The global superstars of BTS made a highly anticipated stop in New York City, marking their first group performance in the United States since 2022. The seven members—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—took over the city for a special Spotify event called ‘SWIMSIDE’, celebrating their new album ‘ARIRANG’. The night featured live performances, a candid question-and-answer session, and a rare chance for 1,000 lucky fans to see the group up close.
The SWIMSIDE Event Brings BTS and ARMY Together
On March 23, 2026, Spotify hosted the exclusive ‘Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE’ concert in New York City. The event was part of a larger global campaign by Spotify to celebrate the group’s return after completing their military service. Only 1,000 fans were able to attend this private showcase, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who secured a spot.
The event was designed to go beyond just a concert. It included an interactive Q&A session where the band answered fan questions and shared personal stories about the making of ‘ARIRANG’ and their lives as a group. The atmosphere was described as intimate and energetic, with the members visibly happy to be back together on stage in the U.S.
Host Suki Waterhouse Joins the Fun and Shares a Funny Moment
The evening was hosted by singer and actress Suki Waterhouse. She helped guide the conversation with the band, discussing the new album and the recent release of the music video for their track “Swim.” The hosting gig came with a memorable moment when Waterhouse nearly tripped on stage. RM quickly stepped in to catch her, preventing a fall.
Waterhouse later shared her thanks on social media, writing:
“Congrats to @BTS_twt on an incredible album and thank you to RM for catching me when I was about to fall.”
Suga Clarifies His Feelings About ‘Swim’ and Water
During the Q&A session, a lighthearted moment quickly went viral. When asked if any member disliked swimming, SUGA quickly raised his hand, saying he hated it. RM interjected with a laugh, asking, “You hate ‘Swim’?” SUGA immediately understood the misunderstanding and corrected himself, clarifying that he loves the song “Swim,” he just does not like being in the water.
Fans on social media found the moment funny, with many joking that SUGA’s cat-like personality was showing. The interaction became one of the most talked-about highlights of the night, showcasing the group’s natural humor and chemistry.
RM Opens Up About His Ankle Injury and Jungkook’s Habits
The evening also gave fans insight into the group’s personal dynamics. RM, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury, addressed his health briefly. He joked that the other members have been scolding him to be careful so he does not break another ankle. Because of the injury, RM sat out the dancing during the performances but still participated in the singing and chatting.
RM also shared a funny story about Jungkook, revealing that during their time in Los Angeles recording the album, Jungkook left his luggage unpacked for two months. The members had to carefully step around the bags whenever they entered his room. Jimin also added a cheeky remark during the chat, saying he always takes his clothes off when he gets home, leading RM to jokingly tell him that was “too much information.”
BTS Performs ‘Swim’ and ‘2.0’ Live
The musical portion of the evening featured the group performing two new songs from their ‘ARIRANG’ album: “Swim” and “2.0.” These performances marked their first time singing these tracks live for a U.S. audience. Video clips from the event spread quickly across social media, with fans praising the choreography and the group’s stage presence.
One fan wrote on social media:
“I’m genuinely so excited to see all the 2.0 performances live like it’s genuinely gonna be incredible.”
Another fan commented on the new look of the choreography, stating:
“This could be BTS’ best choreography.”
The Group Faces Crowded Streets in New York
Prior to the Spotify event, the members were spotted in New York City navigating large crowds of fans and photographers. Videos surfaced online showing the group leaving a restaurant and being surrounded by people calling their names and trying to get photos. RM, who was using crutches for his ankle injury, was seen trying to move quickly through the busy scene, which raised concerns among fans about his safety.
Many ARMY members expressed frustration online, calling for more respect and privacy for the group during their personal time. One user shared their disappointment on social media, simply writing:
“can they leave them tf alone & respect their privacy?”
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BTS Prepares for The Tonight Show and World Tour
The Spotify event was just one stop on a busy schedule for the group. They are scheduled to appear on NBC’s ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on March 25 and 26, 2026. This marks their first full-group appearance on the show since July 2021. They will participate in an interview and perform two new songs during the two-night takeover.
Following their promotional activities in New York, BTS will start their massive ‘BTS World Tour ARIRANG.’ The tour will kick off on April 9, 2026, at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea. From there, the group will travel to 34 cities around the world for a total of 82 shows, with the tour scheduled to run until March 2027.
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