Platform operators ramp up preparations ahead of much-awaited BTS comeback | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean platform operators, ranging from streaming to map service providers, are stepping up efforts to prepare for the highly anticipated comeback concert of K-pop boy band BTS slated for later this week, industry sources said Tuesday. Netflix, a major global streaming platform, is set to exclusively broadcast the concert, marking its first live event in South Korea. Workers install the stage for the upcoming BTS concert slated for March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 16. (Yonhap) South Korea's online map service providers are also seeking to offer customized services targeting the BTS concert. No. 2 mobile carrier KT will install six mobile base stations in the Gwanghwamun area to respond to potential network congestion. "An event where global fans participate simultaneously is an opportunity for platform operators to boast their service competitiveness," an industry official said. "The competition centering on global cultural events is expected to further escalate." Workers install the stage for the upcoming BTS concerts slated for March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 16. (Yonhap) colin@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles BTS to light up Seoul landmarks to celebrate comeback Shops, hotels in central Seoul preparing safety measures ahead of BTS show Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Gov't reviews crowd safety measures for BTS concert BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones Keywords #BTS #Arirang #K-pop Articles with issue keywords Most Liked 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.

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SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean platform operators, ranging from streaming to map service providers, are stepping up efforts to prepare for the highly anticipated comeback concert of K-pop boy band BTS slated for later this week, industry sources said Tuesday.
The move came as BTS is scheduled to hold the "Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square free of charge on Saturday, which has drawn global attention as the band's first performance in about three years, with police estimating as many as 260,000 people will gather around the area that day.
Netflix, a major global streaming platform, is set to exclusively broadcast the concert, marking its first live event in South Korea.
The U.S. streaming service operator's move came amid rivals' efforts to expand content from movies and dramas to live sports and entertainment events. Coupang Play, a streaming service under major e-commerce giant Coupang, offers major soccer events, while Tving broadcasts the Korean pro baseball league and the ongoing World Baseball Classic.
Industry watchers said Netflix's right to livestream the BTS concert is expected to lead to more subscribers worldwide, considering the global popularity of the K-pop group.
"The event will be livestreamed in 190 countries simultaneously, and subscribers can enjoy the event on various devices, including mobile and TV, without additional costs," an official from Netflix said.
Workers install the stage for the upcoming BTS concert slated for March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 16. (Yonhap)
South Korea's online map service providers are also seeking to offer customized services targeting the BTS concert.
Naver Corp., a South Korean search engine giant, will present users with detailed information on the locations of help desks, restrooms and other facilities at the concert venue.
Kakao Corp. will also provide detailed locations of buses on 420 routes to help with crowd management.
The country's major mobile carriers are also making all-out efforts to maintain a stable mobile service environment in the region.
SK Telecom Co. said it will activate its artificial intelligence (AI)-based network management system, A-One, which will predict traffic based on past event data while recommending optimal locations to install equipment.
No. 2 mobile carrier KT will install six mobile base stations in the Gwanghwamun area to respond to potential network congestion.
"An event where global fans participate simultaneously is an opportunity for platform operators to boast their service competitiveness," an industry official said. "The competition centering on global cultural events is expected to further escalate."
Workers install the stage for the upcoming BTS concerts slated for March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 16. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Platform operators ramp up preparations ahead of much-awaited BTS comeback
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Platform operators ramp up preparations ahead of much-awaited BTS comeback

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- No. 2 mobile carrier KT will install six mobile base stations in the Gwanghwamun area to respond to potential network congestion. "An event where global fans participate simultaneously is an opportunity for platform operators to boast their service competitiveness," an industry official said. "The competition centering on global cultural events is expected to further escalate." Workers install the stage for the upcoming BTS concerts slated for March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 16. (Yonhap) colin@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles BTS to light up Seoul landmarks to celebrate comeback Shops, hotels in central Seoul preparing safety measures ahead of BTS show Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Gov't reviews crowd safety measures for BTS concert BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones Keywords #BTS #Arirang #K-pop Articles with issue keywords Most Liked 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- The move came as BTS is scheduled to hold the "Arirang" concert at Gwanghwamun Square free of charge on Saturday, which has drawn global attention as the band's first performance in about three years, with police estimating as many as 260,000 people will gather around the area that day.
- Industry watchers said Netflix's right to livestream the BTS concert is expected to lead to more subscribers worldwide, considering the global popularity of the K-pop group. "The event will be livestreamed in 190 countries simultaneously, and subscribers can enjoy the event on various devices, including mobile and TV, without additional costs," an official from Netflix said.
- Naver Corp., a South Korean search engine giant, will present users with detailed information on the locations of help desks, restrooms and other facilities at the concert venue.
- Kakao Corp. will also provide detailed locations of buses on 420 routes to help with crowd management.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers bts, korea, concert topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 762.