Story perspectives

BTS sells out MetLife, fans protest Grammy category

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

BTS performed two sold-out shows at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Aug. 1-2, 2026, their first MetLife concerts since 2019.
The setlist combined ARIRANG tracks with surprise songs “Dis-ease,” “Run,” “Autumn Leaves,” and “Go Go.”
Fans displayed placards protesting the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance Grammy category after BTS announced a Grammy boycott.
Samsung’s booth let attendees test and pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8 before Aug. 7.

History

Historical Context

In July 2012 Psy released “Gangnam Style,” which became the first YouTube video to surpass 1 billion views on December 21, 2012, igniting the Korean Wave and proving K-pop could dominate global platforms. That breakthrough paved the way for acts such as BTS to sell out stadiums like New Jersey’s MetLife and to challenge award institutions, exemplified by their recent Grammy boycott.

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Story summary

BTS performed two sold-out shows at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Aug. 1-2, 2026, their first MetLife concerts since 2019.
The setlist combined ARIRANG tracks with surprise songs “Dis-ease,” “Run,” “Autumn Leaves,” and “Go Go.”
Fans displayed placards protesting the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance Grammy category after BTS announced a Grammy boycott.
Samsung’s booth let attendees test and pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8 before Aug. 7.

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