SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -AJP and its sister publication Aju Business Daily joined the wave of anticipation in Gwanghwamun, distributing special BTS editions in Korean, English and Chinese to fans gathering ahead of the evening concert.
More than 20,000 copies were handed out, quickly drawing crowds as fans flocked to pick up the editions featuring the latest group photo on the front page.
“I love the photo. It’s something I don’t have,” one fan said, asking to take multiple copies. Others followed, collecting extras to share with friends.
“I love that it’s a different kind of purple,” another fan said.
Members share a mix of excitement and anxiety
BTS members shared a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of their first full-group return in nearly four years, while urging fans to prioritize safety amid the unprecedented scale of the event.
“Finally, it’s today, ARMY. I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited,” Jimin wrote on Weverse on Friday, adding that he felt both excited and anxious as thousands prepared to attend. “If you feel unwell during the show, please let nearby staff know. Let’s move a little slower, look out for each other, and make sure no one gets hurt.
Safety was front of mind for the group. RM urged fans to follow staff and security instructions to ensure an orderly and safe concert environment.
ARMY fans complied, adjusting with good humor to multiple layers of security. To enter the plaza, attendees had to pass through 31 gated checkpoints installed along perimeter fences.
Each gate was equipped with walk-through metal detectors to screen for hazardous items, while police conducted physical and bag inspections on site. Most of the officers deployed were women, reflecting the predominantly female composition of the ARMY fan base.
The tight controls, however, created bottlenecks. Some fans who arrived at dawn were seen circling the area, unable to secure a spot inside the venue.
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