At 8pm on March 21, “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG” will take place in Gwanghwamun Square, marking the return of the entire group of all seven members after an extended hiatus. Given the group’s immense global popularity and the fact that the event is free to attend, Seoul Metropolitan Police predict that up to 260,000 spectators could flood the city center. The disconcerting projection prompted authorities to activate one of the most extensive security operations ever implemented for an entertainment event in South Korea.
In response to the expected increase in crowds, officials have implemented stringent safety and crowd control measures to minimize the risks of congestion or unexpected incidents. In particularElite SWAT units were mobilized to conduct explosives detection operations and closely monitor any suspicious activity near the stage area. Additionally, 13 major crime investigation teams from nine frontline police stations will be stationed on high alert to respond quickly to emergencies.
On the organiser’s side, HYBE confirmed that 3,553 security personnel will be deployed across the venue to support crowd management and security operations.
Traffic control around Gwanghwamun will also be heavily strengthened. Seoul Metro plans to operate some subway lines in “non-stop” mode at three key stations: Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung and City Hall to prevent dangerous underground overcrowding. In a rare moveThe Korea Heritage Service announced that Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum of Korea and nearby parking lots will remain closed all day on March 21. Sejong Performing Arts Center will also cancel all scheduled performances. Additionally, 894 public toilets will be installed or assigned to accommodate the massive influx of participants.
While the event is free, a designated VIP area near the stage will accommodate between 13,000 and 20,000 attendees who must register in advance, with a strict one-ticket-per-person policy. As expectedthe registration system crashed almost immediately after opening, overwhelmed by over 100,000 simultaneous login attempts. The increase in visitors has also led to hotel prices in central Seoul rising by up to five times their usual rates, prompting authorities to crack down on price gouging.
To ensure maximum safety, HYBE has confirmed that the Gwanghwamun concert will only last one hour. However, the event’s global reach will extend far beyond Seoul, as Netflix will stream the show in more than 190 countries and territories. The broadcast will be directed by Hamish Hamilton, the acclaimed producer behind it THE Super Bowl halftime showTHE Opening ceremony of the London Olympicsand major award ceremonies such as the Oscar, GrammysAND Emmy.
Gwanghwamun’s performance serves as the official launch of BTS’ new album ARIRANG, out March 20. The 14-track album features contributions from internationally renowned producers including Max Martin, Jon Bellion, Diplo and Ryan Tedder. After the national promotions, BTS will kick off the Arirang World Tour on April 9, 2026 in Goyang. The tour will run until 2027, covering 34 cities in 23 countries with a total of 82 shows signaling a monumental global return after years away from full group activities.
Sources: K14
