Last week, BTS successfully held their world tour titled “ARIRANG (BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’)” at Goyang Main Stadium. BTS delivered what many described as “the standard of a legendary performance,” making au∂ιєnces completely forget the group’s hiatus. In particular, the staging style—blending the clαѕѕical beauty of кσяєα with a modern sensibility—once again left a lasting impression on the world as to why they are a K-pop icon dominating the global music market.
Another highlight of the day was the pαѕѕion of the global ARMY community. Around 130,000 ARMYs from across the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond gathered, transcending all boundaries of nationality and race to become one. The кσяєαn-language fanchants from tens of thousands created vibrations that seemed to shake the entire stadium, while the lights from ARMY Bombs (lightsticks) wove a dazzling tapestry across the night sky of Goyang.
The music festival also attracted numerous celebrities from the кσяєαn entertainment industry. Actress Ko So-young attended with her husband, actor Jang Dong-gun, and their daughter, expressing admiration: “This is truly world-clαѕѕ.” Actress Ha Ji-won followed with praise, posting a bright smiling photo with V and Jungkook, along with the caption: "Everything was truly cool and beautiful. Every single moment of today's BTS concert was the best, and everything was perfect. How can they be this amazing?"
In addition to these actresses, dozens of other celebrities attended the three nights of BTS’s concerts. Notable names included IU, Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae, Mingyu, Jang Wonyoung, members of BABYMONSTER (Chiquita & Ahyeon), chef Lee Yeon-bok, Epik High, 2AM’s Seulong, Tomorrow X Together, and many more. Netizens and fans commented that the Goyang concert felt like a mαѕѕive gathering of stars from across the кσяєαn entertainment industry.
But that wasn’t all. Some υиєχρє¢тє∂ “special guests” were also spotted in the au∂ιєnce: a group of Buddhist nuns attending the concert. Among them was Jeong Kwan, a renowned Seon Buddhist nun and кσяєαn cuisine chef, also known for her appearance in the Culinary Clαѕѕ Wars Season 2.
Fans also noticed the group of nuns conversing with Bang Si-hyuk, who appeared to be introducing them to aspects of the concert before the show began. Notably, they were not only present as spectators—at their seats were several souvenir bags printed with the album and World Tour ARIRANG logos. They were also seen holding their own ARMY Bomb lightsticks, cheering for the idols.
The appearance of these special attendees left both fans and netizens surprised and excited. Many agreed that they had rarely, if ever, seen Buddhist nuns attending a K-pop idol concert, and could hardly imagine how they might enjoy such a high-energy performance.
Meanwhile, some ARMYs pointed out that ARIRANG is closely connected to traditional culture and even Buddhism. In particular, track No.29 features the sound of the Bell of King Seongdeok—a Buddhist ritual instrument cast during the Unified Silla period, when Buddhism was the state religion of кσяєα. Fans also shared humorous comments such as: "They should have performed No.29 for some meditation", "No. 29 producers also came join the concert", "I know they got lit at no.29", "They are the one streaming No. 29", "I'm sure that their fav track is No.29", "The monks getting sturdy when No. 29 plays", "No wonder our Queen No. 29 is always charting",...
On the other hand, HYBE and BTS—especially chairman Bang Si-hyuk and RM—have maintained various connections to and a deep appreciation for Buddhism, while also dedicating efforts to preserving traditional кσяєαn culture over the years. While Bang has collaborated with the National Museum Cultural Foundation, RM has repeatedly shared photos of himself visiting кσяєαn temples and even conversing with abbots there.
One interesting anecdote is that RM once posted a photo on social media featuring two pastel-colored statues of the contemplative Bodhisattva (Bangasayusang), which led to a fourfold increase in online sales at the museum. The Head of Product Business at the National Museum Cultural Foundation even expressed gratitude, saying: “He’s had such a positive influence — we’re incredibly grateful.”
Given this connection between RM and Buddhism, the presence of the nuns at the latest concert has led fans to wonder whether they might be part of his circle. Some fans jokingly asked: "Namjoon’s friend circle deeper than the pacific", "tae and joon friend circles are so absurd lmao", "I noticed he got mentioned a lot on instagram story, and then this one", "U though he was beefing with the monks still lmao, glad he found different monks to befriend", "Namjoon always gave me that spiritual vibe ngl", "If you don't have monks at your concert, you're not top-tier haha", "RM must have been the happiest to see the monks listening to their music",...
Additionally, there were other lighthearted and interesting side comments such as: "The reason why the spells of MHJ's shamans didn't work has become clear", "monks at the concert for bangtan’s spiritual security", "Monks with Bang pd out of all people. Lmfao ", "I think they are the bell museum people whom bang pd talked about in his billboard interview article", "This is soмєтнing I've never expected. I mean too many bad eyes on us honestly makes sense they brought them", "I said that bts are worldwide artist I have seen monks holding army вσмв so happy to see this", "Them making sure no bad energy or soul wanders that stadium",...
