If fans still remember, on the afternoon of February 2, BTS leader RM shared a selfie taken during practice with the caption, “Start!” From that moment, fans began to suspect that soмєтнing new was about to happen, as there were only 40 days left until BTS officially released their 5th full-length album, ARIRANG.

And as expected—this was indeed the case. Without having to wait long, just a few hours later that same evening, the appearance of BTS’s seven-member lineup at Incheon Airport immediately set social media ablaze. RM then went on to post another selfie taken on the plane, along with the status: "BTS is open for business again after 4 years", officially confirming the group’s return to full-scale activities with all members.

This marks the first official schedule featuring the complete lineup after all members completed their military service, and the event is therefore drawing immense attention from media outlets and fans worldwide. Excitement and anticipation have surged ahead of the “kings’” comeback.

According to domestic news outlets, BTS was reported to be heading to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to carry out an overseas schedule and film new content. Once this news broke, global fans—especially local fans—became even more excited. Since the tradition of fans waiting to greet idols at airports is deeply ingrained, it came as no surprise that hundreds of fans gathered at Dubai Airport, waiting for hours from early on to welcome their idols.

However, on the morning of February 3 (Dubai local time), the crowd of fans gradually left the airport in disappointment, as they were unable to meet BTS as they had imagined. The reason was the “inaccuracy” of the information released by кσяєαn media.

According to accounts from some fans, “BTS has arrived in Dubai but they didn’t leave the transit area. According to airport staff BTS is heading to Lisbon, Portugal and Dubai was just a transit stop,” and “the crew told that BTS is on its way to Lisbon, which means that BTS's destination is not Dubai, but Portugal.” This means that Dubai was not the group’s destination for their schedule, contrary to what кσяєαn media had circulated.

Many other fans also expressed surprise as the news spread across social media, saying: "Wait…so they aren’t actually going to dubai??", "Reallyyy?? They ain’t in dubai?? They left already", "Wait, so it was just a transit stop?", "So Bangtan went to Portugal and not Dubai?", "Portugal? Does that mean the F1 racing-themed MV is canceled?",...

It can be understood that кσяєαn media do not have the right to access BTS’s exact schedule unless Big Hit Music publicly reveals it themselves. However, many fans still felt angry, saying it felt “like being deceived” by K-media. Some local fans argued that кσяєαn media should not have mentioned Dubai as a confirmed destination, as it caused misunderstanding for many hopeful fans.

Nevertheless, despite the effort they put in and the disappointment they felt, fans continued to prioritize BTS above all else, wishing them a smooth journey. Dubai ARMYs expressed their feelings:

- A little bit regret but see you another time tete and have another safe flight our babies

- Missed opportunity but the most important thing is that they have a safe flight and that their schedule is completed smoothly and successfully

- I’m disappointed we didn’t get to see them, but their safety matters most. Have a safe flight, BTS

- It hurts a little, actually k-media told lie… but as long as they’re safe and comfortable, that’s all I care about

- We waited for hours, but it’s okay. I just hope their schedule goes smoothly and they get enough rest

- Even if we missed them today, I’m still happy knowing they’re moving safely. Take care of yourselves, boys

- I’m sad, but I’d rather they travel quietly and safely. We’ll meet you another time, BTS

Meanwhile, on the same day, Big Hit Music gradually revealed multiple promotional schedules for the album ARIRANG. One day after the album’s release, BTS will hold a comeback concert titled “ARIRANG” at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The performance will be broadcast live exclusively worldwide via Netflix. Then, on March 27, the documentary “BTS: THE RETURN,” which captures the production process of the new album, will also be released—expected to further heighten the excitement surrounding this historic comeback.