BTS Mania Hits Belgium: Fans Camp as RM Explores Antwerp

K-pop supergroup BTS has brought its global phenomenon to Belgium for the first time, with two sold-out concerts at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium on July 1 and 2, 2026. As nearly 116,000 fans prepare to witness history, BTS frontman RM was spotted exploring Antwerp’s cultural landmarks, while hundreds of dedicated fans began camping at the stadium from the early hours of Wednesday morning, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.

A Historic First for Belgium

The Brussels concerts mark BTS’s first-ever performances in Belgium, part of the group’s massive ARIRANG World Tour supporting their fifth studio album, released on March 20, 2026. The tour, which spans 79 concerts across multiple continents through 2027, opened at Goyang Stadium in South Korea in April and includes stops in Tokyo, Tampa, Busan, and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 6-7, as De Morgen reported.

Each concert is expected to draw approximately 58,000 spectators, with tickets selling out quickly after going on sale in January 2026. Some fans paid over €430 for VIP packages, underscoring the immense demand for the group’s return.

RM’s Antwerp Cultural Tour

On June 30, BTS leader RM (Kim Namjoon, 31) took time before the concerts to explore Antwerp’s cultural scene. Known as an avid art enthusiast, RM visited the KMSKA (Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp) and MoMu (Fashion Museum Antwerp), sharing images on his Instagram account. He was also spotted riding a red Velo bike and photographing the Antwerp skyline from Linkeroever, as reported by HLN.

RM’s visit served as an informal showcase of Belgian culture to BTS’s massive global following, highlighting Antwerp’s museums and urban landscape to millions of fans worldwide.

Fans Camp from Across Europe

By 5 AM on July 1, the first fans had already begun queuing at the King Baudouin Stadium. By 8 AM, approximately 500 fans were in line, despite the concert not starting until 8 PM, according to VRT NWS.

“We’ve been fans since 2016. Our love for BTS is just very big,” said Rana and Ines, two fans who had queued early for standing spots on the middle floor. “I’ve already seen Canadians here. All of Europe is here. It doesn’t feel like a concert in Belgium, but like a concert of all of Europe.”

Among the crowd was Isis from Barendrecht, Netherlands, attending her first BTS concert with her mother Sandra. When asked if this would be the most beautiful day of her life, Isis replied without hesitation: “Probably yes.”

The atmosphere among the waiting fans was notably positive. “There’s really a community feeling. You meet people who share the same passion,” fans told VRT NWS, describing the scene as one of camaraderie rather than competition.

The ARIRANG Era

BTS’s 2026 comeback marks their first full-group project since 2022, following the completion of South Korea’s mandatory military service by all seven members. The group’s fifth studio album, “ARIRANG” — named after the iconic Korean folk song symbolizing identity, separation, reunion, and resilience — features 14 tracks recorded in Los Angeles, as detailed by Delivered Korea.

The ARIRANG World Tour is projected to generate over $1 billion in revenue including ticket sales, merchandise, and album sales, making it one of the most ambitious tours ever undertaken by a K-pop group.

Logistics and Preparations

Brussels public transport company MIVB/STIB strengthened metro, tram, and bus services for the concert dates, adding extra capacity on metro line 6 and tram line 7 from 4 PM onwards, as VRT NWS reported. After the concerts, metro lines 1, 5, and 6 will receive additional reinforcement. Ticket holders can also use Brussels public transport for free on concert days via an activation code.

What’s Next

Following their Brussels performances, BTS will continue their European leg with concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on July 6-7, before continuing the ARIRANG World Tour across Asia, the Americas, and Australia through 2027. The King Baudouin Stadium will also host concerts by Koffi Olomidé on July 12 and Bad Bunny on July 22, capping off a landmark summer for live music in Brussels.