Massive Crowds Gather in Downtown Seoul Ahead of Historic BTS Comeback Concert
Large crowds began forming around central Seoul overnight on March 20 as fans prepared for the group's comeback concert scheduled to take place Saturday evening, prompting authorities to enforce extensive safety measures including security lockdowns in downtown areas using police commandos and barricades while subway trains will not stop at certain stations during specific times.
Key Points
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1Authorities expect hundreds of thousands to gather in central Seoul's Gwanghwamun district on Saturday night.
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2Police have deployed commandos and barricades while enforcing extensive safety controls due to the massive anticipated crowd size.
Developments
Large crowds of BTS fans gathered in Seoul's Gwanghwimun district overnight on March 20 ahead of a comeback concert. Authorities responded by enforcing strict traffic closures for several streets around central areas as well as installing safety fences, metal detectors at controlled gates, and heightened security measures throughout the zone to manage an estimated increase from roughly half that number three hours earlier up to over eight thousand people in total
Large crowds of approximately 8,000 BTS fans gathered in Seoul's central Gwanghwamun district overnight ahead of the group's concert due to extreme cold and high anticipation for limited stage seating spots. In response, authorities enforced extensive safety measures including metal detector checkpoints at controlled gates while closing multiple streets around a one-kilometer perimeter from Friday night through Sunday morning.
Authorities are deploying approximately 15,000 personnel for crowd control and safety as up to 260,000 people gather in downtown Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday night when K-pop group BTS performs after a four-year hiatus. This event is expected to create one of the largest crowds since the 2003 World Cup final due to international fans and tourists attending despite not having tickets or planning alternative viewing spots nearby.
Up to 260,000 spectators are expected at BTS's comeback concert in Seoul on Saturday. To manage crowds and ensure safety, subway trains will skip specific stations between the afternoon and evening while designated roads remain closed from Friday night through Sunday morning; however, additional train service is scheduled after performances conclude for crowd dispersal.