," V said. He added, "I'm very happy to be here." J-Hope, who prepared an Arabic greeting, said, "I heard it was the first stadium performance by the overseas singer in Saudi Arabia." Leader RM said, "I didn't know that I could perform here, but thank you for inviting me." "I will remember this moment," added RM.
