After years of anticipation, BTS are finally preparing to return to the world’s biggest stages — and if early plans are any indication, the Arirang World Tour could become the most ambitious live chapter of their career.
With a brand‑new album on the way and a global itinerary that already spans dozens of countries, fans are now asking the same question: what will BTS sing when they step back into stadiums in 2026 and beyond?
Below is a completely reimagined dream setlist that blends career‑defining hits, rare deep cuts, and long‑awaited solo moments — designed to feel both nostalgic and forward‑looking, just like BTS themselves.
A Historic Comeback on a Global Scale
Announced as a 79‑date tour across 34 regions and five continents, the Arirang World Tour is already expanding, with additional U.S. dates added in Tampa and Stanford following overwhelming demand during the first ticket sales.
The tour is scheduled to open in Goyang, South Korea on April 9, 2026, before continuing throughout 2027, with further stops expected in Japan, the Middle East and Europe.
This marks BTS’ first full world tour since Permission to Dance on Stage in 2021–2022 — a run that proved the group’s stadium power even during a limited touring era shaped by the pandemic and military service hiatus.
Act I: A Thunderous Return
A comeback of this scale demands a fearless opening. Rather than easing into the show, BTS could begin with pure adrenaline.
- Not Today — A statement opener that declares the group’s resilience and return.
- IDOL — A regal follow‑up celebrating identity, culture and confidence.
- Blood Sweat & Tears — A decade‑defining hit that still commands massive crowd energy.
Together, these three tracks instantly re‑establish BTS as global headliners.
Solo Spotlights: A New Era of Individual Voices
One of the most exciting possibilities of the Arirang Tour is the chance to integrate full solo sections into a BTS stadium show — something fans have never experienced on this scale.
Jimin: Dark Pop Elegance
- Like Crazy / Who
A sleek, emotional dance‑pop medley that highlights Jimin’s chart‑topping solo era.
RM: Introspection Meets Hip‑Hop
- LOST! / Wildflower
A reflective interlude that bridges raw rap with poetic vulnerability.
V: Intimate Jazz in a Stadium
- Slow Dancing / Love Me Again / FRI(END)S
A section designed to turn a stadium into a late‑night lounge, built on mood and storytelling.
Jung Kook: Global Pop Power
- Seven / Standing Next to You
A hit‑packed showcase that underlines Jung Kook’s status as one of pop’s most versatile vocalists.
Act II: The Songs That Built BTS
Midway through the show, the setlist leans into the tracks that shaped BTS’ rise.
- Fake Love
- I Need U
- Run BTS
- Dope
These songs trace the group’s evolution from hungry rookies to world‑class performers.
A special highlight could be a full Hip‑Hop Medley, including:
- Silver Spoon
- We Are Bulletproof Pt.2
- N.O
- Attack on Bangtan
- Ddaeng
For longtime fans, this section would feel like a time capsule of early BTS energy.
Act III: Art, Doubt and Identity
As the mood shifts inward, the setlist explores the themes that defined BTS’ most artistic era.
- Black Swan — A haunting meditation on losing passion.
- Born Singer — A reminder of where everything began.
These moments ground the spectacle in sincerity.
Act IV: The Global Hits
- No BTS stadium show would be complete without their crossover anthems.
- ON (shortened intro)
- Burning Up (Fire)
- My Universe / The Astronaut / Mikrokosmos
- Save Me / I’m Fine
- Dynamite
- Butter
- DNA
- Boy With Luv
This stretch transforms the concert into a full‑scale celebration, packed with sing‑alongs and choreography.
The Surprise Factor: Rotating B‑Sides
To keep every night unique, BTS could revive their tradition of surprise medleys — performing two to four different B‑sides each show.
Possible deep cuts include:
- Louder Than Bombs
- Paradise
- Don’t Leave Me
- Heartbeat
- Could You Turn Off Your Cell Phone?
For fans, this element alone would make every tour date feel irreplaceable.
Main Set Finale: A Promise for the Future
The main show could close with:
- Yet to Come
A gentle reminder that even after all these years, BTS believe their best moments are still ahead.
Encore: Four Songs, One Last Goodbye
For the encore, the emotional arc reaches its peak:
- Take Two — A quiet reunion with ARMY.
- MIC Drop — One final explosion of energy.
- We Are Bulletproof : The Eternal — A tribute to the bond between BTS and their fans.
- Spring Day — A timeless farewell filled with hope.
Confetti, soft lighting and thousands of voices singing in unison would bring the night to a close.
Why This Tour Could Redefine Stadium Pop
The Arirang World Tour is more than a comeback. It represents a full‑circle moment for a group that grew alongside its audience — from small venues in 2013 to the largest stages on Earth.
By blending their past, present and future into a single show, BTS have the chance to deliver not just a concert, but a once‑in‑a‑generation cultural event.
And if this dream setlist comes even close to reality, the Arirang Tour may go down as the greatest BTS tour ever staged.
