Continuing their journey to meet fans across 34 cities worldwide, BTS arrived in the sunny and windy desert city of Las Vegas. This was the very place where the group previously held four explosive concert nights in 2022 during their “special” Permission To Dance On Stage tour — at a time when ¢σνι∂-19 restrictions were still in place. It was also BTS’s final stage in the United States before the group paused activities for three years to fulfill their mandatory military service.
Returning to Las Vegas after four years, the local fans’ love for the K-pop superstars remained as pαѕѕionate as ever. Initially, only three shows had been scheduled, but due to overwhelming demand, BigHit Music added one more night — and all four concerts sold out completely.
Meanwhile, much like in 2022, Las Vegas in 2026 was once again painted red through the “Arirang Red Illumination” campaign, inspired by the main color theme of BTS’s new album. Even before the group arrived, iconic landmarks along the Strip such as the High Roller observation wheel, the Las Vegas version of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Gateway Arches, as well as famous themed hotels including Luxor and Mandalay Bay, were already glowing in red lights simultaneously, creating an absolutely magnificent spectacle.
During the first concert night at Allegiant Stadium, BTS reunited with more than 60,000 fans amid thunderous fanchants and screams. The energy was no less intense — if anything, it was even more explosive than it had been four years ago. Near the end of the show, the members took turns thanking fans for patiently waiting for them and standing by the group throughout those turbulent years.
In particular, leader RM delivered a speech that left the entire stadium overwhelmed with emotion, and clips of the moment are now spreading rapidly across social media, drawing mαѕѕive attention.
Specifically, RM shared that this stadium held an incredibly special meaning for BTS because it contained so many memories for the group. He recalled, “We had last concert here 4 years ago was covid, and we couldn't shout out loud and we had to use like... and I think only 60%-50% of the au∂ιєnce could be attended because of social distance.”
“But look at us right now!” RM exclaimed joyfully amid the endless cheers of tens of thousands of ARMY. “We have no covid, no more any mandatory military service— Thank you for waiting for 4 years, and my favourite phrase there's an old saying that ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’.... I love you,” he continued.
RM’s heartfelt words during the opening night in Las Vegas instantly brought back a flood of memories for fans, especially those who had attended BTS’s concerts there in 2022. The ¢σνι∂-19 pandemic had felt like an invisible wall suddenly separating BTS and ARMY, creating a deep sense of longing and yearning. But just as that difficult period pαѕѕed, another major challenge arrived: military service. The long days of separation, waiting, and incomplete group lineups undeniably made those four years feel even longer — filled with tears and anxiety.
Even now, with BTS finally reunited, many fans still cannot believe that both BTS and ARMY managed to endure those years together. The happiness feels overwhelming — so immense that it leaves people stunned and emotional. But as RM declared: “No covid, no more any mandatory military service.” The nightmare is finally over, and from this moment on, only BTS and ARMY remain, walking hand in hand down a flower-filled path together.
RM’s speech felt like both a slice of painful memories and a bell signaling the joyful reality BTS and ARMY are now living in. Fans could not hide their emotions, flooding the comment sections with heartfelt messages such as:
- For me it's kinda anniversary. I'm a ptd las Vegas concert n Grammy army. It's been 4 yrs
- "There is no covid no military" "Thank you for waiting for us" shh shut up we never left you baby, and yess we are free now no more things can stop us now
- It feels like it was just yesterday hearing him say, We're not here for the Grammys, we're here for the Armys. So much as happened but we stand stronger than ever!
- I was there. We’re wearing masks but the crowd is insane. This man makes me smile everyday and I can’t ask more than that
- I was there then, and I was there tonight. It felt like full circle. What a historic night
- Our sweetest, purest and amazing leader Joon. They didn’t just return to Vegas… they returned to victory
- Do you guys realize that 4 years ago, BTS performed in that stadium knowing it would be their last concerts for a long while, but yesterday they performed there again with zero worries about a hiatus or the military? Just pure excitement for a tour that will continue all through this year and into the next
- I’M CRYING. Namjoon is seriously the one who's happiest about this. Oh my god, please never let him go through that again, I just want to see him this happy forever
- Hell yeah! 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' so go crazy and have the time of your lives, you guys deserve it so much. I love you
- I genuinely burst into tears. We really survived the hardest years together with BTS
- That speech felt like the ending of a long nightmare. From the pandemic to enlistment, ARMY and BTS went through so much… hearing RM say those words healed soмєтнing in me
- An entire era of pain, waiting, and hope. I’ll never forget this moment for the rest of my life
