BTS to Hold First Solo Concert at Gwanghwamun Square in March... Cultural Heritage Administration Grants Conditional Approval

Free Concert to Celebrate Fifth Studio Album Release
Live Broadcast in 190 Countries Worldwide

BTS. Provided by BigHit Music

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on January 20 that it has conditionally approved the use of cultural heritage sites for BTS's comeback concert, scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square in March.

The Cultural Heritage Committee's Royal Palaces and Tombs Subcommittee held its first meeting in the afternoon and reviewed HYBE's application for permission to use and film at locations such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate for the "K-Heritage and K-Pop Fusion Concert." The committee approved the use of these sites on the condition that a subcommittee be formed to further examine the detailed impact on cultural heritage.

Previously, HYBE submitted an application to the Seoul Metropolitan Government to hold a free concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. This will be the first time a specific singer or group has performed at Gwanghwamun Square since its creation. HYBE stated, "Gwanghwamun Square is a symbolic space that represents Korean identity," and added, "We aim to reaffirm BTS's identity and express our love for Korea."

The concert will include scenes such as: a staged entrance from key areas of Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gwanghwamun; a live broadcast of a parade on the Woldae at Gwanghwamun; and a media facade displayed on the walls of Gwanghwamun during the performance.

BTS will release their fifth full-length album, "Arirang," on March 20. This will be their first complete group performance in three years and five months since suspending activities due to military service. HYBE plans to make this concert the starting point for a world tour consisting of 79 shows beginning in April.

The concert will be broadcast live via over-the-top (OTT) streaming services in 190 countries worldwide. HYBE estimates that approximately 50 million viewers will watch the event in real time.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government, police, and other authorities are preparing safety management measures for the large crowds expected. They are reviewing road traffic controls and safety issues, referencing previous cases such as the gathering of about 20,000 people during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.