BTS wrapped up two back-to-back concerts of their ARIRANG World Tour at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 6 and 7, 2026. Following the second show, a review by British newspaper The Guardian drew attention after its journalist revealed that Jimin had become their favorite member by the end of the concert.
The reviewer attended the show as a casual observer without a favorite member beforehand. However, after watching BTS perform live, they shared that Jimin stood out the most for them. Among the seven members, the reviewer singled out the singer, revealing that he emerged as their favorite by the end of the show despite attending the concert without a prior bias.
The review quickly gained traction across social media, where fans widely shared the journalist’s comments about Jimin. Many described the moment as another example of his ability to captivate first-time viewers and casual listeners through his stage presence and performance.
Some fans said they were not surprised by the reaction, while others credited it to what they refer to as the “Jimin effect“, a term often used within the fandom to describe the singer’s ability to attract new admirers. One fan commented:
“The Jimin effect never misses.”
Similar reactions continued to pour in, with fans celebrating Jimin’s mention in the review. They said Jimin’s stage presence continues to win over new audiences, with many calling his impact “unmatched” and saying it’s easy to understand why he became the reviewer’s favorite.
Others expressed confidence that his popularity continued to rise with every concert, while praising his vocals, dancing, and ability to captivate audiences, calling him one of the standout performers of the tour.
The Guardian reviews BTS’ ARIRANG World Tour in London, praises the group’s live performance
On July 7, British newspaper The Guardian published its review of BTS’ ARIRANG World Tour concert in London. The newspaper awarded BTS’ London concert a perfect five-star rating, praising the group’s return to the UK stage and the overall live performance.
In the review, the publication reflected on the scale of the septet’s global popularity, the commercial aspects surrounding K-pop, and the group’s return to touring after completing their military service. While acknowledging the highly produced nature of the concert and the extensive fan engagement surrounding the event, the reviewer ultimately concluded that the live concert itself gradually shifted that perspective.
The article described the concert as a large-scale production featuring elaborate staging, pyrotechnics, synchronized performances, and a setlist that showcased BTS’ musical range. It noted the contrast between the group’s powerful rap-focused performances and softer pop and ballad stages, highlighting how the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed and interactive as the show progressed.
The review also praised the group’s versatility, pointing to the group’s ability to move seamlessly between different musical styles while maintaining the audience’s energy throughout the nearly two-hour performance. It further described the atmosphere created by tens of thousands of fans at the stadium.
The review noted the synchronized light sticks, loud singalongs, and the emotional connection between BTS and the audience during the closing moments of the show. It concluded by stating that the experience left a lasting impression, adding that the concert also sparked a greater interest in the group and Korean culture.
Meanwhile, the group concluded the London stop of the European leg of the ARIRANG World Tour with back-to-back concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 6 and 7. Across the two nights, the group performed a 23-song setlist that combined tracks from their latest album with fan-favorite songs from different stages of their career.
The surprise-song segment featured different selections each night. During the first concert, BTS surprised fans performing Life Goes On and Dionysus, while the second show included Save Me and Epilogue: Young Forever.
Following the London concerts, BTS is scheduled to continue the European leg of the ARIRANG World Tour with two performances in Munich, Germany, on July 11 and 12.
Edited by Adrija Chakraborty