It’s a very good week to be a member of BTS ARMY.
A few days after the band took over Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul—delivering a killer set featuring highlights from their new album Arirang, as well as past smashes like “Butter” and “Dynamite,” for a Netflix special streamed all over the world—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook docked on US shores and celebrated with some of their biggest US fans at Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE at Pier 17 in downtown New York on Monday night.
Even a rainy, chilly spring day couldn’t stop those fans from trooping to Pier 17 for the celebration, with some fans lining up since the morning (and some, for days in advance) to see their beloved Bangtan boys again. Triumphing over the elements—and perhaps their own fatigue—some fans in the audience held up “We Stayed” signs, a proud declaration of ARMY tenacity.
SWIMSIDE was meant to celebrate the much-anticipated release of Arirang, their fifth studio album, which has already broken records worldwide. When BTS sat down for GQ’s March 2026 cover story a few months ago, the band talked about the album’s ambition and diversity of genres. “What I can tell you is that it’s going to be quite different from the BTS albums and sounds that you’ve been listening to,” Suga said in the piece. “You’re going to see a more mature side of BTS this time around.” And if the critical reception is anything to go by, it seems the band has given fans exactly that, earning raves for their sonic experimentation and reconfirmed idiosyncrasies.
Spotify turned Pier 17 into a true ARMY wonderland for the occasion, with massive black-and-white photos of the band members welcoming fans at the entrance, all LED screens leading up to the rooftop venue in aquatic theme with lead single “Swim,” and food stalls serving snacks stamped with the Arirang logo (with the Spotify icon sitting right beside).
The event was kicked off by a Q&A moderated by actress and musician Suki Waterhouse, who made her ARMY bonafides known through her nimble hosting and deep stock knowledge of BTS. “Borahae, ARMY!” she said at one point, referencing a phrase coined by V to communicate trust and loyalty between the band and their fans.
