Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV — May 24, 2026

The Korean hip-hop group BTS ‘ARIRANG’ World Tour began in April 2026, a celebration of their reunion post-mandatory military service, set to travel across 34 cities in 23 countries and has since dominated Billboard charts as the Top Touring Act of 2026.

The 61,000 people in attendance for Day 2 of the Las Vegas concerts, one of 85 shows of BTS’ comeback tour, immediately proved the power of A.R.M.Y, forming a barrier of sound around Allegiant Stadium that bounced each lyric back to the stage and up the walls, singing along to each song louder than the last. The energy inside the stadium was surreal, having been built up by the fans starting from hotel lobbies, through handmade gift exchanges, and instant friendships formed over photocards of BTS members inside clear phone cases. No matter the age of the song played, or the language the lyrics were written, the audience never hesitated, knowing everything by heart.

By the time the 2 surprise songs were being announced, my voice had already disappeared, and then “Black Swan” and “Spine Breaker” were picked and miraculously I could speak again. Despite both songs being spontaneously picked, and “Spine Breaker” being a previously forgotten b-side from over 12 years ago, the entire stadium was screaming within the first note played. The instant synchronization of the audience singing and dancing along was incredible, at times remembering lyrics more accurately than the BTS members themselves.

As the 2 hour concert continued, it was hard to distinguish whether the fans were the people in the stands or the people on stage. This fan culture made BTS’ 360 degree stage possible, mixing planned choreography and free-styling with the comfort that everyone on all sides of the stage is part of the concert experience, rather than just observing. With this layout, both BTS and the audience were able to fully enjoy the variety of genres in the setlist instead of having to divide their attention between watching details in choreography, and focusing on insane vocals (and pretty faces). I hope you enjoy my photos of ‘ARIRANG’ in Las Vegas Day 2, wish me luck in winning the ticket war again soon!

Words & Photography: Sophie-Yumi Rouja