BTS Comeback Concert: Unprecedented Security Measures for 260,000 Fans in Seoul

[iNews24 reporter Kim Hyo-jin] With BTS set to return to Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, authorities are imposing unprecedented restrictions on 31 surrounding buildings.

With as many as 260,000 fans expected, Seoul police and city officials are blocking alternate entry routes through buildings and closing rooftops to prevent unofficial viewing.

On March 15, Yonhap reported that police and the Seoul city government designated 31 buildings near Gwanghwamun Square for focused management and are coordinating safety plans with each building’s security teams.

Police held talks with representatives of six buildings directly adjacent to the square and discussed closing main entrances while keeping only rear doors open on the day of the concert.

The measure is intended to stop spectators from using back doors to enter and front doors to exit, a tactic that would let them bypass the 31 official checkpoints and reach the venue.

Seoul asked 24 buildings — excluding the U.S. Embassy and six public buildings — to strictly restrict access to rooftops and upper floors, citing the risk that ticketless fans might illegally access rooftops or balconies to watch the show.

Under fire code, fully sealing rooftops that lack automatic opening mechanisms would violate emergency escape-route requirements. From March 13, Seoul’s Architectural Planning Division began daily inspections to check for automatic roof-opening devices and to develop tailored management plans for each building.

Earlier, KT WEST, whose office faces Gwanghwamun Square, said it would close the building entirely on concert day over safety concerns. Some residents criticized the move — asking, “Are you shutting down businesses because of a concert?” — but the company said the decision to suspend operations was made by building management.

Authorities will deploy roughly 70 mobile units and about 6,500 police officers across functions including traffic, criminal investigations, crime prevention, and special operations. They will also mobilize some 5,400 pieces of equipment, from high-altitude observation vehicles and broadcast lighting trucks to folding fences.

Amid concerns that the Iran conflict could elevate terrorism risks, police plan to install metal detectors (MD) at the 31 official entrances from 7 a.m. on the day and to station SWAT teams and mobile units inside the gates.

To guard against vehicle-ramming attacks, officials will position anti-ram plates, signboard cars, barricades, and police buses around the venue.

Because secondary gatherings are expected after the concert ends at 9 p.m., authorities will pre-deploy officers to nightlife districts such as Itaewon, Hongdae and Seongsu to prepare for any unexpected incidents.

Traffic controls will take effect early: the Sejong-daero stretch from Gwanghwamun to City Hall will be closed to vehicles for 33 hours, from 9 p.m. on March 20 until 6 a.m. on March 22.