In response, the city of Seoul will implement disaster-level safety measures.
This concert marks the celebration of BTS's fifth album 'Arirang' release.
On March 21, BTS is set to hold a comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, with attendance expected to reach 260,000 people. This event is deemed the largest scale since the 2002 World Cup street cheering, prompting a 'disaster response level' management to ensure crowd safety and anti-terrorism measures.
To manage the situation, police have deployed approximately 6,700 personnel and established a command structure divided into 15 zones. Senior officers are assigned to each zone for immediate response. Notably, a 'stadium-style control' method will manage crowd density, with strict restrictions to be applied once the density reaches three people per square meter.
In terms of security against potential threats, barriers and roadblocks have been set up on major and side roads to prevent vehicle incursions. Metal detectors and handheld scanners will be implemented for security checks, while a drone response team will monitor and neutralize unauthorized drones. Additionally, large-scale traffic controls and alterations in public transport are expected, highlighting the extensive preparations for safety. BTS will also celebrate the release of their fifth album 'Arirang' during this historic performance.
BTS's comeback concert represents an opportunity to transcend mere fan gatherings, embodying a historical significance and societal efforts to overcome uncertainties. As a global phenomenon of K-pop, the impact of their return resonates not only in music but throughout society. The extensive safety measures for a large-scale event like this could serve as valuable references for future performances by other artists.
Additionally, the Seoul city government aims to implement a model for large urban concerts through this event. This presents an important case of how cultural activities can harmonize with urban development, which may positively influence future large-scale events as well. There is anticipation that BTS’s concert will establish such an innovative model.
As artists, BTS is expected to offer memorable experiences through a remarkable visual presentation that combines modern and traditional elements. Hamish Hamilton’s unique stage direction enriches the geographical and cultural context of the performance, promising to deliver profound emotional moments for fans.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: An Seong-hoo
