BTS is preparing for an unprecedented comeback show, but unexpected issues are causing a stir.
BTS will hold a comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st at 8 PM. A large number of domestic and international fans are expected to gather to see BTS return after a 3-year and 9-month hiatus.
The Seoul metropolitan government and police are fully cooperating to manage the BTS comeback event. In particular, police have issued restrictions on assemblies by citizen groups scheduled at Gwanghwamun Square from the 16th to the 21st.
The ‘Care Workers Conference’ canceled its march from Bosingak to the vicinity of the Blue House due to police restrictions on the 21st. Similarly, the conservative group ‘Operation to Reclaim Korea’ will not hold any rallies this week. The progressive group ‘Candlelight Action,’ which advocates for prosecutorial and judicial reforms, will also relocate its planned rally.
On March 18, it was reported that delivery services may face delays around Gwanghwamun event areas due to road closures.
To prepare for the anticipated crowd, main thoroughfares such as Sejong-daero, Sajik-ro, and Saemunan-ro will be controlled on the day of the event. Consequently, residents in areas like Jongno-gu and Jung-gu might experience late deliveries.
Road controls in the Gwanghwamun area were already anticipated starting from the 20th, the day before the comeback. On the 21st, starting at 5 AM, some subway exits at Gwanghwamun, City Hall, and Gyeongbokgung stations will be closed; non-stop passing and station closures will also be implemented.
Additional restrictions, including controls on entering 31 buildings in the Gwanghwamun area and recommendations for nearby businesses to close, have led to public discontent. Some workplaces are even forcing employees to take leave, raising concerns about labor law violations and potential infringement on citizens’ basic rights.
Meanwhile, some ARMYs expressed unexpected dissatisfaction. As part of the celebration for BTS’s new release, Seoul plans to light up major landmarks like Namsan Seoul Tower and Lotte World Tower in red.
Some fans worried that the color red, which represents a particular political party, could be politically misused. This led to a surge of hashtags on social media such as ‘#방탄은보라색’ and ‘#BTSisPurple’.
On the 18th, HYBE clarified that the red color at the Gwanghwamun Square performance represents the key color of the Arirang concept and stated that the Seoul metropolitan government used red upon HYBE’s request.
They also urged people not to interpret the event from an excessively political perspective, which helped calm the ARMYs.
An unprecedented number of people are expected to gather in downtown Seoul for this monumental K-pop comeback show. With unexpected situations unfolding even before the performance, anticipation continues to grow.
