The performance at Gwanghwamun Square launches a months-long global tour spanning dozens of shows across the United States, Europe and Asia.

All seven members of the band — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — recently completed South Korea’s mandatory military service, and hope to reclaim their status as one of the world's biggest pop acts.

The hour-long concert comes a day after the group released its fifth album, “ARIRANG,” which had already logged several million preorder sales since January.

The band’s management company, HYBE, said RM injured his ankle during a rehearsal Thursday but was expected to perform with some limitations.

Officials expect the BTS concert to draw more than 200,000 people to the Gwanghwamun area, including 22,000 fans who secured free seats in the designated viewing zone and others planning to watch on screens nearby. It will be streamed live on Netflix.

“It will be amazing because it’s been so long that BTS (was) not with us,” said Dallila Di Tullio, a 32-year old fan from Italy, who called the concert a once-in-a-century event. Marta Corona, a 25-year-old Polish fan, said she would be seeing BTS in person for the first time since a 2019 performance in London. “It’s been a while — I’m very excited,” she said.

BTS debuted in 2013 and has a legion of global supporters who call themselves the “Army.” It became the first K-pop act to top Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 2020 with their first all-English song “Dynamite.”

Jung Dukhyun, a pop culture commentator, said that the impact of the BTS returning as a full-group after years of pause would be tremendous at a time when global fandom for K-pop has grown much stronger, as shown by the success of Netflix’s animated sensation, “KPop Demon Hunters.”

Criticism over stringent crowd controls

Police and city officials are imposing stringent crowd-control measures, closing nearby streets, roads and museums, halting the area’s subway and bus services, and sealing off dozens of surrounding buildings, in what amounts to a full-day shutdown of the district.

Cars will be barred from the main road between Gwanghwamun and Seoul City Hall for more than 30 hours through Sunday morning. The government has stepped up anti-terror monitoring, citing global tensions and large crowds of international fans, while police deployed surveillance vehicles and jamming equipment to block unauthorized drones. The restrictions have forced nearby shops to close and deliveries to pause.

While South Korean officials have taken crowd safety more seriously since a deadly 2022 Halloween surge that killed nearly 160 people, critics say the controls are excessive and undercut the symbolism of performing in Gwanghwamun, seen as Seoul’s spiritual heart and most prominent gathering space.

Hundreds of thousands have gathered in Gwanghwamun in recent years to mourn, protest and celebrate as the country weathered tragedy and political upheaval. The BTS concert comes about a year after waves of demonstrators filled the area, calling for the ouster of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. Those months-long rallies were marked by a festive atmosphere and a striking blend of politics and pop culture, with protesters singing and waving colorful K-pop light sticks, and ended without major safety accidents.

Drawing on culture and heritage

The new BTS album, “ARIRANG,” draws on a centuries-old folk song regarded as an unofficial anthem in both North and South Korea while Gwanghwamun and nearby Gyeongbok Palace form a sweeping historic backdrop to Saturday’s show.

South Korean officials are counting on the event to promote the country’s culture and growing soft power. In a statement Wednesday, President Lee Jae Myung said the BTS performance would provide “a special moment that people around the world will remember for long.”

“While one pillar of the album is defined by BTS’ identity, the other is shaped by the emotions they feel in the present, specifically universal sentiments such as joy, pleasure, and profound love,” HYBE said in response to questions from The Associated Press.

The 14-track record, with lead single “SWIM,” was recorded in Los Angeles as the group reconvened after years apart.

Group’s comeback coincides with K-pop’s global rise

The group's comeback follows a nearly four-year hiatus driven by South Korea’s mandatory military service, which requires most able-bodied men to serve 18 to 21 months under a conscription system aimed at deterring aggression from North Korea. BTS members began serving in 2022, with Suga the last to complete his service in June 2025.

Despite their yearslong break, experts say BTS’s outlook remains strong, backed by its massive fandom and the continuous global rise of K-pop. South Korea’s SK Securities said Wednesday the group’s “ARIRANG” world tour is likely to become the biggest K-pop tour ever by scale and revenue, with 82 shows planned globally in stadiums of around 50,000 seats.

