"Security and Control Are Part of the Show"... What Not to Bring to the 'Gwanghwamun Comeback Show' [BTS is back]

260,000 Gather for BTS Gwanghwamun Concert
Strict ID and Stamp Checks to Prevent Ticket Scalping
Full Traffic Restrictions and Nonstop Subway Operations Nearby

Citizens are lining up to be screened in front of the walk-through metal detector (MD) installed next to City Hall near the BTS Gwanghwamun performance venue. Photo by Lee Iseul

"If you're an ARMY (the BTS fandom name), you should cooperate maturely with baggage checks and traffic controls. It's all part of the concert experience."

On March 21, Lee Yoon (27), whom we met at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, made this remark while undergoing a baggage inspection in the long line in front of the walk-through metal detector (MD) gate. Most citizens are standing in line in an orderly manner and following the inspection procedures. As the crowd grew, the police managed the scene by announcing, "The gate on the opposite side is less crowded."

At 8 p.m. on this day, BTS's comeback concert, "BTS Comeback Live: Arirang," will be held. Over 260,000 people are expected to gather at the venue. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a "caution" level performance venue disaster crisis alert for both Jung-gu and Jongno-gu in Seoul, starting from 7 a.m. on March 21 and lasting for 24 hours. This is the first time a crisis alert has been issued specifically targeting a performance venue disaster.

There are security screenings at a total of 31 gates at the venue. After passing through the MD gate, police use metal detectors to check for any metal objects on attendees and also inspect bags and other belongings. There are three entrance doors to the concert venue. Items such as filming equipment, tablets, laptops, other electronic devices, drones, and suitcases are not allowed inside. Food and beverages are also prohibited, with only bottled water of 500mL or less permitted.

To prevent ticket scalping, strict verification procedures are implemented, including checking IDs and issuing wristbands and stamps. A representative from HYBE stated, "After verifying the attendee's identity through a QR code or other means, a staff member will personally secure a wristband and stamp a special mark on the back of the hand, focusing on preventing illegal ticket transactions."

Access near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul is being restricted on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On-site medical station installed at BTS Gwanghwamun concert venue. Photo by Lee Isul

Traffic controls are also being enforced. Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5 will be bypassed without stopping and all entrances will be closed from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. City Hall Station (lines 1 and 2) and Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3) will also be selectively bypassed without stopping starting at 3 p.m. The road section between Gwanghwamun and City Hall will be completely closed, and bus routes will be detoured. Personal mobility devices such as Ttareungi shared bicycles and electric scooters will also be suspended.

Convenience facilities and medical staff have been greatly expanded. A total of 126 portable toilets have been installed near the venue, and their locations can be checked via QR codes on nearby banners. Three medical clinics, 11 medical booths, and a mobile intensive care unit have been set up near the Statue of King Sejong and Sungnyemun Gate.

The press room set up near the concert venue quickly filled with reporters. About 100 domestic journalists and correspondents, along with over 100 members of the media and influencers invited by Netflix, are covering the event.

Netflix is broadcasting this concert live in real time to more than 190 countries around the world. This marks the first time a major event in Korea is being globally live-streamed via Netflix.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.