SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - Members of K-pop legend band BTS -- RM and Jin -- shared Thursday their anticipation for a long-awaited comeback while placing public safety at the center of their preparations for a massive performance in South Korea.
Writing on the fan platform Weverse, the artists addressed the upcoming March 21 concert at Gwanghwamun Square, which follows the release of their fifth full-length album, "Arirang," on Friday. The messages align with the stringent security directives issued by the government. This event marks the first time the seven-member band has performed together in nearly four years.
RM, the group's leader, focused on the necessity of maintaining order to ensure the event remains a positive experience for all attendees. "To our Army! We are also truly excited to meet you all at Gwanghwamun. Since it is a gathering for many people, we ask that everyone ensure they enjoy the performance safely and joyfully," he wrote.
The 31-year-old explicitly requested that the audience follow the guidance of the thousands of security personnel stationed throughout central Seoul. "Please follow the instructions of the on-site staff and safety personnel on the day, and we look forward to seeing your orderly behavior," he added.
The rapper further noted that the success of the performance depends on the individual conduct of each person in the crowd. "I believe a better performance is completed only when there is order and consideration created by each and every one of you, Army," he shared.
RM also expressed appreciation for the government and municipal bodies coordinating the logistics of the square. According to Seoul City, 14,700 police officers and firefighters have been mobilized to manage the influx of people. "I also want to say a sincere thank you to the police officers, as well as those in the fire department, government, and local municipalities, who are working hard for our safety," the artist concluded.
Jin reinforced the sentiment of gratitude while acknowledging the honor of performing at such a culturally significant site in South Korea. "Hello, this is Jin. Somehow, only one day remains until our comeback. Thanks to the help and support of many people, we are able to hold our comeback show at Gwanghwamun," the 33-year-old wrote.
The vocalist highlighted the collective effort required to organize a show of this magnitude in a public space. He urged those planning to attend to remain vigilant and prioritize their own safety throughout the day.
The singer emphasized the group's dedication to the performance while maintaining a focus on the well-being of the public. "It is an honor to be able to greet you all together after a long time in such a meaningful place, and I want to express my deep gratitude to those who helped and everyone who understood," he stated. He closed his remarks by reminding fans of the importance of safety during the live event. "We will also do our best to show you a great stage! For those watching on-site, please be sure to pay attention to safety!" he added.
A total of 22,000 people were selected to watch the concert in Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday. However, authorities estimated that some 260,000 people will visit the area to feel and enjoy the vibe of BTS' comeback stage. Currently, the square is locked tight for specialist personnel preparing the stage, lighting and audio systems.
To prevent accidents such as stampedes, the authorities have established a stadium-style crowd management system featuring 31 controlled entry points around the square. Mandatory subway bypasses have been scheduled for Gwanghwamun, City Hall, and Gyeongbokgung stations to prevent dangerous overcrowding during the event. Traffic congestion in the surrounding district is expected to reach one hundred percent during peak performance hours. Security operations will remain in effect until the conclusion of the concert on the evening of March 21.
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