Police and the Seoul Metropolitan Government are rolling out large-scale safety measures ahead of BTS’s comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza.
On the 13th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced special security plans for the March 21 BTS comeback show at Gwanghwamun Plaza, including countermeasures against potential terror threats.
Citing rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and elsewhere, police said they cannot rule out the possibility of an attack. They will deploy as many Police Special Forces (SWAT) units as possible to conduct advance safety sweeps across the entire venue.
If a bomb threat is reported on show day, police say it could disrupt the event. An Analysis and Response Team will assess the risk level of any reports and act preemptively. Authorities warned they will pursue arrests and seek detention in cases of false bomb threats or other public intimidation that wastes police resources or disrupts the event. They also plan to seek civil damages when appropriate.
To prevent vehicle-ramming incidents, police buses and water-filled barricades will be placed around the venue. Walk-through metal detectors will be installed at 30 entry points to block dangerous items from entering.
Seoul City expects massive crowds in the Gwanghwamun Plaza area on the day of the show and will enforce traffic control and safety measures. According to the city, trains may skip stops at Gwanghwamun, City Hall, and Gyeongbokgung stations, and some station exits may close. Additional measures may be implemented at nearby stations, including Euljiro 1(il)-ga, depending on conditions.
Some bus routes will be temporarily detoured, and the city’s public bike service, Ttareungi, will pause rentals and returns. The city will also immediately guide and take action against disorderly behaviors near the venue, such as camping out or forming lines on sidewalks.
For attendee and public convenience, about 2,000 open and mobile restrooms will be available around Gwanghwamun Plaza. A unified information page will also provide real-time traffic and safety updates.
Meanwhile, BTS will release their fifth full-length album, "ARIRANG," on March 20 at 1 p.m. The group will hold “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” at Gwanghwamun Plaza on March 21, with the concert streamed live worldwide on Netflix.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)