The concert of the South Korean pop group BTS will bring billions of dollars 0 9

The concert of the South Korean pop group BTS in the center of Seoul will create a cumulative effect for the economy amounting to trillions of won - billions of dollars. The excitement surrounding the performance of the artists is comparable to the popularity of Taylor Swift.

The upcoming concert of the South Korean pop group BTS in the center of Seoul will bring an economic effect to the country measured in trillions of won. This was stated by the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Korea, Koo Yun-chul, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

"The concert is expected to create economic value in trillions of won, but its intangible effects could be several or even dozens of times greater," the minister noted.

The group BTS will perform on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul with the concert BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang, dedicated to the release of the new studio album Arirang - the first in almost four years. It is expected that up to 260,000 spectators will gather at the event.

The Korean Culture and Tourism Institute estimates the economic effect of the concert at 1.2 trillion won, which is about $900 million at the current exchange rate, taking into account tourist spending, intellectual property revenues, and the enhancement of the national brand. Bloomberg analysts predict that just one day of performance will bring in about $177 million.

Experts compare the expected effect to the "Taylor Swift economy," as the American singer's tour in 2023–2024 brought in $21 billion and stimulated the economies of the cities where the concerts took place. BTS may surpass this figure due to a larger international fan base and the willingness of fans to travel.

Accommodation prices have already risen, with motel costs in the Gwanghwamun area reaching 400,000–500,000 won per night, several times higher than usual rates. Some accommodations have raised prices to 800,000 won.

Air carriers are noting increased demand for flights from Japan and China - 20–40 more seats per plane compared to average figures. Restaurants in the Gwanghwamun area are receiving requests for group bookings and hall rentals.

Minister Koo Yun-chul also expressed hope that the return of BTS will bring encouragement to many people amid instability due to the conflict in the Middle East. "Just as the return of BTS gives hope to many, I hope that the war will end soon and the economy can return to normal life," he added.

The group BTS went on a nearly four-year hiatus in 2022 due to the need to undergo mandatory military service in South Korea. According to the law, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required to serve for 18–21 months. In December 2020, amendments were made to the legislation allowing popular pop performers to defer enlistment until the age of 30 - this change was unofficially dubbed the "BTS law."

The group members used the deferment to extend their joint performances, but at the end of 2022, they began to enlist in the army in phases. The first to enlist in December 2022 was Jin. In 2023, the other members joined him: J-Hope in April, SUGA in September (serving alternative service as a social worker due to a shoulder injury), and in December of the same year, RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook also joined the army.

The demobilization of the members took place in phases from mid-2024 to June 2025. Jin returned in June 2024, J-Hope in October. RM and V were demobilized on June 10, 2025, and the next day, Jimin and Jungkook. The last to complete service was SUGA on June 21, 2025.

The world tour of BTS "Arirang" includes 82 concerts in 34 cities across five continents. Just two performances in London in July will bring the city’s economy about 164 billion won ($125 million). The Guardian notes that the phenomenon of BTS fan "pilgrimage," viewing the group as a source of emotional healing, will peak during this tour.