The South Korean government has raised the terrorism alert level by one step to "surveillance" in the Jongno and Jung districts in central Seoul, from midnight Wednesday to midnight Saturday, in preparation for the BTS concert scheduled on 21 March at Gwanghwamun Square. Attendance is expected to reach up to 260,000 people from around the world, marking one of the largest mass gatherings in South Korea since the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has ordered all agencies to implement strict security measures, emphasizing that the current safety risks cannot be overlooked. Officials will increase inspections of key locations and coordinate continuously to be ready for emergencies 24 hours a day.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police anticipate crowds streaming into the area from Gwanghwamun Square to Sungnyemun Gate, potentially reaching 260,000 people—the largest number since the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Police have prepared measures including crowd control zones designed to accommodate 100,000 people, limiting density to no more than one person per square meter for maximum safety.
Additionally, metal detectors and checks for prohibited items will be installed at the event entrance. Riot police have deployed 72 squads and 35 investigation teams, totaling over 8,200 personnel, monitoring the situation in real time. Authorities stress these stringent measures aim to prevent a recurrence of the Itaewon tragedy in 2022.
Furthermore, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has arranged three mobile medical units, installed safety barriers in vulnerable areas, provided over 2,500 public restrooms, and expanded foreign language interpreter services—including Vietnamese and Mongolian—to assist fans from around the world.
Meanwhile, BTS members shared their excitement via the Weverse platform about debuting their new album "Arirang" in front of fans at the meaningful location of Gwanghwamun Square.
RM, the group's leader, conveyed to fans, "Since a large number of people will gather, I ask everyone to enjoy the show safely. Please follow the staff’s instructions, and I believe the mutual respect among fans will make the performance the best it can be." He also expressed gratitude to the police, firefighters, and all personnel working hard to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, Jin, the eldest member, added, "It is a great honor to greet everyone again at such a meaningful place. We will do our best, and I ask everyone present to take care of their own safety."