"Between 170,000 and 260,000 Expected for BTS"... First-Ever 'Concert Venue Disaster Alert' Issued [BTS Comeback]

[Financial News] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) has, for the first time, issued a concert venue disaster alert ahead of BTS's comeback concert at 8 p.m. on the 21st and carried out intensive inspections of on-site safety management systems.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), a concert venue disaster alert at the "Caution" level will be in effect from 7 a.m. on the 21st until 7 a.m. on the 22nd in Jung District, Seoul and Jongno District. This measure is based on the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety, and it is the first time that a disaster alert has been issued specifically for concert venues. Between about 170,000 and up to 260,000 visitors are expected to gather in the areas around Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the concert will take place.

On the 20th, Chae Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, visited the Woldae Terrace of Gyeongbokgung Palace to review key support measures by the Korea Heritage Service and check safety management plans for the palace area. He then moved to the Gwanghwamun stage site, where he was briefed by the organizers on the concert schedule, crowd control measures, and plans to prevent ticket scalping. Together with officials, he inspected the installation of stage equipment such as sound and lighting, identified potential hazards in advance, and reviewed systems to prevent crowd crush accidents.
Afterward, the minister visited the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History to look around the rooftop space prepared by the organizers for filming the concert, and then went to the Situation Management Headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
“This event is a symbolic moment in which the charm of K-culture is shared, drawing intense attention from K-culture fans around the world as well as from the Korean public,” Chae said. “Above all, safety is our top priority, and the government will work closely with the organizers and relevant agencies to ensure that concertgoers can enjoy the performance safely and happily by doing our utmost in on-site safety management,” he added.
He also warned against ticket scalping. “Ticket scalping undermines a fair concert culture,” Chae stressed. “Even if you buy a scalped ticket, you may be denied entry or unable to watch the performance due to on-site identity checks, so particular caution is needed,” he said. He added, “We ask for thorough management by the organizers and active cooperation from fans.”

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) are also launching a variety of hospitality campaigns in conjunction with the concert. Outdoor billboards around Gwanghwamun will show promotional videos for Korean tourism, and a large banner welcoming global fans will be hung on the exterior of Government Complex Seoul.
Near the standing section on Sejong-daero, in front of Exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station, MCST and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) will operate a promotional booth providing fans with information on K-content and travel. Experience programs and souvenir giveaways will also be offered.
HiKR Ground, a Korean tourism promotion center near Gwanghwamun, will be decorated with a purple-themed interior and host various events such as drink discounts and dance and singing contests. On the day of the concert, its opening hours will be extended until midnight, and it will provide access to restrooms, mobile phone charging stations, and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, services for the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline and tourist information centers will be expanded. Information needed by visitors, including transportation and nearby medical facilities, will be provided in multiple languages to improve convenience.
jashin@fnnews.com Reporter Shin Jin-ah Reporter