The large-scale outdoor concert planned for the group BTS‘s Gwanghwamun comeback live show ended safely.
On the 21st, HYBE announced that approximately 104,000 people attended BTS’s concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza. This estimate was based on ticket reservations, data from the three major telecom companies, users of budget phone services, and foreign spectators.
Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and police estimated that over 46,000 people gathered around the Gwanghwamun area (Gwanghwamun Plaza, Seoul Plaza, in front of City Council, etc.). The density of the crowd was at a “very crowded” level, though significantly lower than the initially expected maximum of 260,000 by the police.
BTS’s Comeback Concert Sparks Shock After Police Predicted 260,000 People Crowd
Prior to the event, about 15,000 personnel including police, fire officials, and civil servants were deployed in anticipation of the large crowd. To prevent potential terrorist threats, 31 gates were set up and metal detectors were installed to block dangerous items. Police thoroughly checked attendees’ belongings.
To prevent unauthorized entry or rooftop viewing, access to 31 surrounding buildings was restricted. The concert area was secured with barricades and police buses forming barriers, and major roads were blocked off. Nearby subway stations implemented non-stop passing starting at 2 p.m.
Thanks to the thorough preparations of the authorities, order was well maintained at the site. Although gate congestion increased as the concert time approached, attendees patiently waited in line following staff instructions.
Originally planned for 17,000 seats, the concert capacity was increased by about 5,000 to a total of 22,000 seats. In reality, only a small number of fans could actually see BTS on stage. The organizers set up the stage and standing, seated, and general admission areas along the main road from Gwanghwamun Plaza to near Seoul City Hall, and installed Netflix screens intermittently among the seats to aid viewers in watching the broadcast.
Fans, both domestic and international ARMY, who could not get tickets occupied prime spots with a view of the big screens and waited for the show to start. Shops with terrace-style seating near Gwanghwamun experienced the “BTS effect.” Security staff thoroughly controlled roads to ensure safe and comfortable streets for both spectators and passing citizens.
BTS released their new album ARIRANG on the 20th and began their comeback activities. This is their first new album in about 3 years and 9 months. The title track “Swim” sings about continuing to swim forward without stopping amid the waves of life.