BTS will return as a full group at 8 p.m. Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, their first complete lineup performance in 3 years and 9 months since the June 2022 anthology album “Proof.”
The comeback stage will also open the group’s fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG.” Police estimate as many as 260,000 people will gather at the site. The show will be livestreamed on Netflix to more than 190 countries, with real-time screenings also planned on large outdoor screens in major cities across Asia, the Americas and Europe, according to the report.
◆ From Gyeongbokgung to the main stage, a ceremonial walk
Organizers plan an opening that begins not on the stage but on a route through Gyeongbokgung Palace. The members are to start at Geunjeongmun Gate, pass Heungnyemun Gate and the Gwanghwamun gatehouse, then cross the recently restored “Woldae” platform before heading to the main stage — a recreation of the “king’s road” once reserved for Joseon-era monarchs. The report said the members are expected to wear stage outfits that reinterpret traditional clothing in a modern style.
The Woldae, which the report said was buried under tram tracks during Japan’s colonial period and restored to its original form after more than 100 years, is described as a key part of the staging. The Korea Heritage Service supported the production by making the unusual decision to close the palace on Saturday, the report said.
◆ A 1-kilometer viewing zone; free admission
The stage has been set at the north end of Gwanghwamun Square, and admission is free. Viewing areas stretch about 1 kilometer past the statues of King Sejong and Adm. Yi Sun-sin to near City Hall Station. The report described it as the largest single event since the square opened.
For safety, designated seating was expanded from 15,000 to 22,000 seats, but police still expect crowds could approach 260,000. Seoul plans to place large screens and additional high-performance speakers around the square so people outside the main zones can follow the show, the report said.
◆ Subway pass-throughs and heavy security; 14,700 personnel deployed
Fans were urged to check transit restrictions. Trains on Seoul Subway Line 5 will pass through Gwanghwamun Station without stopping from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. City Hall Station on Lines 1 and 2 will be pass-through only from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 will also not stop from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the report said. Jonggak and Anguk stations may face additional controls depending on congestion.
A total of 14,700 personnel will be deployed, including 6,500 police officers, along with staff from the Seoul city government and Hybe, the report said. Authorities plan to manage crowd density by zone and position emergency medical and rescue teams throughout the area. Access to rooftops and upper floors of 31 nearby buildings will be tightly restricted as part of heightened security measures, the report said.
With chilly late-March conditions expected and long waits outdoors likely, the report advised attendees to bring light outerwear and warm items such as scarves and gloves, and to keep belongings to a minimum.
◆ Tour outlook: 34 cities, 79 shows; estimates cite 100 trillion won impact
Saturday’s performance is described as a lead-in to the “ARIRANG” world tour, scheduled for 79 shows in 34 cities. The securities industry and the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute estimated direct sales from the tour at 2.9 trillion won and the overall economic ripple effect at 100 trillion won, the report said.
The concert will be livestreamed on Netflix to more than 190 countries. The report also noted that, with the show airing during a weekend prime-time slot, delivery demand is expected to surge and viewers at home may want to order at least two hours in advance.
Related events under “BTS THE CITY SEOUL” will run across Seoul from Saturday through April 12, the report said.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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