“They had a fairly long hiatus but still have a historically powerful fandom. As they come back, they’ll likely immediately enjoy a warm welcome and intense fever around the world,” said Ha Jae-keun, a cultural critic. “I think they’ll likely have a second heyday.”

The pop star tells officers at one point, “these are like really hard tests.”

The footage, which runs roughly eight hours, includes Timberlake’s initial stop after Sag Harbor police said he ran a stop sign in the village center, veered out of his lane and got out of his BMW smelling of alcohol that June.

The NSYNC singer-turned-solo artist and actor tells officers he had consumed one martini and had been following friends home in the former whaling village, which is among the affluent beach towns of the Hamptons, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of New York City.

When an officer asks why he is in town, Timberlake says, “I’m on a world tour.”

“Doing what?” the officer asks.

“Hard to explain,” Timberlake says.

After stammering a bit, he says “World tour. I’m Justin Timberlake.”

The officer eventually responds: “You are Justin Timberlake? Do you have a license with you?”

Timberlake, who ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, is asked by officers to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line on the road and lift one leg. At times he seems flustered listening to the instructions. He apologizes to officers and tells them his heart is racing.

“I’m a little nervous,” Timberlake says at one point.

In the back seat of the police car, he asks: "Why are you arresting me?”

Back at the police station, Timberlake is informed he will be held overnight, to which he says, “I’m going to be here all night? You guys are wild, man.”

He asks the officer to keep the light on in the cell as they lock the door.

The release by Sag Harbor Police comes after the village and Timberlake’s lawyers agreed to disclose a redacted version of the footage. The Associated Press was among several media outlets that filed a records request seeking the release of the video.

Timberlake's lawyers had sued to block the release of the video, arguing it would “devastate” Timberlake’s privacy by revealing “intimate, highly personal, and sensitive details.” They also said it would cause “severe and irreparable harm” to his reputation by subjecting him to “public ridicule and harassment.”

But in a joint filing with the village Friday, Timberlake's lawyers acknowledged the video “does not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under” the state's public information law and agreed to its release.

Timberlake's lawyers and representatives didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment Friday.

Sag Harbor officials, in a statement provided by the village's lawyer, Vincent Toomey, said they are pleased the matter was resolved and they were able to comply with state public records law.

“From the beginning of this matter, after Mr. Timberlake’s arrest, the Village has attempted to comply with the mandates of the Freedom of Information Law,” the statement reads. “As would be true in any case involving records or video footage from our Police Department, such material is reviewed and redacted to address public and officer safety concerns as well as personal privacy considerations.”

Timberlake pleaded guilty to impaired driving in September 2024.

The Tennessee native agreed to give a public safety announcement against the perils of drunken driving as part of the plea deal that knocked down his initial misdemeanor charge to a noncriminal traffic violation.

He was also sentenced to a $500 fine, 25 hours of community service and a 90-day suspension of his license.

“ARIRANG” — titled after a popular, traditional Korean folk song that touches on themes of longing, separation and love — is a stadium-sized album that serves as both a reintroduction to the band and as a keen reminder of their place atop popular culture conversation. That's evident from the jump: The first half pulls largely from trap and hip-hop, an energetic reminder of their early rap records. It's an ode to where they came from and where they're going — as immediately demonstrated in the opener “Body to Body,” which works in a melody from the traditional “Arirang.”

After the fiery block comes the short interlude “No. 29,” a reverberating bell toll captured from the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok — South Korea's largest extant bell, designated National Treasure No. 29 in 1962 — before a pop detour of various genre experiments.

The tagline for BTS' comeback album is “born in Korea, playing for the world.” It couldn't be more fitting: Here, the septet utilize their familiar strengths and further their inventive spirit, bringing their country to a global audience eager to hear from them again.

