BTS Opens Global Citizen Live With ‘Butter,’ ‘Permission To Dance’

Prerecorded performances of the group’s hits, “Permission to Dance” and “Butter,” were shot in front of the Sungnye Gate in Seoul, which is considered a national treasure. A special stage had been set up near the gate with a light show that illuminated the gate as the seven members, dressed in orange, blue and white, danced and sang along with 40 masked dancers who joined in for portion of “Permission to Dance” using sign language. The video of “Butter” was shot under the gate’s roof and in the surrounding streets. 

BTS was the only K-pop act on the Sept. 25 livestreamed program, which was organized by Global Citizen, a New York-based organization that was raising awareness and money to end COVID-19, quash poverty and protect the environment. Other performers included Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez and Billie Eilish. 

BTS will also return fully to offline concert performing with four shows in November and December at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. It will be the first time the group has played live in front of an audience since 2019. Originally, BTS had planned to launch a world tour in April 2020 but canceled it because of the pandemic. 

The group’s label, Big Hit Music, said they chose the U.S. for their return to the stage after “reviewing COVID-19 restrictions in various countries and regions,” according to the Korea Herald. Concerts in large venues are still difficult in South Korea owing to restrictions that are still in place. So far, no additional shows have been planned, but Big Hit says they are working on it.