Photo Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC

Europe has been starved for BTS. When I say this, sure, it may sound dramatic and over the top. But it’s been over seven years since BTS had arrived in Europe, with Jin making his mark with a few solo stops on his RUNSEOKJIN tour back in August it was time to finally see all seven members on European soil.

As we all know, ARIRANG, released back in March, has gone on to break records, redefine the meaning of what the word "Arirang" is, and link it to the question, "What is your love song?" That answer lay before them and the crowd: it was each other.

Brussels was the second stop of their European leg, and well, they did not disappoint. Across both nights, the members remarked several times about how surprised they were by the volume of the crowd and accuracy in knowing word for word each song. j-Hope even apologised for not coming to the continent sooner. All was forgiven as ARMY and BTS proved exactly why they’re known as a powerhouse together. 

Time hadn’t created distance between them, instead it had strengthened it. Tracks like "Swim" and the recent release of “Come Over" perfectly capture that relationship. As Yoongi sang out, “Sorry, I'm a little late, right?” The crowd responded with a unified "Ani," a fan-created response that has become a heartfelt moment. One that is hard to even try to explain a bond that is so unique and incredibly magical.

As always, BTS never start light, instead they begin full throttle. A single dancer runs out onto the circular stage carrying a red smoke flare, heightening the anticipation for the members' entrance. No VCRS introduced the members, instead they emerged slowly behind building the drama to the opening notes of “Hooligan.” Much like the music video, the performance was as bold as their outfits. From here you think you get an idea of who is going to steal the show or maybe how the songs will flow. But each song has its own charm, its own eye-catching moment, and each member finds a way to shine. 

Jimin’s vocals are just what you hoped to hear and more. Angelic. Alongside Jungkook and Jin, with both their pitches so powerful, they flow so well. Tae has a certain charisma on stage, it's suave, much like his voice. Rapline, meanwhile, are the backbone of each performance. Each member works in tandem, they’re fast and consistent, and all three have an air of confidence, growling their verses with a strong command, knowing exactly how to get a crowd going with the songs they’ve written. Together as seven, it is simply showstopping, an unformidable force that cannot be stopped nor slowed. 

Having a 360 stage was designed to allow fans views from all angles and great views of the members. With extended runways the members had the chance to run and interact with fans that they made their playground. The first act of them in black looking like glorified baddies worked with the newer tracks like "Aliens" and “Run BTS." 

Classics like “Fake Love” were surreal. As my own personal favourite, it was a moment I’ve waited years to hear. The choreography being so iconic, the crowd performed it themselves, but what made it special was the members being able to embrace the moment, going to the extended stages, and seeing for themselves how loved the song is instead of pushing themselves with intense moves. 

They’ve worked hard over the years, where they’ve pushed themselves to exhaustion and focused on delivering everything with precision. Now, you can see the sheer joy in simply spending time with the fandom. Rather than focusing on perfect movements, they’re grounded in the moment. 

Before the second act began, there was just one VCR, which felt more like an art installation piece than video. Gentle flowing blue waves rolled across the screen, complete with relaxing music, revealing each member. Interestingly, every colour and effect reflected their personality. j-hopes radiated a warm yellow, glowing like a ray of sun, as his name represents. Namjoon's washed over like a wave of peace, comfort, and tranquility, while interestingly, Jungkook's was fiery red, perhaps a nod to his youthful ambition as the youngest. 

Having a surprise song segment for me is one of the highlights of the tour. After watching the previous stops online, fans have jokingly declared war on the DJ whenever their favorite songs are chosen. That's not their stop. While it can feel heartbreaking, it is all in good fun. So when Namjoon finally shouted, “DJ spin that shit," it was our time. Night one revived the classic “Tomorrow” from 2014’s Skool Luv Affair to a roar of excitement alongside “Boy With Luv.” Night two, however, gave us emotional whiplash. Starting with "ON," where everyone was having a lovely time with that incredibly catchy chorus. But it was the second song that left not only the crowd speechless but the members too; it was, of course, “For Youth.”

Now, this song came at a time in one of the most uncertain periods in their career. Their upcoming hiatus, yet to be announced military enlistments, and the media facade that surrounded them from every direction. Yet “For Youth” became an anthem built on a pinky promise that they’d return and ARMY would all be waiting for them. 
As the opening notes began, the members simply stopped. Some sat down, quietly taking in the moment. The look of relief took over their faces, as well as nostalgia, a distant memory. They had made it back to the stage. When Tae sang out the lyrics, “You’re the best friend for the best of my life," tears flowed throughout the stadium.
Everyone was at peace. BTS were back. The fans had waited and were finally together. Each member was notably taken back and emotional. Yet voices never strayed; they took their time to soak in the crowd. Jin even let the crowd sing his parts as he simply sat and watched. Moments like this are when one truly can’t explain how magical it is to be in a purple ocean surrounded by thousands of people connected through music, an artist, and their lyrics.
In the past “Idol” had the boys move at a neck-breaking speed through an incredibly difficult routine. Past movies and documentaries often showed them pushing themselves too far, even resorting to needed oxygen afterwards. It felt like that era was about proving why they were so popular, not to mention the expectations placed on them by others and themselves. 

The new era of BTS instead feels different. Instead of focusing on intense choreography, they’ve embraced the crowd first. With dancers waving Arirang and BTS flags in hand, together they walked around the stadium greeting fans, dancing, and soaking in the moment while everyone sang out the chorus. 

Tae, in particular, has been such a joy to watch. Whether that’s consoling fans with water, giving his hoodie to a crying fan, taking Polaroids, or just constantly applauding the crowd for being so loud and singing so well. They even joked about taking the fans on tour with them. 

The most sentimental moment came during “Into the Sun," the final song. What is now quickly becoming the new artist and fan anthem, a new tradition, and a new chapter for connection. In Europe, the sun sets much later, and watching it slowly set as the seven members sang, “I’ll follow you into the sun," was one of those moments that reminds you just why music and fandoms are so special. 

You might think watching them on a 360 stage might be harder to hear and connect with, but it worked exceptionally well. The members could see the entire crowd, and the crow could see them and that feeling of togetherness that made the whole experience even more memorable. 

Europe is proving that they are a continent that is hungry for BTS and that have waited patiently to prove just why they can party and celebrate.

BTS will continue their European stops across London, Munich, and close the stops in Paris.