BTS takes the stage for the first time in over three years.

BigHit Music and Netflix

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Starting with a sweeping shot of Seoul’s Joseon-era Gyeongbokgung Palace, the live-stream eventually revealed the seven men of BTS standing in front of the palace. “Hello, Seoul,” the group’s leader RM told the crowd. “We’re back.”

The show kicked right into the new album’s opening track, “Body to Body,” which ended with a group of performers in traditional Korean hanbok, playing the Korean folk song “Arirang.” BTS then jumped into new songs “Hooligan” and “2.0,” before formally introducing themselves to the tens of thousands of fans gathered in Seoul’s central square. “We are finally here, and we are seeing you again,” Jimin, 30, told the crowd. “The fact that I’m speaking here, I am so moved.”

BTS continued through the show playing some non-Arirang hits like “Butter” and “MIC Drop” before singing “Aliens,” “FYA,” their new single “Swim,” “Like Animals” and “Normal.”

“BTS 2.0 is just getting started,” J-hope, 32, told the crowd after singing “Normal.” His group member Jin, the eldest at 33, added, “Thank you for waiting, ARMY.”

The K-pop superstars closed out the night with their smash hit “Dynamite” and the fan favorite “소우주” — known as “Mikrokosmos” in English. The melodic track had the crowd energized and swaying along with the pop group.

‘BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang’ in Seoul.

BigHit Music/Netflix

While the entire group performed, RM, was said limited in his participation due to an ankle injury he suffered during rehearsals for the show, the band’s label BigHit Music announced Friday. The label said RM suffered a serious-sounding ankle injury while practicing with his bandmates on Thursday. The rapper, however, was mobile throughout the show despite his injury, using a stool at the front of the stage as his home base for the performance.

“Although there will be limitations to his performance, RM will participate on stage to the extent possible and hopes to connect with ARMY and the audience,” a statement released Friday read. “As many have waited a long time for this performance, he will do his utmost to deliver his best.”

The live stream, unsurprisingly, let the viewers at home hear the men of Bangtan Sonyeondan crystal clear, however, the in-person quality was also notably crisp. The sound at the square was truly impressive, their voices booming and echoing throughout the square.

Arirang, the group’s first album in nearly four years, served as the official return to the global stage for the boy group, who spent their years away releasing solo music and completing their mandatory military service in their home country of South Korea. Fans of the group, collectively known as ARMY, have been waiting in anticipation as each member was discharged over the last year.

BTS, a trailblazer in the globalization of K-pop, has seemingly taken over their home city of Seoul to celebrate their return. The choice to stage the first performance of the album in front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate and historic entryway to Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, is no coincidence — the album is a reflection on the group’s identity. The palace was lit up with a dynamic video projection, integrating it into the stage show; the first time that’s ever been done.

The album’s name, Arirang, pays tribute the folk song of the same name, which is the first Korean song recorded by Korean men with American

BTS in Seoul: K-pop Group Makes Grand Return with Netflix Live Stream