Seoul city has granted conditional approval and is reviewing safety management plans.
BTS will debut their new song 'Arirang' at this concert.
[TV Daily Reporter Han Seo-yul] The group BTS has confirmed a comeback concert in the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul. On January 22, the Seoul city government granted a conditional approval for 'BTS 2026 Comeback Show' submitted by HYBE's Big Hit Music. The final approval requires passing a review of the safety management plan, and complementary measures are necessary to ensure that the departure times for performers and spectators do not overlap.
Seoul anticipates that large crowds will gather in the downtown area, including Gwanghwamun Square, on the day of the concert, stressing the need for thorough examination of safety management plans. Additionally, a site inspection for traffic and citizen safety in nearby areas is slated to take place. This inspection will cover unfair practices such as price gouging by accommodation facilities, focusing on 280 lodging places in Jongno-gu and 411 in Jung-gu.
Moreover, the Seoul city government plans to operate various experience programs for BTS's fandom 'ARMY' and foreign tourists on the day of the concert. Big Hit Music has requested approval for the complete group comeback concert set for March 21 at locations including Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Sungnyemun. During this comeback show, BTS is expected to unveil their new song 'Arirang' for the first time in 3 years and 9 months.
The comeback concert of BTS signifies more than just a musical event. Their activities exemplify the globalization of K-pop and the innovation of fandom culture, and this concert is expected to draw the attention of fans worldwide, including ARMY.
The song 'Arirang' encapsulates BTS's identity and is a crucial element of Korean culture, providing an opportunity to broaden global audiences' understanding of Korean culture. This distinctive musical approach will further solidify BTS's artistic identity.
Furthermore, the Seoul city government is actively reviewing safety and crowd management measures for this event, setting a good precedent for future large-scale gatherings. The concert is anticipated to not only stimulate the local economy but also reaffirm BTS's cultural impact.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
