BTS draws over 100,000 fans to Seoul comeback concert: label More than 100,000 fans attended BTS’s first concert in nearly four years, according to their label, HYBE. The event, held in central Seoul on March 21, 2026, marked the group’s return after a hiatus caused by mandatory military service for some members. The concert took place at the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, a location symbolic of the group’s status as “Kings of K-pop.” Despite initial expectations of a larger turnout, attendance was reported at around 104,000, based on ticket sales and data from major mobile carriers. Police estimates placed the crowd at approximately 42,000, while the label projected a higher figure of 260,000. The seven-member group reunited on stage for the first time since their hiatus, with some members stationed near the border with North Korea. Fans from South Korea and abroad gathered to celebrate the occasion, waving glowsticks and singing along to the group’s hits. The performance was livestreamed by Netflix to audiences in about 190 countries, allowing global fans to participate remotely. Giant screens at the venue enabled those unable to attend in person to watch the concert. BTS’s latest album, ARIRANG, released on March 20, 2026, was a key focus of the event. The label described the album as reflecting the group’s evolving Korean identity, and it sold nearly four million copies on its first day. Following the concert, the group announced plans for the ARIRANG world tour, set to begin on April 9 in Goyang, South Korea. The tour will span 82 concerts across 34 cities in Asia, North America, Europe, and Latin America. Tickets for shows in South Korea, North America, and Europe sold out within hours of going on sale. Security for the concert was extensive, with 15,000 police officers and security personnel deployed.#netflix #bts #arirang #gyeongbokgung_palace #hybe
Seoul raises terror alert as it prepares to host BTS comeback concert South Korea’s capital has increased security measures ahead of BTS’s highly anticipated comeback concert, with authorities elevating the terror alert level and mobilizing thousands of police officers to ensure safety. The event, set for Saturday, is expected to draw over 260,000 attendees, including fans from around the world, as the K-pop group returns to the stage for the first time as a full group since October 2022. The concert will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, near the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, and will be streamed live on Netflix to audiences in more than 190 countries. President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of security during a cabinet meeting, urging government agencies to prepare for all possible scenarios. He highlighted the event’s significance in showcasing South Korea’s global cultural influence. In response to growing international tensions, including the Middle East crisis, authorities have raised the terror alert to the second-lowest level on a four-step scale for parts of Seoul, effective until midnight on Saturday. The US embassy, located approximately 160 meters from the stage, is under heightened scrutiny. Security operations are extensive, with 6,500 police officers, including over 70 riot police units, deployed on the day of the concert. The Seoul city government will add 3,400 personnel, supported by 102 fire trucks and 803 firefighters. Subway services will bypass stations near the event to manage crowds. The venue will operate like a stadium, with 31 entry gates equipped with walk-through metal detectors. Civilian firearm access to police stations across Seoul has been restricted.#netflix #seoul #bts #gwanghwamun_square #gyeongbokgung_palace
