South Korean police have announced heightened security measures ahead of BTS’s highly anticipated comeback concert, scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st of next month, with an estimated crowd of around 260,000 attendees.
At a regular press conference on February 9, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jung-bo said that a dedicated task force led by the Deputy Commissioner of Public Security has been formed to ensure the event is held safely. He stressed that all relevant police units are preparing in full coordination.
According to police estimates, around 230,000 people could gather from the concert stage near the northern entrance of Gwanghwamun Square, facing Woldae, extending to Deoksugung’s Daehanmun Gate. The number could reach 260,000 if the crowds spread towards Sungnyemun. While officials noted that actual attendance may vary, preparations are being made to ensure the highest turnout possible.
To manage crowd density, police plan to divide the area into four main zones – central, hot, hot and cold – further subdivided into 15 smaller sections. Each section will be supervised by a senior police officer at superintendent level to ensure rapid decision-making on site.
In anticipation of potential incidents such as violence, disorder or terrorism, 13 violent crime units from nine local police stations will be deployed for a rapid response. Special police forces will also be positioned in advance to detect bombs, monitor suspicious behavior and carry out counter-terrorism prevention and suppression operations.
Authorities are also preparing for possible online threats. Dedicated cyber investigation teams will monitor online communities for threatening posts, with a zero-tolerance policy towards violators and immediate legal action when detected.
HYBE, the concert organiser, said it would employ 3,553 private security personnel. However, the police called for additional security measures in line with the “beneficiary pays” principle, stressing that organizers are responsible for public safety at profit-generating events. Commissioner Park noted that additional security personnel may be needed depending on real-time crowd conditions, highlighting the need for thorough preparation, particularly as large numbers of people are expected to gather on surrounding streets.
Police also warned that using macro programs to unfairly secure free tickets or disrupt ticket servers could result in charges under the Information and Communications Network Act, as well as obstruction of business. Measures are also being taken to prevent fraud in the sale of tickets or accommodation.
Separately, police announced the launch of a 10-day special security campaign for the Lunar New Year that will last until the 18th. During this period, authorities will intensify responses to relationship-based crimes such as child abuse, domestic violence and stalking, while re-evaluating high-risk cases and strengthening response protocols.
Additional patrol units will be deployed in areas with a high concentration of single-woman households. During the festive season, special police forces will also be deployed at major transport hubs, department stores and other busy facilities for counter-terrorism operations. Popular tourist districts, including Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam and Seongsu, will see increased patrols, with multilingual officers tasked with assisting foreign visitors and improving overall security.
Sources: Nate
