Music

BTS ‘Arirang’ World Tour to Stream Live in Cinemas Worldwide This April


Global K-pop sensation BTS is set to deliver one of the year’s biggest cultural events as the BTS World Tour “Arirang” streams live in cinemas worldwide this April. In a major collaboration, Trafalgar Releasing has partnered with HYBE and BigHit Music to bring two full-length live concert broadcasts to the big screen, allowing fans across continents to experience the tour simultaneously.

The seven-member group will perform from Goyang, South Korea, on April 11, followed by a second live broadcast from Tokyo on April 18. Each territory will screen both concerts twice to accommodate different time zones, ensuring that fans worldwide can join in real time. The cinema events mark the opening of BTS’ first tour since 2021–2022’s “Permission to Dance on Stage,” making this return to global touring highly anticipated.

Marc Allenby, chief executive officer of Trafalgar Releasing, described the concerts as one of the year’s most significant cultural moments. He emphasised the extraordinary global demand surrounding the announcement of the “Arirang” World Tour and expressed excitement about continuing the longstanding partnership with HYBE and BigHit Music. By presenting two full-scale concerts live from Goyang and Tokyo, the initiative offers audiences a shared, immersive big-screen experience that mirrors the energy of an arena performance.

The tour itself is historic in scale. Spanning 34 cities and 82 shows, it establishes a new benchmark for tour dates by a K-pop artist. Central to the experience is a 360-degree in-the-round stage design, crafted to create a fully immersive environment where audiences surround the performance space. This format enhances engagement, bringing fans closer to the music and choreography that have defined BTS’ global appeal.

The tour coincides with the release of the group’s fifth studio album, “Arirang,” scheduled to drop on March 20. The album’s launch adds further anticipation, as fans will witness new material performed live just weeks after its release. Since their debut in June 2013, BTS — comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — have redefined the global reach of K-pop. The group has earned six No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2020 and received five Grammy nominations across the 63rd to 65th Grammy Awards ceremonies. Their accolades also include multiple Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Trafalgar Releasing, which operates in more than 15,000 cinemas across 132 countries, has previously handled major concert films including “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour,” which became the highest-grossing concert film of all time. With the BTS World Tour “Arirang,” the company once again positions live music at the centre of a shared global cinema experience.

Additional live viewing dates are planned for later in the year, with further details expected to be announced. As anticipation builds, the “Arirang” World Tour is not just a series of concerts but a global celebration of music, performance and fandom, bringing millions of fans together in cinemas to witness BTS’ next monumental chapter unfold live on the big screen.

Entertainment

RM Issues Heartfelt Apology After Livestream Backlash, Shares Personal Life Update With BTS ARMY


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

RM has reached out to BTS ARMY with a heartfelt message following the intense reaction to his recent livestream, where he spoke candidly about the pressures he and the group have faced. His comments about moments when BTS had considered breaking up triggered mixed emotions across the fandom, with some appreciating his honesty and others feeling blindsided. In a long post shared on WeVerse, RM expressed sincere regret for causing any distress, admitting that he had acted out of frustration in the moment. He apologized repeatedly, acknowledging the flood of concerned messages he received afterward and asking fans to look at him with a little kindness during this time.

Alongside his apology, RM shifted the tone by sharing pieces of his everyday life that fans rarely get to see. He revealed that he is preparing to take his driving test and had recently practiced all four training courses, admitting with humor that the experience was scary but, thankfully, crash-free. He also updated fans on his ongoing creative work, mentioning music, choreography practice, and new content ideas—activities that help him stay grounded whenever life feels overwhelming.

He ended his message with a peek into his personal world, sharing that he watched the film The Color of Pomegranates and is finally preparing to move back into his newly finished home after half a year away. Promising to show fans once everything is fully decorated, RM offered a soft moment of connection to counterbalance the tension earlier in the week. With excitement already building for BTS’s highly anticipated group comeback next year, his message served as both reassurance and a reminder of the human moments behind the global superstar image.

International

BTS’ RM to Make History as First Korean Artist to Address APEC CEO Summit


BTS leader Kim Namjoon, popularly known as RM, is set to make history as the first Korean artist to deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 on October 29. RM’s session, scheduled from 3:05 PM to 3:15 PM, will focus on “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.”

According to APEC’s official program, RM will speak during a special cultural session on the summit’s second day. APEC introduced him as “a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast, renowned for crafting profound lyrics inspired by art and philosophy.” His thoughtful and globally resonant perspective has made him one of the most influential cultural figures of his generation.

RM’s participation marks a groundbreaking moment for the global music industry, making him the first K-pop artist to appear as a speaker at the summit.

The APEC CEO Summit, which gathers heads of state and business leaders from 21 economies, will explore transformative industries shaping the future of the global economy under the theme “Beyond Business, Bridge.”

