BTS’ agency has firmly denied rumors claiming that the group’s upcoming comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul was shortened due to restrictions imposed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
On February 28, HYBE clarified that reports suggesting Seoul City limited the concert to just one hour were “not true.” The statement came after online speculation spread that administrative regulations had forced the event’s duration to be reduced.
HYBE emphasized that the performance length was decided internally by the company and BigHit Music. According to the agency, multiple factors were carefully considered, including the nature of the venue as an outdoor public space, audience safety, on-site crowd control, public transportation convenience, and potential late-night noise concerns.
BTS is scheduled to hold “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang” on March 21 at 8 p.m. in the area surrounding Gwanghwamun Square. During the event, the group will premiere tracks from their fifth full-length album for the first time.
The performance is expected to begin at the recently restored Woldae platform of Gwanghwamun, moving past Heungnyemun Gate and Geunjeongmun Gate, before passing the statue of King Sejong and arriving at the center of the square for the main stage show.
As the concert is free to attend, authorities anticipate that as many as 260,000 people could gather in the Gwanghwamun area that day. The venue will feature both standing and reserved seating sections, and large LED screens will be installed to accommodate attendees in areas with limited visibility.
In addition to the on-site audience, the event will be livestreamed exclusively through Netflix in more than 190 countries worldwide, further amplifying global anticipation for BTS’ long-awaited comeback.
Sources: Daum