BTS’ highly anticipated free concert at Gwanghwamun Square in March will host 15,000 invited fans, organizers announced on Wednesday. But how can other fans in Seoul watch the “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” performance without a ticket?
This question arises as estimates project around 260,000 people will gather near the venue – over 11 times the square’s official capacity of 18,000, sparking major interest from the global ARMY.
For fans without tickets to the exclusive event, the concert will be broadcast live on large digital billboards positioned on buildings surrounding Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. Locations include the Koreana Hotel and the KT Gwanghwamun West Building, according to the Seoul city government, now an official sponsor of the BTS comeback concert.
Organizers are also exploring the possibility of setting up additional large screens near Seoul Plaza, to allow an even larger audience to view the BTS “Arirang” performance live.
The upcoming concert is scheduled for the day after BTS releases their fifth full-length album “Arirang,” promising performances of new tracks as well as the group’s global hits. Fans are eager for the new BTS music and concert experience.
The performance is rumored to feature a grand entrance, with all seven members beginning their walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gwanghwamun’s woldae, a traditional elevated stage used for royal rituals and ceremonies during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910).
Global fan platform Weverse announced that 2,000 fans will be selected via a raffle to gain access to standing zones closest to the stage. Eligibility is limited to fans with official Army membership through Weverse and those who pre-ordered BTS’ upcoming album by Friday. This is a major opportunity for dedicated BTS ARMY members!
A seating chart shared on Weverse depicted a T-shaped stage surrounded by three standing zones. While the chart didn’t include other seating areas, fixed seats will be located further back within the plaza. Tickets for these fixed seats will be available through Nol Ticket at 8 p.m. on Feb. 23, so act fast!
Considering the expected large crowd, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Jongno District Office, Hybe (BTS’ management company), and local authorities are collaborating to maximize viewership while prioritizing public safety. The free concert, held in an open area, raises concerns about a significant influx of non-ticket holders to the surrounding areas.
Police project that up to 260,000 individuals may congregate on the day of the event, stretching from Gwanghwamun towards Deoksugung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on Monday that they will deploy special operations units and all available resources to ensure safety, dividing the concert area into four zones – core, hot, warm, and cold – based on crowd density to effectively manage risks. Expect heightened security measures for “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang.”
The concert will also be livestreamed globally via Netflix. This marks the first time a live event featuring a Korean artist will be broadcast in real-time across 190 countries and territories on the platform. Global ARMY members won’t miss out on “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” thanks to Netflix!
