Authorities in Seoul are preparing extensive security measures for a major comeback concert by the globally famous K-pop group BTS, expected to attract up to 260,000 people next week.
The free concert, scheduled for March 21, will celebrate the release of BTS’s first new album in more than three years. The event will take place across central Seoul, stretching from Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul City Hall.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the event could become one of the largest public gatherings in the area since the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Authorities plan to deploy around 4,800 police officers along with approximately 3,400 officials from the Seoul city government and related agencies. Their duties will include crowd control, emergency response and counter-terrorism operations.
Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung said the government will follow a strict “safety-first” approach. Preparations include structural inspections before the event, a real-time joint command system during the concert and rapid clean-up operations afterward.
Officials said about 22,000 ticket holders will attend the concert area itself, but large crowds are expected as non-ticket holders will still be able to gather nearby to watch the event.
The one-hour concert will be streamed worldwide on Netflix to viewers in 190 countries, drawing international attention.
Police said they cannot prevent fans from camping overnight, but large tents will be prohibited. Authorities will also provide multilingual guides, medical stations and nearly 900 public toilets in nearby buildings to support visitors.
South Korea has remained especially cautious about crowd safety since the tragic Seoul Halloween crowd crush in 2022, when 159 people were killed during Halloween celebrations in the Itaewon district.
Officials say the extensive preparations for the BTS concert are intended to ensure the event highlights not only Korea’s global pop culture influence but also its commitment to public safety.