BTS Arirang World Tour in Munich 12/07/26- Concert Review

Words by Maja Witczak

There are concerts that make such a huge impression that you know right away they’ll stay with you for a lifetime. BTS’s performance in Munich turned out to be just that kind of experience for me. On Saturday, July 18, the European leg of the Arirang World Tour came to an end, and I had the opportunity to attend one of the two concerts held at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

As a relatively new fan of BTS, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Of course, I’d been following updates from the tour and had seen numerous clips posted on social media, but no video footage can truly capture what happens live. The scale of the production, the energy of the audience, and the perfection of the performance make attending this concert an experience almost impossible to compare to anything else.

The tour has been crafted with impressive attention to every detail. The 360 stage alone is incredibly impressive, allowing the artists to maintain constant contact with the audience gathered all around the venue. Add to that spectacular visual effects, perfectly synchronised choreography, outstanding dancers, and well-thought-out costumes. The stage costumes not only fit perfectly with the aesthetic of each segment of the concert but, above all, highlight the individual style of each band member. It’s clear they were designed with the musicians’ comfort and stage presence in mind, which translates into naturalness and ease during the performance.

The concert itself is a world-class spectacle. It kicks off with the dynamic track “Hooligan”, accompanied by spectacular pyrotechnics and the artists’ striking, all-black styling. From the very first minutes, there’s no doubt that the audience is experiencing a concert refined down to the smallest detail. The first part of the concert is built on an intense sound, impressive choreography, and the immense energy radiating from the stage. BTS once again prove that they are among the best performers in the world. Their vocals, dancing, and stage presence make it hard to take your eyes off them even for a moment.

One of the strongest elements of the entire evening, however, was the band’s connection with the audience. The members of BTS constantly interacted with fans, responded to the banners they had prepared, and repeatedly paused to acknowledge people in different parts of the stadium. A special moment was the parade during the song “Idol,” when the artists, along with the dancers, came down from the stage and walked around the entire GA. This allowed them to get much closer to both the fans gathered in the standing areas and those seated in the stands. It was a simple yet incredibly effective way to emphasize that every concertgoer is an equally important part of the event.

In the following segments of the concert, the atmosphere gradually shifts. After the high-energy tracks from their latest album, it’s time for the group’s biggest hits, such as “Dynamite” and “Butter,” which turn the stadium into one giant dance party. There was also one of the most anticipated moments of every concert—the “surprise songs,” during which BTS perform two tracks selected from their earlier albums. That’s when the excitement among fans reaches its peak, because every concert brings different musical surprises, and thousands of fans online are eagerly waiting to see if their favourite song will be performed live today.

Throughout the evening, the joy was practically palpable. It was clear that the members of BTS had been eagerly awaiting the chance to reunite with their European fans and experience their music together. The audience felt equally strong emotions. For many of those gathered at the stadium, this was the concert they’d been dreaming of for years, and the fulfilment of that dream was evident in every reaction, every cheer, and every song sung.

The finale of the evening, featuring the song “Into the Sun,” was a truly special moment. Thousands of fans singing in unison, a sea of lights, and tears of emotion on the faces of both the audience and the artists themselves created a scene that is difficult to put into words. It was one of those concert moments when music becomes something far more than just sound—it becomes a shared experience, uniting tens of thousands of people.

The Arirang World Tour proves that BTS are, for good reason, among the greatest live concert phenomena in contemporary music. It’s not just a flawlessly executed show, impressive in the scale of its production, choreography, and special effects, but above all, a concert built on an authentic connection with the audience and genuine emotions. I arrived in Munich with curiosity and an open mind, not quite sure what to expect. I left, however, convinced that I had attended one of the best concerts I’ve ever had the chance to see. And even though some time has passed since that evening, I still feel like I want more. I sincerely regret that I only had a ticket for one concert, because I would relive it all again—and again—without hesitation. I think that best illustrates just how exceptional and polished this performance turned out to be.