A livestreamed comeback concert by K pop megastars BTS has drawn 18.4m global viewers on Netflix, according to the streaming platform.
The one hour performance marked the first time all 7 members Jin, Suga, J Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook had appeared together since October 2022, when the group paused activities to complete mandatory military service.
The free show was staged at the historic Gwanghwamun Square and attracted about 104,000 attendees, according to entertainment company Hybe. This figure fell short of the 260,000 crowd size earlier anticipated by authorities.
Hybe’s shares had climbed in recent months ahead of the group’s comeback tour and the release of their new album Arirang, but declined by 15.5% on Monday following the event.
The concert launched the band’s sold out 82 date global tour and was live streamed on Netflix to audiences in more than 190 countries including South Korea.
Only about 22,000 ticket holders gained entry into the main concert venue, while thousands more watched via large screens positioned across nearby streets.
Authorities introduced strict security and crowd management measures, deploying roughly 7,000 police officers including SWAT teams equipped with anti drone systems.
Netflix said the broadcast ranked among its most watched content in 24 countries, reflecting growing interest in the platform’s live event programming.
In 2024, the streaming service’s live coverage of the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul reportedly attracted more than 108m viewers worldwide.
Earlier this year, a live broadcast featuring American climber Alex Honnald scaling a skyscraper in Taiwan also drew about 6.2m viewers.
Industry analysts cited by Billboard expect BTS and its record label BigHit and Hybe to generate more than $1bn (£740m) from the reunion through concerts, merchandise, licensing deals, album sales and streaming revenue.
BTS remains Hybe’s primary revenue driver, with the company’s operating profit declining during the group’s extended hiatus.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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