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Platform operators ramp up preparations ahead of much-awaited BTS comeback

Published: 17 Mar. 2026, 11:12

Workers install the stage for the upcoming BTS performance slated for March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 16. [YONHAP]

Korean platform operators, ranging from streaming to map service providers, are stepping up efforts to prepare for the highly anticipated comeback performance of boy band BTS slated for later this week, industry sources said Tuesday.

The move came as BTS is scheduled to hold the "Arirang" performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul free of charge on Saturday, which has drawn global attention as the band's first performance in about three years, with police estimating as many as 260,000 people will gather around the area that day.

Netflix, a major global streaming platform, is set to exclusively broadcast the performance, marking its first live event in Korea.

The U.S. streaming service operator's move came amid rivals' efforts to expand content from movies and dramas to live sports and entertainment events. Coupang Play, a streaming service under major e-commerce giant Coupang, offers major soccer events, while Tving broadcasts the Korean pro baseball league and the ongoing World Baseball Classic.

Industry watchers said Netflix's right to livestream the BTS performance is expected to lead to more subscribers worldwide, considering the global popularity of the K-pop group.

"The event will be livestreamed in 190 countries simultaneously, and subscribers can enjoy the event on various devices, including mobile and TV, without additional costs," an official from Netflix said.

Korea's online map service providers are also seeking to offer customized services targeting the BTS performance.

Naver, a Korean search engine giant, will present users with detailed information on the locations of help desks, restrooms and other facilities at the performance venue.

Kakao will also provide detailed locations of buses on 420 routes to help with crowd management.

The country's major mobile carriers are also making all-out efforts to maintain a stable mobile service environment in the region.

SK Telecom said it will activate its AI-based network management system, A-One, which will predict traffic based on past event data while recommending optimal locations to install equipment.

No. 2 mobile carrier KT will install six mobile base stations in the Gwanghwamun area to respond to potential network congestion.

"An event where global fans participate simultaneously is an opportunity for platform operators to boast their service competitiveness," an industry source said. "The competition centering on global cultural events is expected to further escalate."

Yonhap