Jimmy Fallon praises BTS after electrifying ‘Tonight Show’ takeover

Jimmy Fallon is cheering on BTS' revival as their two-evening The Tonight Show event continues to enthrall the late-night scene.

The world-renowned artists, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, reunited with Fallon for this special occasion, which began on Wednesday (March 25), continuing on Thursday (March 26), making this their first time back on the late-night program in four years to promote their latest album ARIRANG.

“BTS have long been a cherished part of The Tonight Show family, but last evening felt truly unique,” Fallon exclusively shares with PEOPLE. “Their extraordinary efforts, evident in the Guggenheim takeover, left an incredible impression.”

“Each visit feels grander than the one before,” he adds. “I hold deep admiration and respect for them all. And naturally, their fans are unparalleled. The ARMY's presence completes the experience.”

Segments from the Wednesday night broadcast, featuring several BTS elements, gathered 175 million digital views across online platforms within just a few hours.

For their Wednesday appearance, BTS electrified the audience with “SWIM,” staging it inside New York City's Guggenheim Museum.

Fans can look ahead to Thursday’s episode, where another exciting performance awaits: “2.0,” captured again at the iconic New York museum.

Throughout their guest appearance, BTS reminisced about their time apart and offered perspectives on their latest musical work, detailing the significance of tracks from ARIRANG and what reconnecting with global fans means to them.

This appearance serves as a continuation of the group’s enduring relationship with Fallon, who has featured some of their most notable performances over the years — including their much praised rendition of “ON” at Grand Central Terminal.

Apart from BTS, Thursday’s show features other celebrity guests like actors Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Ariana DeBose, and Roman Reigns.

Last Wednesday’s episode also represents BTS’ first appearance on a US late-night platform as a fully reunited group following their required military service. 

During their chat with Fallon, they expressed their joy about being back together, using the word: “Finally!”

RM shared their journey, stating, “In the military, it feels like time stands still, doesn’t it? Then suddenly, it flows by. It’s astonishing to think it’s been nine months since we all completed our service.”

Fallon encouraged the group to talk about what they missed most about each other, leading to a blend of touching and humorous answers.

Jimin humorously mentioned he missed Suga’s “one-percent” battery life, while J-Hope said he longed for Jin’s famously “worldwide handsome face.”

Jin, on the other hand, mentioned missing RM’s intellect, calling it “perfect,” while V reminisced about Jungkook's playful teasing.

Jungkook noted he didn’t have much missing to do regarding Jimin, as they were both in the same military unit.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon airs weeknights at 11:35pm ET on NBC.