Is BTS about to surpass Taylor Swift?

BTS's free concert on March 21st is expected to generate an economic impact of $1.77 billion. Revenue from the World Tour, which begins with this concert, is also predicted to potentially surpass Taylor Swift's record.

The economic impact from BTS's free concert could reach $1.77 billion - Photo: Big Hit Music

After nearly four years of hiatus to fulfill their military service, BTS returned with their new album Arirang, a free concert in Seoul, and an 82-day world tour.

According to Bloomberg 's estimates, the Gwanghwamun Square concert will generate an economic impact of $1.77 billion, far exceeding the average of $50-70 million per Taylor Swift show in the US.

Did BTS break Taylor Swift's record with just a free concert in Seoul?

Financial analysts predict that revenue from the entire tour will be very impressive. IBK Investment & Securities estimates total revenue from ticket and merchandise sales at least $2 billion, while IM Securities suggests that ticket revenue alone could reach $1.03 billion.

If BTS and HYBE expand their tour schedule, their total revenue could potentially surpass the $2.2 billion mark that Taylor Swift achieved from 149 shows.

Bloomberg estimates that the free concert at Gwanghwamun generated $1.77 billion in economic impact, including spending on airfare, hotels, food, merchandise, and streaming revenue.

The possibility of BTS's World Tour dethroning Taylor Swift is not far off - Photo: Big Hit Music

CedarBough Saeji, an assistant professor of Korean and East Asian Studies at Pusan ​​University, commented: "BTS brings enormous benefits to any city they perform in. Like Taylor Swift, they have an appeal that makes fans travel thousands of kilometers just to see a show."

Hotel searches in Seoul surged by 160% immediately after the tour was announced, while in Busan they increased by 2,400%. Some hotels even raised prices up to 7.5 times the normal rate, prompting authorities to take price controls.

Convenience stores, coffee chains, and restaurants around Gwanghwamun Square have prepared significantly increased stock, expecting revenue to be comparable to the holiday season.

Park Sun Ok, the owner of a restaurant near the square, said: "We expect weekend revenue to reach Christmas levels, around $15,000, so we've prepared ten times the usual amount of ingredients. BTS is bringing life back to this area."

On March 19, the stage for BTS's concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, Seoul, was set up - Photo: Yonhap News

The performance will also be streamed live on Netflix. Although Netflix has not disclosed the cost, experts believe the contract is worth no less than the $60 million deal they signed with Beyoncé in 2019.

Beyond Seoul, the tour is also expected to generate global economic and branding effects. The 82-show tour is anticipated to open up opportunities for increased ticket sales, merchandise, and tourism in South Korea, solidifying the country's pop culture standing in the world .

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LAN HUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bts-sap-vuot-mat-taylor-swift-20260319115359118.htm