BTS Swimside event immerses PH ARMYs in 'Arirang' world

Filipino ARMYs can now dive into BTS and Arirang as the group's "Swimside" event officially opens at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati from May 1 to 3.

Launched by Spotify, the immersive event is a one-of-a-kind experience that drops ARMY directly into the world of BTS' newest album, "Arirang."

“It's a fan immersive experience that celebrates a group's highly anticipated comeback… Manila is one of the two Southeast Asia cities that gets this experience. So, it's just for you,” said Elaine Toh, Spotify’s Communications and PR Lead for Southeast Asia.

The Swimside event is marked by a massive lighthouse, tying back to the nautical theme of BTS' latest title track “Swim,” which plays throughout the venue alongside other tracks from the album.

The event is divided into five immersive zones for ARMY:

Wave Room

The room is an immersive photo zone featuring a massive wall displaying the “Arirang” logo with wave-style projections.

Guests can pose and take photos with the official event photographer and each other.

The room also has portraits of all seven BTS members, making it ideal for photo keepsakes.

Deep Dive Stream

This room pulls ARMY into the world of the "Swim" music video.

Upon entry, ARMYs get to watch the Lili Reinhart-starrer MV.

The Deep Dive Stream also features a hazy environment which enhances the immersive experience.

Fan Chant Lighthouse

This room prepares ARMY for March 2027 through the spirit of karaoke!

Upon entry, ARMYs are greeted by a giant LED screen projecting the lyrics of "Swim."

Guides assist participants in learning the official fanchant to the song.

Sound Wave Bar

How well do you know BTS? Find out here — and get a sweet treat after.

In exchange for answering a quick BTS trivia quiz with Spotify, guests can redeem one free random drink: Black Lemonade, Japanese Red Iced Tea, or Lychee Milk Tea.

Army Swim Club Supplies

Of course, no BTS event is complete without freebies.

All participants of BTS Swimside get to take home a free bag of exclusive BTS Swimside goodies.

In addition, ARMY can take home a printed photograph from the Wave Room.

“I love all the interiors and design. And it really gives that Swimside feel… I really feel like I'm in a BTS area. But at the same time, the best part of being here is actually being with ARMY itself,” said Trish, an ARMY since 2020.

“I think it's important for them to be part of this because it really gives that whole complete experience of being an ARMY and being part of the whole Arirang experience. Especially since BTS just made their comeback, it's amazing to see,” she added.

Another longtime fan, JC, said, “Iba yung feeling na you are with a group of people that love BTS. That's something really special… Super recommended [experience for BTS ARMY], dahil nagpatayan sila for the slots.” 

(It’s a different feeling to be with a group of people that love BTS. That's something really special… Super recommended [experience for BTS ARMY], because they really competed for the slots.)

Event mechanics

Following an intense ticketing session, all slots for BTS Swimside across all three days have sold out.

The free event is open only to pre-registered ARMY with Spotify Premium subscriptions and a ticket reservation for any time slot during the three-day event.

Attendees will be asked to present a valid ID, their Spotify Premium account, and proof that the “This Is BTS” playlist has been saved to their account.

They must verify and claim their passes at the Palm Drive Activity Center one hour before their reserved time slot and be at the standby queue 30 minutes prior.

Each batch is given one and a half hours to immerse themselves in the world of BTS and Arirang.

“[The space is] where we bring BTS' latest album, Arirang, to life on Spotify. It's an exclusive Spotify Premium experience curated especially for fans—for ARMY,” Toh said. —JCB, GMA News