Ahead of BTS‘s comeback performance, the police have announced a full-scale response.
Park Jeong Bo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at the regular press briefing held on February 9, “We have formed a task force led by the Public Safety Division head to ensure the safety of the event, with all units focusing on securing safety.”
The police predict that if the crowd fills the area from Gwanghwamun Plaza to Daehanmun, where the BTS stage will be set up, approximately 230,000 people will gather. Moreover, if the crowd spreads toward the vicinity of Sungnyemun, the number could increase to as many as 260,000 based on a density of two people per square meter, according to police estimates.
Crowd control will be a particular focus, with the event area divided into four zones, further subdivided into 15 detailed sections for management purposes.
In addition, the police are preparing for potential illegal activities before and after the concert. Major targets for crackdown include the use of macro programs during ticket sales, interference causing server disruptions, and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act. Frauds related to ticket or accommodation reservations will also be targeted.
Responses to on-site crimes and potential terrorist threats are being enhanced. Commissioner Park said, “To prepare for the possibility of serious incidents such as assault, disorderly conduct, use of weapons, and terrorism on the event day, 13 violent crime units from nine police stations will be designated.” He added, “The police special forces will also be deployed in advance to conduct preventive and suppression activities.”
The event organizer has also secured over 3,500 safety personnel to manage safety internally. Commissioner Park noted that while the organizer holds responsibility for attendees who have purchased tickets, they will deploy additional safety personnel depending on crowd conditions, and the police will cooperate to ensure public safety.
BTS, returning as a complete group, will hold BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG on March 21 at 8pm around the Gwanghwamun area in Seoul. The live performance will be broadcast in real-time via Netflix to viewers in more than 190 countries and regions worldwide.
Furthermore, from March 20, the release date of their new album, until April 12, BTS will host BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL. This experiential content will combine music and media, featuring installations that harmonize with the cityscape across various locations in Seoul.
