SEOUL, February 09 (AJP) - Seoul police are bracing for a massive influx of up to 260,000 people next month as K-pop band BTS returns to the stage for a high-profile comeback performance in the heart of the capital.
Park Jeong-bo, commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, announced Monday that a dedicated task force led by the deputy commissioner for public safety has been established to manage the event. During a regular press briefing, the commissioner said every department within the force is currently focused on securing the venue.
The concert, "BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG," is set for March 21 at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT) at Gwanghwamun Square. The event marks the first time the full group will perform together in nearly four years since completing their mandatory military service.
Gwanghwamun Square serves as the historical and political center of South Korea. Situated at the northern end of Sejong-ro, the site is home to the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin and serves as the gateway to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The square has long been a focal point for South Korean public life, hosting everything from the 2002 World Cup street cheering to the 2016 candlelight vigils.
Police estimate that 230,000 people could pack the area between the main stage and Daehanmun, the main gate of Deoksugung Palace located about 700 meters (0.5 miles) south of the square. If crowds spill over toward Sungnyemun, South Korea's "Great South Gate" and National Treasure No. 1, situated another 600 meters further south, the total could climb to 260,000, based on a density of two people per square meter. While the square has a formal capacity of about 34,000 for seated events, its open layout and connection to major boulevards allow for significantly higher numbers.
To maintain order, authorities will divide the area into four major zones and 15 sub-sections, each overseen by a police superintendent. Security efforts will extend beyond crowd control to include 13 violent crime teams from nine local stations and specialized anti-terrorism units tasked with conducting explosives sweeps.
"We are preparing with all-out measures so that citizens can watch the performance safely," Park said.
The agency's cyber unit is also tracking online threats and illegal activities, including the use of macro programs to manipulate ticket sales and scams involving fraudulent accommodation bookings.
While the event organizer, Hybe, has hired 3,500 private safety personnel, Park noted that police may request more staff depending on the turnout. The concert follows the March 20 release of the group's new album, also titled "ARIRANG," and will be streamed globally on Netflix.
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