To call it highly anticipated would be a gross understatement. “ARIRANG” is the band's first original full-length release since all seven members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Not that it has been all quiet at team BTS: The band tiered their enlistments, giving ample time for its members to focus on solo projects while the group was on a break.

The time apart must've bolstered their hunger for composition and experimentation: According to a press release, leader RM is credited on every track save for the interlude. The others contributed, too: Suga and j-hope on a number of songs, including “Body to Body,” “Merry Go Round” and “Normal”; Jimin with “They Don't Know 'Bout Us” and “Into the Sun.” V was also involved in the latter as well as “2.0.” Jung Kook was involved in four tracks, including “Hooligan.”

There are a number of familiar names on the credits: Mike WiLL Made-It, Ryan Tedder, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and Diplo are among the listed producers, and their presence is known. The latter brings Jersey club to the energetic “FYA”; there's a real joy in its boisterous lyrics: “Club go crazy like Britney, baby / Hit me with it one more time.” Parker's dreamy, psych-pop production is heard on “Merry Go Round”; BTS' performance amplifies the producer's signatures. “Normal” has echoes of Taylor Swift with a low-key hook; it leads to the distorted trip-hop and Pixies' wistfulness of “Like Animals.”

Then, a brief pivot back to the first half's trap-pop. There's the 808 bass of “They Don't Know ‘Bout Us,” a partner to the earlier track “2.0,” before pivoting again and again: to the synth-y “One More Night,” the R&B harmonies of “Please” and the acoustic, early morning closer “Into the Sun,” that climbs to a resonant, rock ’n' roll coda. Zig, they zag.

With “ARIRANG,” BTS had big shoes to fill: their own. The group's last album, 2020's “Be,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured some of their best-known hits, “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On.” Here, on “ARIRANG,” there is no “Butter,” no English-language bubblegum pop. Instead, there is a band atop the music world, returning to their throne on their own terms: with bilingual bangers and avant-garde ambitions.

___

“ARIRANG” by BTS

Four stars out of five.

On repeat: “FYA,” “Merry Go Round”

Skip it: “Aliens,” only if you must skip one

For fans of: Big swigs, big concepts, bigger feelings

Friday’s stream of visitors to Cafe Hyuga, once a dormitory where band members stayed, included Evelyn Florntino, who flew from the Philippines where she was visiting family after failing to get tickets to the group’s tour dates in the United States. Instead, she'll attend the Seoul concert, a day after the release of their fifth studio album “ARIRANG.”

“Unfortunately (I) was not lucky to get a ticket,” the Hawaii resident told The Associated Press. “So now I’m here in Korea to at least watch the free concert they’re doing tomorrow night.”

Florntino, who had researched the cafe on Google, called it “humbling” to see the modest building wedged in a narrow alley of low-rise buildings in Gangnam — a wealthy district better known for its luxury high-rises and upscale boutiques.

Alejandra Valencia had traveled even farther, from Colombia, drawn by a deep personal connection. She credits the band with pulling her through a period of depression. “They saved me,” Valencia said. “And the time flies, and now I am an ARMY,” she said, referring to the group's fan base.

A short walk away, at the restaurant Yoojung Sikdang, owner Jang Young Kun greeted visitors Friday in a purple BTS hoodie — a gift from an Australian fan. The restaurant is in the building that housed BTS members’ old dance practice room.

“BTS was with us here in this building for about three to four years,” said Jang, 78. “The basement was their practice room — they trained down there and really shared their everyday lives with us.”

K-pop trainees are young hopefuls recruited by entertainment agencies and put through years of intensive singing, dancing and performance training before they debut publicly — a system that shaped global K-pop bands like BTS, which debuted in 2013, and Blackpink, among others.

Jang recalled the members eating at his restaurant daily between practices. He also remembered the morning RM and Suga came upstairs to share some news.

“Namjoon (RM) told me the group had settled on a name — Bangtan Sonyeondan,” Jang said. “I told them, ‘You’re going to blow up with that name. It’s Korean, it’s unique.’”

