Since BTS's comeback, the group and BIGHIT MUSIC have continuously released various content for fans. Among these are concert DVDs and Blu-rays featuring performances from major tour stops, a type of release that has long been familiar to ARMY from BTS's previous tours. In October this year, BIGHIT MUSIC announced the release of BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN JAPAN in December, offering several formats, including a physical 2-disc edition, Digital Code [4K], and Live Only Edition Blu-ray.
On November 9, BIGHIT MUSIC announced another special release, BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN LONDON, featuring footage from the group's performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in July. The product comes in two versions, Group Ver and Member Ver, and is primarily released as a photobook package with a digital code for watching VOD content on Weverse.
The announcement initially delighted fans, who were excited to relive footage from the group's iconic performance. However, that excitement quickly turned into disappointment when ARMY saw the officially announced content list. Although the London concert featured approximately 23 performances, combining new tracks from the ARIRANG album, previous нιт songs, and surprise performances, this release includes only a portion of the setlist.
According to the official list, the included performances are “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “Run BTS,” “they don't know 'bout us,” “FAKE LOVE,” “SWIM,” “2.0,” “MIC Drop,” “Save ME,” and “Epilogue: Young Forever.” There are also several Special Clips featuring “Body to Body,” “Life Goes On,” and “Dionysus,” along with city interview videos.
This means that numerous notable performances, including “Merry Go Round,” “Like Animals,” “NORMAL,” “Not Today,” “Fire,” “FYA,” “IDOL,” “Butter,” “Dynamite,” “Please,” and “Into the Sun,” are мιѕѕιиg from the official content list. This omission has left many fans questioning BIGHIT MUSIC's selection process for a product promoted as a recording of BTS' London concert.
In previous concert releases, particularly those from the MAP OF THE SOUL era, DVDs and Blu-rays typically included the full setlist, along with behind-the-scenes footage, individual activities, and exclusive content, all provided in physical disc formats. Even the ARIRANG נαραи tour release announced in October follows a similar approach.
By contrast, the London edition has had a significant number of performances cut, while also being offered as a digital code/VOD release on Weverse (approximately 316 minutes for the Group Ver), accompanied by a photobook, poster, and charm. To make matters worse, the announced price for this heavily edited edition is also relatively high.
Netizens have expressed confusion over the high price, especially given that the product is digital-only and includes only around half of the concert. They have also questioned the lack of physical content compared to previous concert releases, as well as the υиєχρє¢тє∂ emphasis on solo performances. Some fans suspect this could be a strategy to encourage purchases of multiple versions (Group + Member), or that the мιѕѕιиg performances may be released separately at a later date.
Either way, the current approach has left many fans feeling that they are being “milked for money,” sparking considerable frustration and backlash:
- Remember when they used to sell the concert package on dvd format, with the full setlist, behind the scenes clips, plus a nice little random photocard and maybe a preorder benefit, all for under 50,000 krw?
- This is the first time ever i don’t think i’ll buy the digital code. one of my fav things about past releases was always the behind-the-scenes/making of. doesn’t sound like much? special “clips”? sound short. interviews w/ “experts”? not the members? also not the full setlist?
- Seriously no photocards and only half the concert, they're out of their fcking minds
- I advise you to look closely at the details for these. There’s no physical media, only a digital code for Weverse, and on top of that this doesn’t include the full show. Half the concert is мιѕѕιиg including the IDOL parade and most of the encore set. Very odd.
- I’m still ѕнσ¢кed they want me to pay $90 for some interviews from non-BTS and half the setlist lol like Hybe wtf is this lol
- It turns out we’re just paying for a cardboard box since its digital code and there aren’t even any photocards included
- Why would I spend my hard-earned money for only a portion of the concert, no physicals, and no PCs. I’m sorely disappointed
- This is the exact same reason I, a loyal fan and collector from 9 years has stopped buying bts concert releases. No physical media, weverse app doesn't work and you remove half the setlist for 90$ + 40$ for shipping?! You have turned the fan experience into soмєтнing awful
- I would have loved to get this, but with no physical media option, or at least a TV app to watch it on, it's unfortunately a no go. With every release like this we seem to get less and less while paying more and more for it. Such a shame.
