BTS Performs in the US for First Time Since 2022 at Intimate Spotify Show for 1,000 Fans in New York

BTS returned to the United States for the first time since 2022 with a rare, intimate performance in New York City. The global superstars met 1,000 of their top Spotify listeners, offering fans a close-up experience ahead of their massive stadium tour.

BTS has officially resumed global promotions following the release of their comeback album, "ARIRANG," marking their first full-group return since completing mandatory military service.

After debuting the project with a performance in Seoul in partnership with Netflix, the group traveled to New York City for a series of promotional events tied to the album and their upcoming tour.

Their U.S. visit included a special collaboration with Spotify. The event, titled "Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE," offered a rare opportunity for 1,000 of the group’s top listeners on the platform to attend an exclusive performance and Q&A session.

A Rare Intimate Experience for Fans

Held at South Street Seaport in New York City, the event marked BTS’s first performance in the United States since their "Permission to Dance: Las Vegas" concerts in April 2022.

The seven members, RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, interacted closely with fans throughout the event. They kicked things off with a lighthearted game called "Normal vs Alien," inspired by two songs from their new album.

Despite chilly temperatures and rain, fans stayed engaged as BTS delivered a mini performance. The smaller crowd created a more personal atmosphere, a notable shift from the tens of thousands expected at their upcoming shows.

SWIMSIDE highlighted a different side of BTS. Instead of stadium-scale production, the focus remained on direct fan interaction and conversation.

The event also featured a moderated Q&A session led by Suki Waterhouse. Fans gained insight into the group’s creative process and recent experiences, though the focus remained on celebrating their return rather than diving deeply into new material.

"ARIRANG" Marks a New Chapter

Released on March 20, 2026, "ARIRANG" represents BTS’s first major group project since their 2022 hiatus. During that break, each member pursued solo work while completing South Korea’s mandatory military service.

The final members were discharged in June 2025. The group then spent several months working on the album in Seoul and Los Angeles. The project includes collaborations with Diplo, Mike WiLL Made-It, and Kevin Parker of Tame Impala.

Record-Breaking Netflix Comeback Special

BTS’s return has already drawn significant global attention. Their comeback special, "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang," was recorded at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul and streamed on Netflix.

The livestream reached 18.4 million viewers during its initial run and within the following day. The special ranked among the 10 most-watched Netflix titles of the week in 80 countries and reached number one in 24 countries.

On the global Netflix Top 10, it became the most-watched non-English-language TV title and the third most-watched title overall during that period. The reported viewing total did not include a full 24-hour window, leaving out approximately 5 million additional viewers.

While SWIMSIDE offered a rare close-up experience, it also served as a preview of what lies ahead. BTS is preparing for an 80-plus-date stadium tour set to begin next month, with crowds expected to exceed 60,000 per show.

BTS’s return to the United States signals the start of a new era for the group. With "ARIRANG" already making a global impact and a major tour on the horizon, the New York event offered a meaningful reintroduction. For the 1,000 fans in attendance, it was a rare moment of closeness with one of the world’s biggest acts.