BTS Pushes for Comeback Stage at Gwanghwamun Square... Tomorrow (20th) Cultural Heritage Committee Review 'Turning Point'

The group BTS is pushing for a large-scale comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square, a symbol of South Korea, ahead of their full group comeback in March.

◆ Top Priority for Comeback Stage is 'Gwanghwamun & Gyeongbokgung' According to industry sources on the 19th, HYBE is in discussions with relevant agencies to hold a comeback stage at Gwanghwamun Square, as well as around Gyeongbokgung and Sungnyemun, in line with the release of BTS's fifth studio album 'Arirang'. Since this will be the first full group stage for domestic fans ahead of their world tour in April, they have prioritized locations that best showcase Korea's identity. The performance is applied under the name 'K-Heritage and K-POP Fusion Performance', with the dates likely being March 20, the album release date, or the weekend of the 21st-22nd.

◆ Tomorrow's (20th) Review is Key... Planning for 15,000 Audience Currently, HYBE has applied for venue use and filming permits from the Seoul City, the National Police Agency, and the Cultural Heritage Administration. In particular, the results of the Cultural Heritage Committee's review, which will be held at 2 PM on the 20th, are expected to have a decisive impact on the use of Gyeongbokgung and Sungnyemun areas. The plan is to invite between 15,000 and 20,000 audience members for free, selected through pre-registration. If successful, Gwanghwamun Square is expected to become a K-Pop mecca with the largest crowd since the 2022 World Cup street cheering.

◆ Symbolism Connected to Album 'Arirang' The selection of this location is connected to the message contained in the new album 'Arirang'. As an album that embodies the roots and identity of BTS, which started in Korea, the intention is to maximize its meaning against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun, the 'face' of Seoul, and national heritage. BTS has previously performed in front of Gyeongbokgung's Geunjeongjeon and Sungnyemun, showcasing the beauty of Korea to the world.

◆ Top Priorities are 'Safety' and 'Preservation' HYBE has stated that, given the expected large crowd, they will ensure thorough safety management and cultural heritage protection. In their application, HYBE specified that they will prioritize 'the preservation of the original form of heritage' and 'the safety of citizens', promising to deploy skilled professionals and implement a thorough crowd management manual. The Seoul City and police are also discussing safety measures based on past experiences from World Cup cheering events.