Ahead of K-pop group BTS’s comeback performance, ARMYs (fan club name) from around the world are heading to Gwanghwamun Square.
Returning with their 5th full-length album “Arirang,” BTS (RM, V, J-Hope, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, Jimin) will host the “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” on March 21 at 8 p.m. at the Gwanghwamun Square area in Seoul.
This concert, lasting about an hour, is free and offers both standing and reserved seating. Although the performance starts at 8 p.m., thousands had already gathered in the Gwanghwamun Square area ahead of BTS’s first full group comeback in three years and nine months.
The area near Gwanghwamun buzzed with activity from police, volunteers, passersby, and fans since morning. Authorities erected a fence around the Gwanghwamun stage. To enter, attendees must pass through 31 gates equipped with metal detectors for dangerous items. Police are also inspecting personal belongings and conducting body searches.
Nearby buildings face restrictions to prevent accidents, such as falls from unauthorized entry or rooftop viewing.
Traffic and road restrictions are also implemented. The Sejong-daero section between Gwanghwamun and City Hall has been closed since 9 p.m. on the 20th and will continue until 6 a.m. on the 22nd. Sajik-ro and Yulgok-ro are closed from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saemunan-ro and Gwanghwamun Underpass will be restricted from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Buses, including city, village, and Gyeonggi routes, passing through the restricted sections are rerouted. Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), City Hall Station (Lines 1 & 2), and Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) will close from the afternoon, with trains bypassing stops without halting.
Gwanghwamun Station will bypass stops from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., while City Hall and Gyeongbokgung Stations will bypass from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Subway service will resume at these stations after the concert ends at 10 p.m.
The government plans to establish an on-site situation room at the Seoul Government Complex to manage crowd density in real-time. According to Seoul’s estimates, an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 people had gathered in the Gwanghwamun area as of 10 a.m. Officials anticipated the area would become more congested from 3 p.m.
Image source: Yonhap News, Big Hit Music
