Access restrictions in place at nearby buildings to prevent rooftop viewing and ticketless entry
With less than a week until BTS’ highly anticipated comeback performance in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, authorities are implementing heightened security measures around 31 buildings surrounding the plaza, according to recent reports.
Following discussions between police and the Seoul Metropolitan Government with building operators, an agreement was reached. Six buildings will close their front entrances, directing access exclusively through rear entrances. The remaining 25 buildings are strongly advised to restrict access to rooftops and upper floors.
This initiative aims to deter individuals from bypassing official entry points by attempting to enter nearby buildings through rear entrances and exit through front entrances facing the concert venue. The goal is to prevent unauthorized access and discourage ticketless fans from watching the concert from rooftops or balconies, which could create potential safety hazards.
“This is a precautionary measure to prevent possible accidents, such as someone falling while watching the concert or throwing objects into crowded areas,” explained a city official.
The free BTS concert, scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, marks the group’s first performance in nearly four years. An invited audience of 22,000 fans will attend the event.
Police estimate that approximately 260,000 people will congregate near Daehanmun at Deoksugung, primarily in the northern section of Gwanghwamun Square, where the stage is being constructed.
In addition to the city’s measures, several buildings have opted to close entirely due to safety concerns. KT West, a building directly adjacent to the square, has announced a full closure on the day of the concert, with all restaurants and cafes inside also ceasing operations.
Many smaller businesses in the vicinity are also choosing to close for the day, citing similar safety concerns related to the expected crowds.
“We usually operate through Saturday and close on Sunday, but considering the anticipated crowds, we decided to close this Saturday and open on Sunday instead,” shared Sung, who manages a Pilates studio near Jonggak Station, in an interview with a local news outlet.
However, some businesses are anticipating a boost from the “BTS effect.”
“The concert begins at 8 p.m., so we might not see as many customers during dinner hours, but I anticipate a busy lunchtime, and I’m hoping sales will more than triple our usual figures. We’re also planning a promotion where customers who show they’re part of Army, BTS’ fan community, get extra toppings,” stated Kim, who owns a salad restaurant near the square.
This highly anticipated concert celebrates the release of BTS’s fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” named after Korea’s iconic folk song. The album’s release comes almost three years and nine months after the seven members began a hiatus to fulfill their mandatory military service.
Following the comeback concert, BTS will embark on a large-scale world tour, commencing on April 9 at the Goyang Sports Complex near Seoul. The tour includes 82 performances scheduled across 34 cities worldwide, including Busan in June.
cjh
