Early concert tours: Humble beginnings

The Red Bullet Tour (Oct 2014 – Aug 2015)

It was the best of times, and it was also one of the worst…or let’s say difficult of times. Their solo concert tour marked their rise from promising K-pop rookies to international performers. Starting in Asia and expanding to Australia, North and South America, the tour attracted 80,000 spectators across 22 shows.

Expanded BTS’ fanbase globally

Showcased early hits from 2 Cool 4 Skool, O!RUL8,2?, Skool Luv Affair, and Dark & Wild

Wake Up: Open Your Eyes Japan tour (February 2015)

Building on their Asian momentum, BTS held their first Japanese tour. Over six shows, 25,000 fans witnessed the group’s growing international appeal, as quoted by Maeil Business Newspaper.

The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage Tour (November 2015 – August 2016)

A painful time, but I Need U sealed the deal.

This tour coincided with the Most Beautiful Moment in Life albums, bringing BTS’ evolving sound and storytelling to cities across Asia. With 182,500 tickets sold, it solidified their regional popularity, according to Sports Chosun, Osen and Herald Biz.

The Wings Tour (February – December 2017)

BTS stepped onto the global stage, performing in 17 cities across 10 countries, including South America, North America, Asia, and Oceania. The tour drew 550,000 spectators and grossed over $6.6 million from three shows, according to Billboard.

First major international tour

Showcased Wings and You Never Walk Alone era performances

Cemented BTS’ position as a worldwide act

Global domination

Love Yourself World Tour (August 2018 – October 2019)

This record-breaking tour took BTS across four continents, though fans later realised it was one of the most difficult years for the boys. They almost disbanded at the time as the pressure of fame, was crushing them.

With 2,019,800 attendees and $187.5 million gross from 38 shows, it became the highest-grossing tour by a primarily non-English-language act, according to Yonhap News and Billboard.

Map of the Soul Tour (2020 – Cancelled)

Planned as a continuation of BTS’ global dominance, this tour was cancelled due to the pandemic. The initial four shows in South Korea were postponed, and the full 18-city tour was eventually canceled on August 19, 2021.

Pandemic era adaptation

Permission to Dance On Stage (2021–2022)

BTS adapted to pandemic challenges with hybrid concerts. Starting with an online-only event in Seoul, they then performed in-person shows at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, attracting over 4 million attendees globally.

SoFi Stadium grossed $33.3 million from 214,000 tickets

BTS became the first non-English-language act to surpass $20M and $30M in a single engagement

Allegiant Stadium: four sold-out shows, 200,000 tickets

Musters and fan meetings

1st Muster (2014, Seoul): 3,000 attendees

5th Muster – Magic Shop (2019, Busan & Seoul): 69,000 attendees

Japan Official Fan Meetings (2014–2019): Attendance grew from 5,000 to 150,000

Significance: These intimate events strengthened the BTS-ARMY bond, setting the stage for record-breaking global tours.

Looking ahead: Arirang World Tour

Dates: April 9, 2026 – March 14, 2027

Shows: 78 across Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, more for Middle East planned in 2027.

Expectation: BTS is poised to break attendance and revenue records, continuing their live performance legacy.

Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. She covers a wide range of stories—from community and health to mental health and inspiring people features.

A passionate K-pop enthusiast, she also enjoys exploring the cultural impact of music and fandoms through her writing.