Seoul: At 7 a.m., two dozen BTS fans were already lined up against a barricade with a view of the stage where the K-pop group will perform Saturday. The concert, marking the release of BTS' new album, "Arirang," will begin at 8 p.m., but the hourslong wait is nothing compared to the more than three years they have waited for the band's full-group comeback, said one Danish fan.

According to Yonhap News Agency, fans have shown remarkable dedication as they prepare for BTS' highly anticipated return. One Danish fan, who chose to visit South Korea through a working holiday program influenced by her admiration for BTS, expressed her excitement. She and her friend arrived at the concert venue at 6 a.m., hoping to secure a closer spot to the stage despite not having tickets. She plans to enjoy the new album while waiting for the concert to start.

The dedication of international fans is evident, as demonstrated by two friends from the Philippines who traveled to South Korea specifically for the concert. They woke up at 4 a.m. to ensure a prime location near the stage. Equipped with food, water, and hand warmers to withstand the chilly weather, they expressed that waiting for 12 hours is a small price to pay after four years of anticipation. After the concert, they plan to explore BTS-related sites across the country.

The concert venue is expected to attract around 260,000 people, stretching from Gwanghwamun Square to Sungnye Gate. Security measures are stringent, with approximately 15,000 safety management personnel, including 6,700 police officers, being deployed. Meanwhile, bus and subway lines have been partially diverted to accommodate the large crowd.