“The BTS boys were incredibly polite,” Jang added. “They had such bright, warm personalities — if they saw you 10 times a day, they’d bow a full 90 degrees every single time. They were always greeting people, always cheerful, and they worked incredibly hard. They’d practice through the night, then come out and wash up in our bathroom, even dyeing their hair in there.”

For fans Diana Meza and Claudia Leal, who traveled together from Monterrey, Mexico, the draw was straightforward.

“Their songs aren’t shallow — they all have an important meaning,” said Leal, who has been a fan of the band for about five years. “We started liking them … first because they’re super good-looking,” she said. “And then, because we loved everything.”

The comeback concert, which streams live on Netflix on Saturday at 8 p.m. KST (7 a.m. ET), comes after a four-year break for the K-pop supergroup. It is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Gwanghwamun Square, one of South Korea’s most famous landmarks.

All seven members of the band recently completed mandatory military service.

The BBC confirmed in early March 2026 that it would not renew "I Kissed a Girl" and its companion show "I Kissed a Boy" beyond their current seasons, citing "funding challenges" as the reason for ending the UK's first-ever LGBTQ+ dating show franchise. The decision came as a shock to viewers and industry observers, particularly given the shows' significant social media engagement and cultural importance to the sapphic community.

According to reports from LGBTQ+ media outlets Attitude and Nonchalant Magazine, production company Twofour is developing a new iteration of the franchise titled "It Started With a Kiss." Unlike the original villa-based format, the new show will feature LGBTQ+ celebrities discussing their dating stories, love lives, and past relationships. The show is slated to air directly on the Tinder app, as well as on YouTube and Instagram, bypassing traditional broadcast television entirely.

Charley Marlowe, who narrated the original "I Kissed a Girl," is reportedly set to host the new series. As of publication, neither Tinder nor the production company has officially confirmed the project.

The timing of this corporate intervention reflects a broader crisis in queer television representation. Research from GLAAD found that four in ten queer television characters will not be returning in 2026, making the preservation of shows centered on queer love stories increasingly rare.

The shift from public broadcaster to private corporation raises important questions about the future of LGBTQ+ media production. While Tinder's intervention ensures the franchise survives, it marks a significant moment in which traditional media outlets have effectively conceded they cannot sustain niche queer representation. For Tinder, the investment represents more than advertising—it positions the app as a platform directly invested in telling queer stories.

The arrangement does raise concerns about editorial independence and whether brand-owned media can maintain authenticity while serving corporate interests. However, community response on social media has been largely positive, with queer audiences appearing willing to trade BBC iPlayer for the Tinder app in exchange for continued representation of their stories.

This fight represents a milestone in combat sports, as it is the first time two transgender fighters will compete for an MMA world title. Both Brady and Figueroa are scheduled to make their professional MMA debuts in this bout, adding to its significance for transgender athletes seeking opportunities in the sport. Previously, transgender fighters such as Alana McLaughlin and Fallon Fox have competed in MMA, but no prior world title fight has pitted two transgender athletes against each other.

The rivalry between Brady and Figueroa predates their MMA matchup, stemming from two amateur Muay Thai bouts under the Warrior’s Cup series promoted by Three Pillars Promotions. In their first encounter at Warrior’s Cup 68 in March 2025, Summer Brady secured a TKO victory over Gita Figueroa. Figueroa responded in their rematch at Warrior’s Cup 75 in December 2025, winning by unanimous decision. This history provides personal stakes to the championship fight, as both athletes—who use person-first language as transgender individuals—aim to settle their score in the Critical Combat cage.

Critical Combat, formerly known as CSE Combat, launched in April 2025 with its inaugural event, Critical Combat 1: The Reckoning, and has since rebranded ahead of this fourth event. The promotion's decision to feature this transgender title fight underscores efforts to innovate within MMA, similar to how larger organizations like UFC have introduced unique stipulations such as the BMF title to generate excitement. For the LGBTQ+ community, the bout highlights visibility for transgender athletes in professional combat sports, offering a platform where transgender people can compete at a high level for undisputed championship honors.

