South Korean police have announced heightened security measures ahead of BTS’s highly anticipated return concert, scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st of next month, with an estimated crowd of up to 260,000 attendees.
At a regular press briefing on February 9, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jung-bo stated that a dedicated task force led by the Deputy Commissioner for Public Safety has been formed to ensure the event proceeds safely. He emphasized that all relevant police units are preparing in full coordination.
According to police estimates, around 230,000 people could gather from the concert stage near the northern entrance of Gwanghwamun Square—across from Woldae—stretching as far as Deoksugung’s Daehanmun Gate. The number could reach 260,000 if crowds extend toward Sungnyemun. While officials noted that actual attendance may vary, preparations are being made for the maximum possible turnout.
To manage crowd density, police plan to divide the area into four main zones—core, hot, warm, and cold—further subdivided into 15 smaller sections. Each section will be overseen by a senior police officer at the superintendent level to ensure swift on-site decision-making.
In anticipation of potential incidents such as violence, disorder, or terrorism, 13 violent crime units from nine local police stations will be deployed for rapid response. Police special forces will also be positioned in advance to conduct bomb detection, monitor suspicious behavior, and carry out counterterrorism prevention and suppression operations.
Authorities are also preparing for possible online threats. Dedicated cyber investigation teams will monitor online communities for threatening posts, with a zero-tolerance policy toward violators and immediate legal action upon detection.
HYBE, the concert organizer, has stated that it will deploy 3,553 private security staff. However, police have requested additional safety measures in line with the “beneficiary pays” principle, stressing that organizers bear responsibility for public safety at profit-generating events. Commissioner Park noted that further security personnel may be required depending on real-time crowd conditions, highlighting the need for thorough preparation, particularly as large numbers of people are expected to gather on surrounding roads.
Police also warned that using macro programs to unfairly secure free tickets or disrupt ticket servers may result in charges under the Information and Communications Network Act, as well as obstruction of business. Measures are also being taken to prevent fraud involving ticket or accommodation sales.
Separately, police announced the launch of a 10-day Lunar New Year special security campaign running through the 18th. During this period, authorities will intensify responses to relationship-based crimes such as child abuse, domestic violence, and stalking, while reassessing high-risk cases and reinforcing response protocols.
Additional patrol units will be deployed in areas with a high concentration of single-woman households. During the holiday season, police special forces will also be forward-deployed at major transportation hubs, department stores, and other crowded facilities for counterterror operations. Popular tourist districts including Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu will see increased patrols, with multilingual officers assigned to assist foreign visitors and enhance overall safety.
Sources: Nate