South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding BTS’s upcoming performance at Gwanghwamun Square, stating that all necessary procedures will be thoroughly prepared.
On March 18, the president shared a statement through his official account, saying, “On March 21, a performance by Korea’s proud artists BTS will be held at Gwanghwamun Square.” He added, “We are making full preparations in cooperation with relevant ministries, local governments, police, fire authorities, and related organizations to ensure the event proceeds safely. We will thoroughly prepare every step, including traffic and crowd control before and after the concert, as well as emergency response measures.”
He continued, “I trust that our citizens will, as always, show consideration for one another and maintain order with mature civic awareness. Please follow the guidance of on site safety personnel, and be sure to report illegal ticket scalping that disrupts market order. I hope this BTS performance will once again demonstrate the power of Korea’s culture and become a special moment remembered around the world.”
BTS will release their 5th full album ‘ARIRANG’ on March 20 and hold ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG’ at 8 PM KST on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square to commemorate the release. This marks the first time a solo concert by a singer will be held at the location. The performance will also be livestreamed globally via Netflix.
An estimated up to 260,000 people are expected to gather in the Gwanghwamun area for the event. As a result, nearby venues and institutions have announced temporary changes. The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts has canceled scheduled performances, while the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History will be closed. The Cultural Heritage Administration also confirmed that Gyeongbokgung Palace will be closed on the day.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced additional safety and crowd management measures, including the operation of approximately 2,000 temporary and mobile restrooms. Subway stations such as Gwanghwamun, City Hall, and Gyeongbokgung may bypass stops or close entrances depending on congestion levels, with similar measures possible at Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station. Some nearby businesses, including major bookstores and cafés, will operate on shortened hours.
Traffic control measures will also be implemented, including temporary bus detours and the suspension of Seoul Bike (Ttareungyi) rentals and returns in the area. Authorities also plan to monitor and manage sidewalk congestion and loitering.
Public opinion on the concert remains divided. While some anticipate positive effects such as increased tourism, others have raised concerns over the large scale inconvenience to Seoul residents caused by a performance by a privately managed artist.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government stated, “We will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that artists, fans, and citizens can safely enjoy the event while maintaining order on site.”
Below is the full statement from President Lee Jae Myung:
“On Saturday, March 21, a performance by Korea’s proud artists BTS will be held at Gwanghwamun Square. Under the theme ‘ARIRANG,’ I hope it will be a meaningful time to share the beauty of our cultural heritage and the appeal of K culture.
We are making full preparations in cooperation with relevant ministries, local governments, police, fire authorities, and related organizations to ensure the event proceeds safely. We will thoroughly prepare every step, including traffic and crowd control before and after the concert, as well as emergency response measures.
I trust that our citizens will, as always, show consideration for one another and maintain order with mature civic awareness. Please follow the guidance of on site safety personnel, and be sure to report illegal ticket scalping that disrupts market order.
I hope this BTS performance will once again demonstrate the power of Korea’s culture and become a special moment remembered around the world.”
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