Purple wave expected as BTS returns to Gwanghwamun... Government mobilizes full safety measures for event

[The Financial News] A “fan wave” stretching 1 kilometer is expected in Gwanghwamun for the BTS comeback... Government activates cross-ministerial safety management

Ministry of the Interior and Safety to hold a countermeasures meeting with related agencies on the 11th... From operating a Joint Government Safety Inspection Team to on-site inspections by the minister

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) is launching government-wide crowd safety measures for the BTS comeback event to be held around Gwanghwamun in Seoul on the 21st. The event zone stretches about 1 kilometer from the Gwanghwamun three-way intersection to the City Hall Intersection, and authorities expect large, dense crowds along the route.

The event will take place across the Gwanghwamun area, including around the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno District, Seoul. As global attention focuses on the comeback, a large influx of both domestic and international fans is anticipated.

As the lead agency for crowd-related disasters, MOIS plans to strengthen the safety management system in cooperation with local governments and related organizations such as the police and fire services.

First, under the chairmanship of Minister of the Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung, MOIS will convene a “BTS Comeback Event Crowd Safety Management Countermeasures Meeting” with relevant agencies on the 11th. Participants will include MOIS, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (Jongno District and Jung District), the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA), the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, and Seoul Metro. They will review each agency’s measures to prevent crowd accidents and check preparedness so that on-site response systems function effectively in real situations.

On the 19th and 20th, ahead of the event, MOIS will lead a public–private “Joint Government Safety Inspection Team.” This team will examine overall safety conditions for the event, including crowd management risk factors, emergency medical response systems, traffic control, and facility safety management.

On the day of the event, the 21st, Minister Yun will visit the site in person for a final inspection, focusing on high-risk areas such as bottlenecks, slopes, stairways and railings, and subway stations where crowd accidents are more likely to occur. Before and after the event, MOIS will dispatch on-site situation managers who will work with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, police, fire services, and other agencies to monitor conditions until the crowds have fully dispersed.

Minister Yun stated, “Ensuring the safety of domestic and international spectators is the top priority at this event, which will draw attention from around the world,” adding, “We will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure thorough on-site safety management so that spectators can enjoy the event with peace of mind.”

spring@fnnews.com Lee Bo-mi Reporter