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Police to mobilize 6,500 officers, tighten security for BTS show

Published: 15 Mar. 2026, 16:29 Updated: 15 Mar. 2026, 16:56

Tourists take a photo in front of a promotional display for BTS’s comeback live performance set up on the steps of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 15. [NEWS1]

Police will deploy about 6,500 officers and tighten security for the BTS performance on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, where as many as 260,000 people are expected to gather, authorities announced on Sunday.

“Police will implement comprehensive safety management measures by mobilizing all available personnel and equipment for the BTS performance scheduled to take place around Gwanghwamun Square and Sejong-daero on March 21,” the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said.

More than 70 mobile police units will take part in the operation along with officers from traffic control, crime prevention, criminal investigation and special operations teams. Police will also deploy about 5,400 pieces of equipment, including aerial observation vehicles, broadcast lighting trucks and foldable safety fences.

Authorities expect crowds of up to 260,000 people to attend the performance. Police plan to introduce a “stadium-style” crowd management system to control the flow of people.

Spectators will enter the viewing area through 31 designated gates, a measure aimed at dispersing crowds and improving safety.

Foreign tourists and residents walk near Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 15. [YONHAP]

Police will close the gates once crowd density exceeds a certain level, such as more than two people per square meter, preventing additional visitors from entering the performance area.

Authorities will also impose extensive traffic controls around Gwanghwamun.

Traffic on Sejong-daero between Gwanghwamun Intersection and Seoul City Hall Intersection will close from 9 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Sunday. On the day of the performance on Saturday, police will close Sajik-ro and Yulgok-ro between Jeokseon Intersection and Dongsipja Intersection from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Authorities will also close Saemunan-ro and Jongno between the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul and Seorin Intersection from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Police may expand traffic restrictions from Sajik Park Intersection to Anguk Station Intersection if crowds become too dense.

A screen on the KT Building in Jongno District, central Seoul, displays an advertisement for BTS’s comeback live performance on March 15. [NEWS1]

Police will also prepare for potential security threats, citing concerns about possible terror-related incidents such as vehicle ramming or explosive threats following rising tensions in the Middle East.

Police will install walk-through metal detectors at all 31 gates to screen visitors and prevent dangerous items from entering the venue. Screening will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday. Visitors who enter the area earlier will undergo additional checks using handheld scanners.

Authorities expect the security screening to take considerable time due to the large crowds. Police therefore asked the performance organizer, HYBE, to encourage attendees to bring fewer personal belongings.

Police will also place spike strips, barricades and police buses on nearby roads to prevent vehicle-ramming incidents around the venue.

After the performance ends, authorities will work with organizers to guide spectators out of the area gradually to prevent crowd surges. Police may also request that subway trains pass through nearby stations — including Euljiro 1-ga Station, Jonggak Station and Anguk Station — without stopping if passenger congestion becomes severe.

Officials will also prepare for the possibility that spectators may gather in nearby districts after the performance. Police plan to deploy additional officers in advance to Itaewon in Yongsan District, Hongdae in Mapo District and Seongsu-dong in Seongdong District around 9 p.m., when the performance is expected to end.

“We ask visitors to follow the guidance of police officers and safety staff from the organizers so that everyone can enjoy the event safely,” a Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official said.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KWAK JOO-YOUNG [[email protected]]