Your A to Z survival guide to 'BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang'

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Your A to Z survival guide to 'BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang'

Published: 17 Mar. 2026, 12:43 Updated: 20 Mar. 2026, 12:44

JIN EUN-SOO
[email protected]

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

Stage for BTS's performance is being set up at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 16. [YONHAP]

Brace yourselves, ARMY — and anyone heading near Gwanghwamun this weekend.

Some 260,000 people are expected to gather near the venue for BTS’s highly anticipated comeback performance, “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang,” at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday.

As unprecedented as the event is in its venue, scale and extravagance, it is also likely to raise plenty of questions for both attendees and those hoping to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime festivities.

For those wondering what to expect and concerned about safety, the Korea JoongAng Daily has prepared an extensive FAQ sheet to answer a wide range of questions about the show and everything related to it, from what to bring to the show and how to get home afterward.

Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul is prepping up for BTS's performance on March 21. [YONHAP]

Q. What can fans expect from the performance?
A. BigHit Music has been tight-lipped about the detailed structure and set list of the show, which will be directed by Hamish Hamilton, best known for directing the Super Bowl halftime shows.

But we know one thing for sure. "Swim," the lead track from the group's upcoming album "Arirang," will make its stage debut at the Saturday show along with additional new tracks, per HYBE on its Weverse post. Some of its past hits will also be performed, according to local media reports.

Given that the “Arirang” album highlights BTS’s artistic roots, the performance is likely to incorporate themes reflecting the group’s musical journey and identity as Korean artists. If things go as initially planned, a Korean traditional music ensemble will perform “Arirang,” the country’s centuries-old folk song, while a traditional dance troupe will also take the stage.

How long will the show last?
The performance is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. after audience entry closes at 7 p.m. and will run for about one hour. The entry process will begin at noon with ID verification, and actual entry will start from 5 p.m.

What should attendees bring, and what should they leave behind?
What to bring: a mobile ticket and a valid physical ID. Copies or photos of IDs will not be accepted.

What's suggested to bring: an ARMY Bomb light stick and small water bottles under 500 milliliters (16.9 ounces) to prevent dehydration.

What not to bring: cameras, selfie sticks and other recording equipment, as taking photos and recording videos are strictly prohibited. Electronic devices such as laptops are also banned.

Bags larger than an A3 sheet of paper, stick umbrellas and banners with poles are prohibited for safety reasons. Other banned items include balloons, inflatable balls, banners containing political or offensive messages, materials intended for marketing or advertising, laser pointers, lanterns and fireworks.

What to know: Any fan-organized events that have not been approved in advance, such as handing out items or holding performances near the venue, will not be permitted. Police ask that attendees minimize the number of personal belongings they bring, as it could slow down bag checks.

Poster for "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" performance [NETFLIX]

What kind of measures are to be taken to stop scalpers?
BTS’s Gwanghwamun performance will serve as a test bed for a government-led initiative to wipe out ticket scalping, meaning hard-line measures will be implemented for the event.

First, a separate zone will be set up solely for ID verification. Verified attendees will be given a wristband that cannot be reattached if removed or damaged. Even after entry, there can be random checks for further verifications, and those who fail will be immediately removed.

A total of 56 police officers will be deployed around the show venue to crack down on any ticket scalping.

What happens if it rains or the weather turns bad?
There are no national guidelines for outdoor concerts in the event of rain. However, outdoor festivals in Korea typically proceed as scheduled if rainfall remains below about 3 millimeters per hour or 20 millimeters per day (0.12 inches per hour or 0.78 inches per day). Performances may be temporarily halted or suspended based on on-site conditions.

The forecast, as of Monday, looks favorable. The weather is expected to be sunny on Saturday, with a 10 percent chance of rain, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. Temperatures are expected to range from 3 degrees Celsius at the lowest to 15 degrees at the highest, which is from 37 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is there a way for those who couldn't get tickets to get a view of the show?
City officials and event organizers are implementing strict measures to prevent those without tickets from catching a glimpse of the show. The city has requested that six buildings adjacent to the venue close their main entrances to prevent fans without tickets from entering through the back of the buildings.

It has also asked 25 nearby buildings to restrict access to their upper floors to prevent people from watching from balconies or rooftops. There has been speculation that exterior billboards at major office buildings around Gwanghwamun Square will stream the show, but given the strict measures taken by the organizers to limit the performance to ticket holders, that option appears unlikely for now. Neither HYBE, Netflix nor the building operators have confirmed what will be shown on the exterior billboard.

