BTS, the “Best Fans in the World,” headlines U.S. music festival finale with LE SSERAFIM

BTS takes over U.S. stage after six years, closes with “SWIM”

BTS declares a “BTS 2.0” era at iHeartRadio festival on the 18th; LE SSERAFIM becomes the first K-pop girl group to perform on the stage on the 19th

Return to Las Vegas skyline after six years opens a new chapter

BTS made a triumphant return after six years, closing the “2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival” in spectacular fashion and proving it remains a dominant force.

According to the group's label, BigHit Music, BTS took the stage as the festival's final act on the 18th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. On a lineup that included global pop stars such as Cardi B and Snoop Dogg, the group stood out with a commanding presence and reaffirmed its status as a global pop icon.

The centerpiece of the performance was “BTS 2.0,” symbolizing the group's latest evolution. Led by “SWIM,” the title track from its fifth studio album, “ARIRANG,” BTS delivered flawless live performances of four songs in all: “2.0,” “MIC DROP” and “FYA” as well. The group completely seized control of the atmosphere.

The stage production reached an artistic high point as well. During “SWIM,” enormous LED screens created a sweeping scene of rolling water. For “2.0,” the production drew on Las Vegas' dazzling nighttime skyline to maximize its visual impact. The space-tunnel design for “MIC DROP” represented limitless forward momentum, while a video of seven comets colliding during the finale, “FYA,” brought the explosive energy to its peak and captivated the audience.

K-pop expands its global reach as next-generation acts carry the torch

As the ARMY fandom filled the venue with an explosive singalong in Korean, BTS responded with heartfelt praise: “It is incredible to hear everyone sing along to all the Korean lyrics,” the group said, calling them “the best fans in the world.”

Following BTS' successful finale, girl group LE SSERAFIM will take the stage on the festival's second day, the 19th, becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform there. With artists from different generations writing a new chapter side by side at the center of the global music market, the event is expected to once again demonstrate K-pop's enduring standing.