Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul became the stage for BTS’ grand comeback performance on Saturday evening. Much like its setting — the historic square at the heart of the capital — and the album title itself, "ARIRANG," named after a 130-year-old Korean folk song — the show was widely seen as a statement about the place of Korean culture and identity on the global stage. Among the many elements that deepened the performance’s Korean resonance, the costumes stood out especially vividly. As BTS danced against the backdrop of Gyeongbok Palace, the sight of luminous fabric gliding over dark, subtly shimmering outfits created an impression of both grace and power. The stage costumes, titled “Lyrical Armor,” were created by Korean designer brand Songzio. The brand’s creative director Jay Song described the pieces as “embodying the spirit of a new generation of heroes who carry the turbulent history of Korea," on the fashion house brand's Instagram page. Blending the sturdy armor worn by warriors of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty with flowing "hanbok" (Korean traditional clo