The Return of the Kings: BTS Reunites in NYC for Intimate "SWIMSIDE" Performance

K-pop icons BTS took over NYC’s South Street Seaport for an intimate rooftop performance of their new album 'ARIRANG' for 1,000 top Spotify listeners.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 9:22 AM EDT

Source: People

A New Era: ARIRANG Takes Center Stage

The event served as a promotional springboard for their record-breaking new album, ARIRANG, which dropped on March 20. The album marks a historic milestone as the group's first collective work since all seven members—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—completed their mandatory South Korean military service.

The Setlist: The group performed a high-energy mini-set including the hip-hop track "2.0," the anthemic "NORML," and their leading alternative-pop single, "SWIM."

Star-Studded Production: The album features a "who’s who" of global collaborators, including Diplo (who was spotted in the NYC crowd), Mike WiLL Made-It, and Kevin Parker of Tame Impala.

"We Can Take Over the World"

During a Q&A moderated by Suki Waterhouse, group leader RM grew emotional reflecting on their four-year hiatus from U.S. stages. "It’s really an honor for us to do our first stage in America here," he told the rain-slicked but ecstatic crowd. "It’s been four years but now we’re here. We seven, and with you all... we can take over the world."