All is not lost, though. There are cozier, less crowded options in Seoul to enjoy the show with other ARMY.

A number of restaurants and bars with large screens are scheduled to broadcast the performance through Netflix. One restaurant in Seongbuk District in central Seoul plans to host a watch party on the day, allowing up to 60 people to watch the performance on a large screen.

Something similar to an after-party is also being prepped up at bars and diners around the venue, so search hard!

For fans who prefer a more comfortable and private viewing experience, room cafes and PC rooms can also be options. Room cafes typically charge around 11,000 won ($7) per person for two hours on weekends for a private room equipped with televisions where Netflix is available. PC rooms where an ultrafast and stable internet connection is guaranteed cost around 2,000 won for one and a half hours.

How does Netflix's livestreaming work?
The one-hour event will be livestreamed on Netflix to some 190 countries from 8 p.m., but whether there will be simultaneous subtitles hasn't been confirmed yet. Netflix, however, said the video of the livestream will be available on the platform with additional subtitles within 48 hours. According to a press conference held by Netflix on Friday, there will be real-time English subtitles for some parts, but not for the entire show.

Where can attendees find restrooms and other facilities at the venue?
Public restrooms, including additional portable units, will be secured for the event. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it plans to provide at least 2,500 restroom units to ensure visitors do not face inconvenience.

Near the venue, restrooms at facilities such as the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the Seoul Metropolitan Library will be open. Visitors may also use restrooms at nearby businesses, including Kyobo Bookstore and Ediya Coffee.

Detailed locations of the open restrooms and portable units will be available on Naver Map, Kakao Map and the city's Smart Seoul Map website.

What should attendees do in case of a medical or other emergency?
In case of an emergency, medical aid stations will be available on-site. One station will be located near the King Sejong statue, the closest point to the stage area. Others will be set up near exits 6 and 7 of Gwanghwamun Station.

Emergency services can be reached by calling 119 for medical assistance, 112 for police and 02-120 for the Seoul Information Center. Foreign language assistance is available through the Seoul Information Center. After connecting, press 1 for English, 2 for Chinese, 3 for Japanese, 4 for Vietnamese and 5 for Mongolian.

What are some crowd control measures?
The Gwanghwamun performance area will only be accessible through 31 designated gates on the east and west, treating the open space as a virtual stadium. If there are more than two people per square meter (10 square feet), entry will be restricted. Some 15,000 personnel from the police, city and the organizers will be deployed on the day for safety management and crowd control.

Just in case the measures don't go as planned, remember these guidelines — provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korean National Police Agency — on what people should do before visiting and while inside heavily crowded locations.

1. Before visiting a crowded area, check the level of congestion at the location and identify nearby routes for movement before arriving.

2. While in a crowded place: (a) Walk on the right side to help maintain a smooth pedestrian flow. (b) Use extra caution in narrow streets or on sloped roads, where the risk of accidents is higher. (c) Leave the area immediately if walking speed slows significantly or if you begin making constant physical contact with others. If you sense danger, report it immediately by calling 112 or 119.

3. If you become trapped in a crowd: (a) If you are with a child, hold them or carry them on your shoulders to keep them safe. (b) Protect your chest and maintain space to breathe by bringing both hands together in front of your chest or gripping one forearm with the opposite hand. (c) If you fall and cannot get up, cover your head with both arms and pull your legs toward your body, curling into a ball to protect yourself.

What about concerns of a terror attack?
At the 31 designated gates, there will be metal detectors installed from 7 a.m. on the day of the performance. To prevent vehicle-ramming attacks and other threats, spike strips, signboard trucks, barricades and police buses will be deployed around the event venue. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency pledged full readiness, saying the possibility of a terror attack from the heightening tension in the Middle East region cannot be ruled out.

Gwanghwamun Square on March 16 in central Seoul is being prepped up for BTS's performance scheduled for March 21. [YONHAP]

How to get home after the performance?
Massive congestion is expected after the performance ends at 9 p.m. Several nearby subway stations will bypass stops to manage crowds.

From 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., trains on Line No. 5 will pass Gwanghwamun Station without stopping. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., trains will also bypass City Hall Station on Lines No. 1 and 2, and Gyeongbokgung Station on Line No. 3.

Nearby stations that will remain open include Anguk Station, Jonggak Station, Seodaemun Station and Euljiro 1-ga Station, so consider walking up to these stations and taking the subway from there.

There will be an additional 12 subway trains added to Lines No. 2, 3 and 5 to ease congestion starting from 9 p.m. For real-time updates, Kakao Map and Naver Map will provide information on subway bypasses, road closures and bus detours.