While the announcement has sparked discussion in MMA circles, no official statements from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups or the fighters themselves were available in initial coverage as of March 19, 2026. The event's proximity to New Jersey positions it for potential regional draw, with global interest likely amplified by its historic nature. Community responses from transgender MMA enthusiasts may emerge as training camps progress toward June. This development comes amid ongoing conversations about inclusion in combat sports, where transgender athletes continue to navigate pathways to professional competition.

The conversation occurred as Gosling promotes Project Hail Mary, an adaptation of Andy Weir's novel directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, which has received strong early reviews with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 95% from critics and 98% from audiences. Horowitz, who has previously advocated for Gosling in the role, pressed the actor on whether it was time to confirm his involvement as the Spirit of Vengeance, a character Gosling has publicly coveted.

Gosling's interest in Ghost Rider dates back to at least 2022, when he expressed during promotion for The Gray Man that it was the Marvel character he most wanted to portray, simply citing "just a feeling" as his motivation. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige responded positively at the time, calling Gosling "amazing" and stating, "I'd love to find a place for him in the MCU."

These latest remarks neither confirm nor deny Gosling's involvement but keep the door open, contrasting with earlier instances where he noted no conversations had occurred. Fans have long campaigned for the Oscar-nominated actor, known for roles in Barbie and La La Land, to helm a Ghost Rider project, potentially as Johnny Blaze or another iteration like Danny Ketch, amid Marvel's development of supernatural content.

The timing aligns with broader Marvel Cinematic Universe shifts toward supernatural elements, including potential ties to projects like Avengers: Doomsday or a Midnight Sons storyline, though specifics remain unconfirmed. Horowitz's persistence, including past efforts to connect Gosling with Feige, underscores the sustained fan and industry buzz.

No direct LGBTQ+ community responses or perspectives on Gosling's potential Ghost Rider role have emerged in initial coverage of this interview, as the story centers on casting speculation within mainstream superhero media. Ghost Rider, created by Marvel Comics in 1972, has appeared in films previously portrayed by Nicolas Cage, with no established canonical ties to LGBTQ+ narratives in its core storyline. However, Marvel's expanding universe has increasingly featured diverse representation, including transgender and queer characters in projects like Eternals and Loki, setting a precedent for inclusive storytelling that could influence future Ghost Rider adaptations.

Gosling's comments arrive as Project Hail Mary hits theaters, marking another high-profile release for the actor following his Blade Runner 2049 and Barbie successes. He is also attached to upcoming projects like Star Wars: Starfighter, further diversifying his portfolio across genres. Industry observers note that Marvel's "complicated" supernatural slate, including delayed specials like Werewolf by Night follow-ups, may factor into the project's path.

While no timeline for a Ghost Rider announcement was provided, Gosling's non-denial has amplified online excitement, with fans viewing it as a promising development for the MCU's Phase 6 and beyond. Marvel Studios has not commented further on the matter as of March 20, 2026.

Colfer, who came out as gay during his time on "Glee" in 2009 despite advice to remain closeted to protect his career, has built a successful career as both an actor and author. His debut children's book series, "The Land of Stories", published in 2012, reimagines classic fairy tales with psychological depth, drawing from his own experiences of severe bullying in middle school that led to homeschooling. Colfer has described himself as a "fairy tale purist" while innovating on traditional narratives, adding realistic perspectives to characters like Cinderella and Snow White's Evil Queen.

The new novel marks a departure from his family-friendly works, venturing into more adult-oriented territory with what Colfer calls "smutty" and "creepy" content centered on gay themes. He has voiced specific fears that the book's portrayal of gay experiences in a "creepy" light could invite accusations of promoting harmful stereotypes, especially amid heightened scrutiny of LGBTQ+ creators in media. This concern echoes broader discussions within the LGBTQ+ community about the risks of authentic storytelling versus public perception.

