Security tightened in Gwanghwamun Square ahead of BTS concert
2026.03.21 19:34
Downtown Seoul on Saturday was placed under heightened security measures as police controlled crowds and set up screening checkpoints ahead of BTS’s comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square.
The show was scheduled for 8 p.m., but fans and onlookers began gathering early in the morning.
Fans of BTS, known as ARMY, moved through the area in purple outfits and carrying light sticks, while some office workers and visitors expressed frustration with the tightened security.
“I knew the exit I usually use was closed, but having to go through metal detectors twice was inconvenient,” said an office worker in central Seoul, surnamed Woo, who had come in for a Saturday shift.
“At first, I thought it made sense. It promotes the country’s global standing, and BTS is one of its most successful K-pop groups, so it felt like they were being properly honored. But holding it in Gwanghwamun, one of the busiest areas with frequent events, makes it feel like nearby workers and residents are being asked to bear the inconvenience without any compensation,” he said.
About 6,700 police officers were deployed to the area, along with roughly 3,400 personnel from public offices, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Access was controlled through 31 gates stretching from Gwanghwamun beyond the Seoul Plaza area, where visitors were required to pass through walk-through metal detectors. Officials also introduced a “stadium-style” crowd management system, allowing entry to be restricted in stages depending on congestion levels.
The area was divided into four zones — core, hot, warm and cold — with gates closed when the number of people per square meter exceeded safety thresholds.
Roads quickly grew crowded, with police repeatedly urging pedestrians to keep moving.
“Please do not stop. Keep walking,” officers shouted.
By early evening, lines at the gates had lengthened as the concert drew closer.
One visitor, who had come with friends to take photos of the event, complained to police about the repeated screenings.
“Is this our sixth time now? People who have already gone through should be allowed to pass more easily,” she said. An officer responded that the measures were necessary for public safety.
As of 4 p.m., about 42,000 people were in the Gwanghwamun Square, Deoksu Palace and the City Hall area, according to the Seoul city government. Authorities expect as many as 260,000 people to gather.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a “caution” alert — the second-lowest level — from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday for Jung and Jongno districts. It marked the first time the government had issued such an alert for a concert.
Beyond the security checks, road closures added to the inconvenience. Parts of Sejong-daero and Sajik-ro were restricted, forcing pedestrians to walk long distances to find designated crossings.
Passersby frequently asked officers where they could cross, only to be directed to continue to the end of the street until an opening appeared.
An 89-year-old resident of Gyeonggi, who had come to see the performance, described the difficulty of navigating the area.
“I took the subway, then had to walk quite a distance with my cane and go through multiple security checks to get here,” she said near Seoul Plaza. She added that she planned to watch the performance on a screen outside.
Subway service was also disrupted. From 3 p.m., trains began bypassing City Hall and Gyeongbokgung stations, with the changes expected to continue until 10 p.m. At Gwanghwamun Station, all exits were closed from 2 p.m., and trains were to pass through without stopping between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Some exits had already been partially shut from 5 a.m. for crowd control.
The measures also affected nearby wedding halls. Police said they deployed buses to transport guests from Euljiro 3-ga Station to venues near Gwanghwamun Square.
To ease the post-event rush, the Seoul city government said it would run 12 additional subway trains on Lines No. 2, 3 and 5 starting at 9 p.m.
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