HYBE, BTS’s parent company and the only entertainment brand participating as a Diamond Sponsor, will showcase its international business network and K-pop culture at the Gyeongju Arts Center.

On the work front, RM is preparing for BTS’s highly anticipated comeback album, their first as a full group in four years. The record, currently in production in the U.S., is slated for release in spring next year.

With this address, RM not only represents K-pop’s global reach but also highlights the growing role of creative industries in shaping diplomacy, business, and cross-cultural understanding.

International

BTS’s RM to Curate Landmark Exhibition at SFMOMA: A First for K-pop and Modern Art


BTS’s RM is about to make history once again — but this time, not on stage. The global K-pop icon will step into the art world as a solo curator with RM X SFMOMA, an ambitious exhibition set to open at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) from October 2026 to February 2027. The collaboration, announced by BigHit Music on October 3, marks the first time a K-pop artist has curated an exhibition with the prestigious U.S. institution, positioning RM as a cultural bridge between the realms of music and modern art.

The initiative stems from SFMOMA’s recognition of RM’s refined taste, deep engagement with art, and growing influence beyond the music industry. RM, known for his frequent museum visits and art commentary on social media, has personally shaped the concept and selected works for the exhibition. According to Yonhap News, the project positions RM not only as an artist but also as a visionary curator.

The exhibition will showcase approximately 200 pieces, blending RM’s private art collection with selections from SFMOMA’s extensive archive. These works span across various mediums — including painting, sculpture, and contemporary experimental pieces — and highlight renowned Korean modern artists alongside celebrated international names. Many of these pieces will be shown to the public for the first time, offering a unique cross-cultural and personal perspective on art.

In his official statement, RM emphasized his hope that the exhibition will encourage viewers to reflect on cultural, temporal, and geographic boundaries. “There is no fixed way to appreciate these works,” he said, “but I hope this exhibition becomes a small yet solid bridge for many.” His curatorial approach is rooted in inviting a broad audience to experience art beyond labels and expectations.

SFMOMA’s chief curator, Janet Bishop, praised the collaboration, calling it a rare opportunity to witness an intimate and meaningful conversation between RM’s artistic sensibility and the museum’s world-renowned collection. The exhibition is expected to attract wide attention from both BTS’s global fanbase and the broader art world, opening new avenues for cultural dialogue.

As RM continues to redefine what it means to be a global artist in the 21st century, RM X SFMOMA stands as a landmark in the evolving relationship between pop culture and fine art. This is not just an exhibition — it’s a statement about connectivity, creative expression, and the power of cultural exchange.

Music

BTS’ RM, V, and J-Hope Party with Tyler, the Creator at His Seoul Concert


BTS members RM, V, and J-Hope were spotted letting loose and fully immersed in the vibe at Tyler, the Creator’s Seoul concert. Held at a packed venue, the event saw the three BTS members dancing in the fan pit, smiling and laughing together, and soaking in the energy of the night. The moment quickly turned viral across social media as the trio posted photos and videos with Tyler and CORTIS member James, who was also in attendance.

RM, dressed in a relaxed blue sweatshirt and black shorts, was seen singing along and filming the performance. J-Hope, in a sleek black vest with matching pants, danced and shared a video of Tyler on stage. V, casually styled in a brown T-shirt and jeans, added a heartfelt touch to the evening by donning a T-shirt seemingly gifted by Tyler and giving him a warm shoutout via Instagram. In a playful message, V wrote, “Thanks for the gift 💕🙏 And welcome to Korea! I’m having a Mom’s Touch burger tonight, you’ve got to try it too.”

Tyler, the Creator didn’t miss a beat either. During his performance, he gave a playful shoutout to a local favorite, saying, “Y’all guess what I had for lunch? I had Mama’s Touch. What are you all doing out here? That stuff is absolutely delicious.” V followed up by sharing a photo of the same burger on his Instagram Story with a simple caption: “Mama’s Touch.”

Photos of the night, including the group posing by the stage, were later shared by CORTIS’ official Instagram, captioned, “Watching the GOAT with the GOATs,” tagging @rkive, @uarmyhope, @thv, and @feliciathegoat.

Notably absent from the concert were BTS members Jin, Suga, Jimin, and Jungkook, who are currently tied up with individual schedules. Jin and Jungkook are especially busy with their own events. However, all seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — are now back in production mode, working on a full group album in the U.S. since July. The highly anticipated record, expected to drop in Spring 2026, will mark BTS’ first full group comeback since their 2022 album Proof.

With music, laughter, and international camaraderie, the Seoul concert wasn’t just another show—it became a fan-fueled cultural moment, signaling that the BTS members continue to make their mark, both on and off the stage.