The Seoul Metropolitan Government will officially sponsor BTS’s comeback concert set to take place at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21st KST. The city is preparing for the event by conducting special inspections of elevators in multi-use facilities around the area and cracking down on price gouging at tourist spots.
A Seoul city official told on February 10th KST, “HYBE applied to use the name ‘Sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government’ for the BTS comeback project. After review, we decided to approve the use of the name and notified HYBE of the approval on January 29th.”
Following an internal review, the city determined that the event holds public interest value and contributes to municipal goals, making the use of the sponsorship title appropriate.
A “Report on the Review of Sponsorship Name Usage” prepared by the city last month stated, “This event consists of a concert and various side programs for citizens and foreign tourists, providing opportunities to enjoy experiential and viewing-based cultural content, and is expected to attract foreign visitors, thus possessing public interest value.”
The report also evaluated that, “With the global popularity of K-pop, the event is expected to encourage visits from Hallyu fans and other international tourists, create a festive atmosphere, and contribute to revitalizing Seoul’s tourism market and local economy.”
With the city’s approval, HYBE can now use the phrase “Sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government” in promotions for the BTS comeback project.
To ensure the event’s successful hosting, the city will carry out special inspections of elevators in multi-use facilities around Gwanghwamun from February 24th to March 6th.
The inspection covers a total of 127 elevators within a 1 km radius of the venue, including subway stations such as City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, Anguk Station, Gyeongbokgung Station, and Gwanghwamun Station; six cultural facilities including Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, National Palace Museum of Korea, and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art; and five other facilities such as New Seoul Hotel, Koreana Hotel, and Four Seasons Hotel Seoul.
Eight inspectors from the Korea Elevator Safety Agency and local district offices will jointly conduct the inspections. If unsuitable items are found, maintenance will be requested from the managing institution, and fines will be imposed for legal violations.
The city will comprehensively check elevator door locking devices, abnormal motor noise, brake installation status, emergency communication systems, call button functionality, and the installation of tactile paving blocks for people with disabilities.
For escalators, inspectors will review the fixation of landing plates, installation of emergency stop devices, and the condition of non-fixed safety guard panels.
Expecting large crowds at the BTS comeback event, the city is focusing on safety and welcoming global fans. On February 4th KST, Mayor Oh Se Hoon chaired a meeting to review key issues related to the BTS comeback event and discuss comprehensive response measures.
The city plans to strengthen the review of safety management plans through expert consultation and monitor crowd density in real time using urban data and CCTV via the Disaster and Safety Situation Room. It has also checked whether accommodations comply with posted rates and will deploy mystery shoppers to crack down on price gouging in traditional markets and major tourist areas frequented by foreign visitors.
SEE ALSO: BTS announces free Gwanghwamun comeback live, tickets available February 23
