Large-scale restrictions and facility operational limits for the group BTS’s comeback concert in the Gwanghwamun area have sparked complaints of inconvenience.
BTS will release their fifth full-length album, ‘Arirang,’ at 1 PM on the 20th. Organizers have scheduled the comeback live event for 8 PM on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square. This marks their first full-group album since members began their ‘military hiatus,’ drawing significant attention.
Organizers and the Seoul Metropolitan Government anticipate up to 260,000 attendees and are prioritizing safety management for this large-scale event. On the day of the event, authorities will close main entrances to 31 buildings designated for intensive management and restrict rooftop access to 25 other buildings. Authorities will also restrict traffic on major roads such as Sejong-daero, Sajik-ro, Yulgok-ro, Saemunan-ro, and Jongno.
Authorities will deploy ninety-nine fire trucks and 765 personnel on the event day. Gwanghwamun, City Hall, and Gyeongbokgung subway stations will bypass stops for specific periods, and some entrances will close. City buses around Sejong-daero and Sajik-ro will temporarily reroute.
Authorities will implement metal detectors and security checks around the concert area to prepare for potential vehicle ramming or explosive threats, in light of recent security concerns in the Middle East. Police teams will also station themselves to prevent weapon-related crimes that could result in multiple casualties.
Beginning the day before the concert, authorities will temporarily suspend locker operations at 17 key locations around Gwanghwamun to prevent potential terrorism and accidents.
While the public understands traffic control and other safety measures as necessary for safety, critics view some aspects as excessive for a simple concert.
Nearby businesses are adjusting operations by closing or shortening hours on the concert day, and road restrictions around Gwanghwamun will likely cause delivery delays in areas like Jongno District.
Strengthened security searches have also sparked controversy.
Plans include a large police presence and random checks, including fingerprint scans if deemed necessary. Authorities will utilize approximately 300 portable scanners for spot checks inside and outside crowd management lines and may conduct identity verification for spectators carrying large bags.
Online complaints are spreading among nearby office workers, with comments such as, “forcing all staff to take half days on Friday” and “considering taking annual leave due to commuting difficulties on the concert day.”
Criticism of an ‘over-response’ to the extensive controls continues. Even among non-fans, citizens are expressing various opinions regarding the event. “Why go this far?” “It could have been held in a regular concert hall,” and “Who will bear the costs?” are among the negative comments.
Xportsnews, Netflix
