Police Conduct Final Checks for BTS Gwanghwamun Concert: "All-Out Crowd Control Effort"

Ahead of the BTS (Bangtan Boys) concert scheduled for the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, police have begun final safety inspections.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) announced on the 13th that it will adopt a "stadium-style crowd management system" on the day of the BTS Gwanghwamun concert to ensure safety as large crowds are expected.
On the day of the event, police will deploy an on-site monitoring team to track crowd density in real time. At 31 gates, the organizer, the Seoul city government, and other relevant agencies will work jointly to decide when to implement crowd control measures.
In light of recent international developments, including heightened tensions in the Middle East, authorities are also preparing for potential terrorist threats. Signboard vehicles, water-filled barricades, and police buses will be placed on major roads and side streets around the venue to block vehicle-ramming and similar attacks.
To prevent dangerous items from being brought into the venue, MDs will be installed at 30 entrances accessible to spectators to strengthen screening. The Special Operations Unit (SOU) will also be deployed to conduct pre-event safety sweeps across the entire venue.
If a bomb threat is reported on the day of the concert, a joint analysis and response team made up of relevant departments will assess the level of risk and take preemptive action.
SMPA stressed that if hoax bomb threats or other public threats waste police resources or disrupt the event, it will pursue suspects to the end, seek their arrest in principle, and respond strictly with criminal charges as well as civil claims for damages.
Police also asked concertgoers to minimize what they carry, noting that enhanced screening with metal detectors could slow entry.
A police official said, "We will fully mobilize all available personnel and equipment throughout every stage of the event so that citizens can safely enjoy the BTS Gwanghwamun concert, and we will prepare thoroughly."

425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter