Police boost security at Gwanghwamun Square amid festive mood over BTS' comeback concert | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
Preparations are under way for BTS' comeback concert in central Seoul on March 20, 2026. (Yonhap) Officials have placed heavy focus on possible terror threats, with the terror alert for the area raised to the second-lowest level in a four-tier system. Preparations are under way for BTS' comeback concert in central Seoul on March 18, 2026. (Yonhap) yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert Gov't, Hybe establish cybersecurity hotline to prepare against BTS-related online threats Police to set up triple-layer barrier around BTS concert to counter terror threats BTS says is 'thrilled' ahead of Gwanghwamun comeback show Lee asks for public's cooperation in ensuring safety at BTS comeback show Gov't to raise terror alert by 1 notch ahead of BTS concert Lee urges thorough security measures ahead of BTS concert in Seoul Shops, hotels in central Seoul preparing safety measures ahead of BTS show MORE (+3) CLOSE Keywords #BTS concert #security Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees (2nd LD) N. Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) At least 50 injured in fire at Daejeon car parts plant Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert (2nd LD) 53 injured, 14 unaccounted for in fire at Daejeon car parts plant (LEAD) Downtown Seoul braces for massive crowd at BTS comeback concert Qatar may have to declare force majeure on long-term LNG contract with S. Korea's Kim oversees combined drill involving battle tanks N.K. stamps on ruling party's 9th congress prev Police boost security at Gwanghwamun Square amid festive mood over BTS' comeback concert Next Police boost security at Gwanghwamun Square amid festive mood over BTS' comeback concert

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By Chae Yun-hwan
SEOUL, March 21 (Yonhap) -- Police stepped up security at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday -- from metal detectors to multiple layers of barricades -- as hundreds of thousands gather for BTS' long-awaited return to the stage.
The K-pop septet will perform at Gwanghwamun Square to mark its return after a four-year hiatus, with 260,000 people expected in an area stretching from the square to Sungnye Gate, over a kilometer away.
Security has been tightened as fans and visitors flock from around the world, with authorities planning to deploy around 15,000 safety management personnel, including some 6,700 police officers.
As part of safety measures, officials have designated a 200-meter-wide, 1.2-kilometer-long crowd control zone, surrounded by barriers and accessible through 31 entrances.
Preparations are under way for BTS' comeback concert in central Seoul on March 20, 2026. (Yonhap)
Officials have placed heavy focus on possible terror threats, with the terror alert for the area raised to the second-lowest level in a four-tier system. Police commandos will be mobilized to monitor such threats.
Police also restricted the release of firearms to licensed owners Saturday as a precautionary measure. South Korea requires all gun owners to store their weapons at local police stations.
Concertgoers will have to go through metal detectors to enter the concert zone, with police planning additional checks. Those without identification could be asked for their resident registration numbers or fingerprints.
Subway locker services at 17 stations across Seoul will also be closed Saturday over terror concerns.
Rescue authorities plan to set up three medical stations near the concert area, while organizers plan to separately operate 11 medical booths.
Preparations are under way for BTS' comeback concert in central Seoul on March 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Police boost security at Gwanghwamun Square amid festive mood over BTS' comeback concert
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Police boost security at Gwanghwamun Square amid festive mood over BTS' comeback concert

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Preparations are under way for BTS' comeback concert in central Seoul on March 18, 2026. (Yonhap) yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert Gov't, Hybe establish cybersecurity hotline to prepare against BTS-related online threats Police to set up triple-layer barrier around BTS concert to counter terror threats BTS says is 'thrilled' ahead of Gwanghwamun comeback show Lee asks for public's cooperation in ensuring safety at BTS comeback show Gov't to raise terror alert by 1 notch ahead of BTS concert Lee urges thorough security measures ahead of BTS concert in Seoul Shops, hotels in central Seoul preparing safety measures ahead of BTS show MORE (+3) CLOSE Keywords #BTS concert #security Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- The K-pop septet will perform at Gwanghwamun Square to mark its return after a four-year hiatus, with 260,000 people expected in an area stretching from the square to Sungnye Gate, over a kilometer away.
- Police commandos will be mobilized to monitor such threats.
- Concertgoers will have to go through metal detectors to enter the concert zone, with police planning additional checks.
- Those without identification could be asked for their resident registration numbers or fingerprints.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers bts, seoul, concert topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 686.