5 Best Moments From Night 2 of BTS’ Permission to Dance LA Concerts (2024)

“It’s been a long, long time. Hello, ARMY!” BTS‘ V yelled to the cheering crowd that packed Los Angeles’ SoFiStadium on Sunday. Fortheir first offline concert in two years, superstar Korean boy band BTS—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook — returned to the stage with the four-day concert series “BTS Permission toDanceOnStage–LA,” with the first two shows on Saturday and Sunday.

With the upper balconies of the venue brimming with fans, the septetdistributed light sticksto concertgoersthat glowed with different colors and patterns throughout the show.As the light sticks were activated during various segments, the group involvedfans from every level of the stadium and createda more intimate connection between the boys and the audience.At one point, the lightsticks spelled out words like “BTS” and “ARMY.”

As a treat to their longtime fans, BTS performed early classics such as “Save Me”from2016’sThe Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever and “Fake Love” from2018’s Love Yourself: Tear, along with newer hits like “Life Goes On”from 2020’s BEand their English-language tracks “Butter,” “Dynamite” and, of course, “Permission toDance.”

After earning six No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 in 13 months (starting with “Dynamite” in August 2020 through “My Universe” with Coldplay in September), BTS were revved up and ready to go, as evidenced by their high-energy performanceand roaring response from theirfans.From a special guest appearance to adorable between-song moments, here are the five best things that happened at BTS’ Los Angeles concert on Sunday.

1. Kicking it off with “On”

At 7:30 p.m. PT, concertgoers felt vibrations across the stadium as the lights dimmed and the seven members of BTS opened the show with “On”fromMap of the Soul: 7, which was released just a few weeks before the pandemic.Dressed in all-white, BTS were backed by drummers and dancers, reminiscent of a marching band.

With afullproduction including red fireworksin just the first song,the performance signaled the band’s triumphant return to live concerts following their canceled world tour due to COVID-19, andset the bar high for therest of the setlist.

2.Getting close to the band:“We’re going to you!”

During their performanceof “Telepathy,” BTS surprised the audience bytaking alaparoundthe circumference of the stadium floor.Standing atop orange platforms on wheels, three of the members started on the right side of the stage and the other four started on theleft. The platforms then made their way aroundthefloor as fans leaned over the balcony to get closer to the pop stars.

The movewasjust one of the ways the band created a more intimate show for those sitting further away. BTS also made sure toplay to the cameras onstage, which were then projected on the stadium’s 70,000-square-foot big screen for the whole crowd to see clearly.

3. MeganTheeStallion’s surprise appearance

Donning a pink bodysuit andmatching knee-high boots, the “Savage” rapper joined the band onstage to perform their “Butter” remix. Megan Thee Stallion was scheduled to join BTS during the American Music Awards on Nov. 21but pulled out of the performance at the last minute citing an “unexpected personal matter.”

“We feel sad for the AMAs, but now you’re here!” RM said when Meg hit the stage. Before bowing out, the rapper expressed her gratitude for having the opportunity to make up for the AMAs, saying,“Thanky’allfor having me!”

4.Jin’spigtails

After BTS’ final costume change,Jin returned with pigtails tied in red bows to close out the concert. In an adorable moment between songs, Jinand the members playfully channeledthe popular Netflix showSquid Game.WithJin’s hairstyle mirroring the South Korean show’s“Red Light, Green Light” doll, the other members jokinglysang the tunefeatured prominently during the episode asJin looked back at the audience, mimicking the doll’s actions during the scene.

5. BTS’ heartfelt message to their fans

Rounding out the show, BTStook turns sharing how much playing in front of their fans means to each of them. Through a translator, J-Hope shared his message first with: “This is probably the only night we’ll speak in Korean.” He continued, saying: “This is a very meaningful concert for you guys. But I think the concertis going to be a big part of my history and my memory too. This is also gonnabereally meaningfulto me. I hope that tonight was ahighlightfor your own story and your own life memories.”

Jiminalsotook the micand said, “Today, I’m alsogonnaspeak in Korean because I really want to share how I feel in more detail.”Jimin added: “To be honest, I don’t think I could do all that I could do for you guys in the last two years, so it’s an honor and I’m really moved that all of you waited for us.”

Then, RM revealed howhe thought he used upall of his energy on the first night of the concert series but thatthe ARMY gave him strengthto keep going. “You guys are the magic,” he shared with the crowd.

Wrapping up the show, purple and white balloons were launched into the crowd as BTS performed their final song, “Permission to Dance.”