From April 17 to 18, five of נαραи’s leading sports newspapers, including Nikkan Sports and Sports Nippon, simultaneously published prominent coverage of BTS’s “WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN TOKYO” concert held at Tokyo Dome. Local media განსაკუთრებით highlighted the return of all seven members after many years, along with the explosive reaction of the au∂ιєnce that filled the iconic venue.
The articles emphasized the symbolic significance of the event through headlines such as "The Return of the Full Group After 7 Years," "Tokyo Dome Fever," and "Reunion with ARMY." This Tokyo Dome concert marked the first full-group stage in about seven years since 2019. Both nights had completely sold out in advance.
Performing in front of more than 50,000 fans each night, BTS delivered a series of high-energy stages featuring both old and new нιтs, while also gifting נαραиese fans with special performances of songs like “Crystal Snow,” “Save Me,” “For You,” and “Dope.” Throughout the 180-minute show, cheers and fan chants echoed endlessly under the dome, proving the group’s enduring popularity in the נαραиese market even after a long hiatus.
Immediately after wrapping up two consecutive nights of performances, it came as a surprise that 3 out of the 7 BTS members returned to South кσяєα on the night of the 18th—just hours after the final concert ended—quickly drawing major attention from both media and fans.
Leading the headlines was SUGA, who maintained his signature “arrive fast, leave fast” style at Gimpo Airport. The rapper barely paused for even a second to interact with the press or fans, swiftly exiting the arrival gate and heading straight to his car. кσяєαn media humorously described the moment as: "SUGA Boy leaves with only a glimpse of his back". Some reporters were even heard asking, “Who was that?” after catching just a glimpse of him before he disappeared in an instant.
However, for reporters and longtime followers, this behavior is nothing unusual but rather part of his typical airport manner. SUGA once explained that: "Because the airport is a place where I’m not the only one who uses it and I’ve seen people get hurt and bump into each other, etc., so I guess I just think I should get out of there quickly so I don’t inconvenience others. I’ve seen so many people get hurt, and it’s a public place, so I don’t want to inconvenience anyone. I’ve seen people bump into each other and bump into doors".
In contrast, Jimin and j-hope, who arrived later, took a brief moment to warmly interact with the waiting crowd. Upon appearing, Jimin immediately drew attention with his bright smile, continuously waving and making heart gestures toward fans. Meanwhile, j-hope seemed genuinely surprised to see so many people waiting despite the late hour. He warmly waved and even blew a kiss, although he appeared visibly tired, with slightly swollen eyes.
As for why only three members returned early, кσяєαn media revealed during a live airport broadcast that it was due to individual schedules. Many fans quickly speculated that j-hope rushed back because of a recent family bereavement. It was reported that his grandmother had pαѕѕed away a few days earlier, around the time he had just arrived in נαραи for the tour, meaning he was unable to be by her side in her final moments.
On the morning of the 18th, j-hope’s older sister shared that their grandmother had been laid to rest, along with an emotional farewell message that both j-hope and Jungkook reacted to: “Time does not wait for us. Every time I feel that the moment I wish it didn't come is getting closer. I will regret holding on to the time that has pαѕѕed more than in the future (...) Grandma, rest in peace. I love you.”
Additionally, some fans believe that SUGA and Jimin may have returned early to represent the group in visiting and comforting j-hope’s family. Others suggest that the two may also have had solo schedules or personal matters to attend to. Notably, on the day BTS departed for נαραи, SUGA had already taken an earlier flight due to a separate personal schedule instead of traveling with the group.
In the end, regardless of the exact reasons, fans are simply glad that the members have safely returned home and can get some rest before setting off for the next destination of their world tour. Fans hope they will eat well, get enough sleep to recharge after consecutive performances, and also have meaningful time with their families and loved ones.
