Breaking News Headlines from News Agency – Friday Summary
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■ Security Lockdown in Downtown Seoul Expected for Massive BTS Concert Crowd
SEOUL — Expect heightened security measures in downtown Seoul this weekend. Police commandos and barricades will be deployed in anticipation of a massive crowd attending K-pop group BTS’ comeback concert, officials announced Friday.
BTS is scheduled to perform at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, celebrating their return after a four-year hiatus. Estimates suggest up to 260,000 fans will gather in the area, stretching over a kilometer from the main stage to Sungnye Gate.
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■ (LEAD) BTS Redefines “Koreanness” with Highly Anticipated Album ‘Arirang’
SEOUL — Global K-pop icons BTS revealed their intention to preserve Korean sentiment in their unique style as they gear up for the release of their new studio album, “Arirang.” This marks their first full-group project in almost four years.
The seven-member group will release the 14-track album at 1 p.m. Korean time on Friday. This is their first group release since the anthology album “Proof” in June 2022, following the completion of mandatory military service by all members.
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■ Naver Launches Special Map Service for BTS Comeback Concert Attendees
SEOUL — South Korea’s leading search engine, Naver Corp., announced Friday the launch of a specialized map service designed for attendees of BTS’ comeback concert. This service will assist fans in locating information desks and other essential facilities at the venue.
Naver’s map application will provide a detailed layout of the Gwanghwamun Square concert venue, including the precise locations of gates, restrooms, and medical facilities.
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■ Seoul Retailers and Hotels Embrace Purple Marketing Ahead of BTS Concert
SEOUL — Retailers and hotels in central Seoul are intensifying their purple-themed marketing campaigns, capitalizing on the signature color associated with BTS’ global fandom, known as ARMY, in anticipation of the group’s highly awaited comeback concert tomorrow.
Department stores, hotels, and convenience stores are scaling up their operations to accommodate the influx of tourists visiting BTS merchandise shops since early Friday. Companies are also reinforcing safety measures in preparation for the anticipated surge in foot traffic.
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■ (LEAD) Kim Jong-un Oversees Military Drill Featuring New Main Battle Tanks
SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised a combined offensive drill showcasing new main battle tanks equipped with an “active protection system.” He stated that ground troops would be “extensively” equipped with the “superior” tanks, according to state media reports on Friday.
Kim oversaw “a coordinated offensive tactical drill of infantrymen’s and tankmen’s sub-units” the previous day at the Pyongyang Training Base No. 60, under the Capital City Defence Corps of the Korean People’s Army, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
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■ DAPA Chief Estimates 50-50 Chance for Seoul’s Canadian Submarine Deal Bid
SEOUL — The head of South Korea’s defense procurement agency has assessed a 50-50 probability of South Korea securing a major bid to supply naval submarines to Canada. He stated that Seoul has done its utmost, and the decision rests with Canada.
Lee Yong-cheol, chief of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), made this assessment as a South Korean consortium competes with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for orders to supply all 12 submarines to be commissioned by Canada.
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