South Korean supergroup BTS on Thursday returned to the stage in Seoul for the first time since 2019, with an adoring home-grown crowd offering only applause as COVID rules barred all screaming, chanting, or singing.
Band leader RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, said they were thrilled to be performing in front of a live audience again. Chanting, singing, screaming, or even standing up were all banned, as South Korea battles an Omicron spike, with more than 300,000 cases reported Thursday.But fans including Heo Minhee, a 25-year-old office worker, said being at the concert was a “dream” despite the restrictions.
“There is a certain energy that can be felt from a person’s voice, and I wonder if clapping can be enough,” said J-Hope, whose real name is Jung Hoseok.“Even though it’s hard, I think it’s a necessary change under the current circumstances,” said Lee Chaerim, a 28-year-old student.