SEOUL — K-pop supergroup BTS made their long awaited return to the stage Saturday with a performance at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, marking the band’s first appearance together in nearly four years.

The seven-member boy group — Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — reunited after completing mandatory South Korean military service and pursuing solo projects during their hiatus.

The comeback concert, staged at the historic plaza in central Seoul, comes ahead of an 80-plus-date global tour across the U.S., Europe and Asia.

BTS were granted special permission by the Korean Heritage Service to perform at Gwanghwamun Square, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a landmark dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Organizers described it as the first major live performance held at the site, with the show also livestreamed globally.

Fans, known as the “BTS Army,” traveled from around the world to attend.

“We haven’t seen them in so long. Having this happen and to be [in Seoul] at the same time feels surreal to me. It feels like the world is celebrating,” said 29-year-old Nina, who declined to provide a last name and traveled from Brisbane, Australia, for the event. “Being from Australia, because of Covid, we missed out on concerts, so it’s insane to be here and witness our group come back. It’s almost in front of us.”

The performance blended contemporary pop with traditional Korean elements. The group took the stage by walking along a historic pathway once used by Joseon Dynasty kings, while parts of the show incorporated hanboks, traditional Korean clothing.

The set list featured songs from their latest album, “Arirang,” released Friday and named after a traditional Korean folk song, alongside global hits including “Dynamite” and “Butter.”

Speaking to HYBE, the group’s management company, RM said, “To maximize the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, we designed the stage with an open ‘cube’ structure that ensures an unobstructed view. The key point was to frame both Gwanghwamun and the stage in a single screen without either blocking the other.”

Despite an ankle injury, RM performed with limited movement, with other members joining him during parts of the choreography.