Colfer's history with "Glee", where he played an openly gay high school student, positioned him as a role model for LGBTQ+ youth, though he has spoken about the pressure of that role. During filming of the show's first season, advisors warned him that coming out would "ruin" his career, citing his effeminate voice as impossible to conceal. Despite this, Colfer chose authenticity after a fan encounter with a rainbow paperclip chain, prioritizing "being a beacon of positivity" for others over potential awards or superhero roles.

The novel's announcement comes at a time when LGBTQ+ artists navigate cancel culture's impact on creative expression. Colfer, now 36 and in a long-term relationship with actor Will Sherrod since 2013, has frequently addressed bullying and representation, noting in past interviews that he felt "overwhelmed" by role model expectations. His work has evolved from middle-grade fantasy to more experimental projects, including screenplays like "Struck by Lightning".

LGBTQ+ media outlets have covered Colfer's career as emblematic of resilience against homophobia, from schoolyard slurs to industry pressures. The novel's "creepy gay" descriptor raises questions about boundaries in queer literature, particularly for creators with family audiences. Community responses remain emerging, but Colfer's candor underscores persistent fears of misinterpretation in affirming LGBTQ+ narratives.

Colfer's multifaceted career includes producing and starring in films while authoring multiple books, transforming from a "Glee" breakout star into a "Renaissance man." His latest project highlights the tightrope LGBTQ+ figures walk between innovation and public scrutiny, especially in genres exploring complex gay identities. As publication details emerge, the story continues to draw attention to artistic freedom for transgender people and other LGBTQ+ creators.

The speculation originated in 2021 when Rodrigo released her debut single "drivers license," which many interpreted as referencing her breakup with Joshua Bassett, a co-star on the Disney+ series "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series". Bassett and Carpenter were romantically linked shortly after, prompting fans to connect the song's lyrics about "that blonde girl" to Carpenter. Carpenter responded with her track "Skin," which alluded to "drivers license" and offered her perspective on the situation.

Rodrigo reflected on the intense public scrutiny she faced at age 17, saying, “Sometimes I meet a 17 or an 18-year-old nowadays and I’m like, ‘Wow, you are such a baby.’ I can’t believe people were that mean to me.” She described juggling a breakup, high school AP classes, her album "Sour", and a full-time job during that period.

Signs of reconciliation emerged earlier. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Rodrigo and Carpenter were photographed chatting and hugging, signaling an end to any tension. More recently, on March 20, 2026, Carpenter attended Rodrigo's headline performance at BST Hyde Park in London, watching from the VIP section. Photos showed Carpenter smiling in a semi-sheer white babydoll dress, holding wine, while Rodrigo performed in a black bodysuit with silver fringe, later joined onstage by Ed Sheeran.

Both artists have moved forward romantically. Rodrigo has been dating actor Louis Partridge since late 2023. Carpenter has been linked to Shawn Mendes and Barry Keoghan and is reportedly single. Bassett, now 25, has not publicly commented on the recent developments.

While neither Rodrigo nor Carpenter identifies as LGBTQ+, their story resonates in queer fan communities, where fan-driven "shipping" and love triangle narratives often intersect with explorations of identity and relationships. Fans on platforms like TikTok and Tumblr have long analyzed the drama through queer lenses, drawing parallels to pop feuds like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, which some queer listeners reclaimed as anthems of empowerment. Rodrigo's music, with its themes of heartbreak and growth, has been embraced by transgender and nonbinary youth for its emotional authenticity, as noted in fan discussions on Reddit and Instagram. The reconciliation underscores a message of maturity and moving beyond public drama, which LGBTQ+ advocates highlight as a positive example for young people navigating online scrutiny.

Rodrigo cautioned about media sensationalism, noting, “It’s just people just get weird and clickbaity.” This update aligns with broader trends in pop music, where artists increasingly prioritize personal peace over manufactured rivalries. As of March 20, 2026, both continue thriving: Rodrigo with her global tour and Carpenter with her acclaimed album.