BTS' comeback show costumes blend Korean tradition with 'Lyrical Armor' concept

BTS has finally returned to the stage for their highly anticipated comeback show in Seoul, and the performance was not only defined by music from their new album “Arirang,” it was also marked by striking, story-driven costumes rooted in Korean heritage.

According to WWD, the seven members wore custom designs by Korean designer Jay Songzio, who created an exclusive collection for the show under his label, Songzio.

The looks, titled “Lyrical Armor,” combined traditional Korean clothing and early Joseon-era armor with modern, sculptural silhouettes in a monochromatic palette.

Songzio said Hybe approached him about two months before the comeback, emphasizing the importance of aligning the visuals with the album’s deeply Korean identity.

“For them, this historical comeback was very important, in that even the title of the album is ‘Arirang,’ which is one of the oldest and the most traditional Korean folk songs. So it was very important for them to find a very Korean brand, not only in its nationality, but also in its aesthetic,” he said.

The concept framed BTS as symbolic figures shaped by emotion and history, drawing from the Korean idea of “han,” or a deep sense of sorrow and longing.

“I tried to build a story where these members become some sort of heroes, some sort of warriors who are fighting in these turbulent times and then leading to a brighter future,” Songzio explained.

Each member was also assigned a distinct archetype within the story.

RM embodied “the hero,” Jin “the artist,” Suga “the architect,” J-Hope “sorigun” or “sound man,” Jimin “the poet,” V “seonbi” or nobleman, and Jungkook “vanguard.”

“It was very, very nice, because they participated a lot, even down the very smallest details – things like colors they wanted, accessories. We spent a lot of time together with individual members,” Songzio said.

In total, around 80 performers, including dancers and traditional musicians, were dressed to create a cohesive visual world on stage.

Due to the outdoor setting at Gwanghwamun Square, costume changes were built into the garments themselves.

Many outfits featured multiple layers that could be removed gradually during the performance.

“Some looks have five layers. So the members would be taking off part by part, and I think it will look more dynamic than just one look,” he said.

For Songzio, the project became a deeply personal creative milestone.

“And then this particular collection, it really had to be Korean, Korean, Korean. Everything had to be Korean,” he said, noting that the experience would influence his future designs.

BTS made their monumental return on Saturday evening with a grand performance at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square.

Ahead of the show, they released the album  “Arirang” and the music video of the lead single, "Swim." 

On March 27, Netflix will release a documentary of the making of "Arirang." 

In April, BTS will kick off their "Arirang" world tour, with the first two stops set to be broadcast in cinemas worldwide.

The Philippine stop is happening in March 2027. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News