SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) – Seoul authorities and HYBE are moving cautiously as they prepare for what could become one of the most closely watched public performances in K-pop history: BTS’s planned 2026 comeback show in the Gwanghwamun area, the heart of the capital’s government, business and tourism district.
It took several days for the Seoul Metropolitan Government to grant a conditional go-ahead to HYBE’s request to stage the concert in the downtown area in late March. While the idea of a free, open-air BTS performance on city streets has generated excitement worldwide, it has also raised difficult questions about crowd control and public safety.
City officials remain acutely aware of the risks associated with large-scale gatherings, particularly after the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush tragedy. Unlike ticketed stadium concerts, a public street performance presents far greater uncertainty. HYBE has estimated attendance could exceed 100,000, but officials acknowledge that the actual number is difficult to predict, especially given BTS’s global fan base.
That uncertainty is one reason the city reportedly steered organizers toward a Saturday date, rather than a weekday, out of the three dates originally proposed. Even so, HYBE emphasized that no final decision has been made.
“The specific concert date has not been confirmed, and options for March 20, 21 or 22 are currently being reviewed,” said Park Hye-sol, a BTS public relations manager at HYBE. “Safety matters are being discussed with the Korean National Police Agency.”
According to Seoul city officials, final authorization will be granted only after a comprehensive safety review. Authorities have called for detailed measures to manage crowd flows, prevent overlaps between performer and audience movements, and minimize traffic disruption in the Gwanghwamun area.
“HYBE is in discussion with the Korean National Police Agency, while the Seoul Metropolitan Government and HYBE continue to share updates and review safety measures as concerns arise,” an official from the city’s tourism and events team said.
“The formal safety review will take place after the Lunar New Year holiday, and no details have been finalized yet,” the official added.
Preparations include plans to redirect pedestrian traffic to reduce congestion around Gwanghwamun and nearby sidewalks, as well as coordination with Seoul Metro to manage subway crowding. Station-specific measures are under discussion, including guidance for passengers to use alternative exits if certain access points become overcrowded.
“Because real-time monitoring of crowd levels is essential, guidance will be adjusted on site as conditions change,” the official said.
Fans urge caution, not chaos.
Online, fans have also voiced concerns—largely framing safety as a shared responsibility between organizers, authorities and the fan community itself.
On social media platform X, international fans have warned about the risks of excessive crowd density, calling for clear crowd-flow management, sufficient staffing and strict on-site safety controls. Some posts stressed that enthusiasm should not override caution, urging planners to prioritize safety over spectacle.
Several fans tagged law enforcement agencies and event organizers, asking for tighter entry management, clearer separation of pedestrian flows and better organization of waiting areas. One widely shared post summed up the sentiment succinctly: “Prevention is better than reaction.”
Attention has also turned to transportation hubs. Some fans cautioned against gathering at airports, noting that such behavior has previously caused congestion and safety concerns. Incheon International Airport has echoed those warnings in recent years, urging entertainment agencies to submit advance travel plans for major artists and strengthen crowd management around terminals.
One message circulating widely online urged restraint: “Do not go to airports unless you have a valid flight ticket.”
The posts reflect a growing awareness within the fan community of the risks posed by unmanaged gatherings—not only to fans themselves, but also to the artists and the public.
As anticipation builds for BTS’s return, organizers and authorities face a delicate balancing act. For an event of this scale and visibility, how safely the crowd is managed may matter just as much as what happens on stage.
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