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Jimmy Fallon tells PEOPLE BTS’ return “felt unlike any other” after their Guggenheim takeover
On Wednesday, the group marked their first full-group U.S. late-night appearance since completing military service
The superstars performed “SWIM” and preview a second Guggenheim performance of “2.0”
Jimmy Fallon is celebrating BTS’ return as their two-night The Tonight Show takeover continues to dominate late-night television.
The global superstars, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, reunited with Fallon for the special event, which kicked off Wednesday, March 25, and continues Thursday, March 26, marking their first appearance on the late-night show in four years as they promote their new album ARIRANG.
BTS performing on the March 26 episode of ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’
Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC
“BTS have been part of The Tonight Show family for years, but last night’s show felt unlike any other,” Fallon tells PEOPLE exclusively. “They always go above and beyond, I mean… taking over the Guggenheim with two knockout performances. It was amazing to witness.”
“They make every appearance feel even bigger than the last,” he continues. “I have so much love and respect for all of them. And of course, they have the greatest fans in the world. Without the ARMY — it wouldn’t feel complete.”
The group’s highly anticipated return is already making a major impact.
BTS seen performing on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on Wednesday
Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC
Clips from Wednesday night’s episode — which featured multiple BTS segments — racked up 175 million total digital views across platforms within hours.
During Wednesday’s episode, BTS delivered a performance of their song “SWIM,” filmed at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
Fans can also look forward to another performance during Thursday night’s episode, when the group takes the stage for “2.0,” also filmed at the iconic New York City museum.
Throughout their appearance, BTS reflected on their time apart and shared insight into their latest music, including insight behind tracks from ARIRANG and what it means to reconnect with fans around the world.
BTS on the ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ with Jimmy Fallon
Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC
The appearance continues the group’s long-running relationship with Fallon, who has hosted several of their standout performances over the years — including their widely praised rendition of “ON” at Grand Central Terminal.
In addition to BTS, other guests on Thursday’s episode include actors Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Ariana DeBose, and Roman Reigns.
Wednesday’s episode also marked BTS’ first U.S. late-night appearance as a full group since completing their mandatory military service. During their sit-down with Fallon, the group reflected on reuniting after their time apart, summing up the moment in one word: “Finally!”
RM elaborated on the experience, explaining, “In [the] military, like literally, time stops. Right? Like, time stops. And after it, time just flows by. We just can’t believe that it’s been like nine months that we all have discharged.”
Fallon then prompted the group to share what they missed most about one another, leading to a mix of heartfelt and playful responses.
BTS on ‘The Tonight Show’ in 2018
Credit: Andrew Lipovsky/NBC/Getty
Jimin joked that he missed Suga’s “one-percent” battery life, while J-Hope said he missed Jin’s self-proclaimed “worldwide handsome face.”
Jin, in turn, shared that he missed RM’s intelligence, calling his brain “perfect,” while V added that he missed Jungkook “teasing” him.
Jungkook noted that he didn’t have much time to miss Jimin, as the two served together in the same military unit.
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The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC.
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