Entertainment, Dec 28: A brief greeting by Kim Taehyung, popularly known as V of BTS, during a live stream has sent India’s music fandom into a frenzy, reigniting speculation about the global K-pop group’s long-awaited visit to the country.
During a 19-minute broadcast on the fan platform Weverse, Taehyung noticed a comment from an India-based viewer and responded with, “Namaste Indian Armys, see you next year.” The remark, though fleeting, was quickly clipped and widely shared across social media, particularly on X, where Indian BTS fans—collectively known as ARMY—began theorising about a possible concert in 2026.
The timing of the comment has added to the excitement. HYBE, the South Korean entertainment company behind BTS, has recently set up an office in India, signalling a push to expand its footprint in the South Asian market. Jungkook’s exhibition in Mumbai earlier this year further underlined the group’s growing engagement with Indian audiences.
K-pop’s popularity in India has surged in recent years, with streaming platforms and social media metrics consistently ranking the country among the top global markets for Korean music. A BTS concert in India would be historic, marking the first performance by the world’s biggest boyband in the country and potentially opening the door for more large-scale international tours.
However, questions remain over infrastructure and logistics. BTS’s concerts are known for their massive scale, often drawing 60,000 to 70,000 fans per night, alongside elaborate stage designs, extensive security arrangements and high-capacity ticketing systems. While venues such as Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium and Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium have hosted international acts, none have yet matched the scale typically associated with BTS productions.
The group is currently preparing for a highly anticipated comeback in spring 2026, which will include their first full-length studio album in nearly six years following the 2022 anthology Proof. The release will come after all seven members complete their mandatory military service.
Industry reports suggest a global tour could follow, potentially running from mid to late 2026 with dozens of stadium shows worldwide. While India has not been officially confirmed as a stop, Taehyung’s greeting has already achieved what elaborate promotions often aim for—sparking widespread anticipation and conversation among millions of fans across the country.
