BTS Members Call for Fan Safety and Order Ahead of Landmark Seoul Comeback
As BTS prepares to take the stage for their first collective performance in years, the group is emphasizing that the “permission to dance” comes with a vital responsibility: staying safe. Ahead of their monumental return, the K-pop icons are urging their global fanbase, the ARMY, to maintain decorum and follow local protocols.
On Thursday, March 19, RM and Jin shared heartfelt messages on the fan platform Weverse, reminding attendees to remain vigilant during the upcoming event at Gwanghwamun Square. According to translations of the posts, RM expressed his immense enthusiasm for the reunion but underscored the logistical challenges of such a massive gathering. “As this event brings so many of us together, I ask that everyone prioritizes safety so we can all enjoy the performance to the fullest,” he shared.
RM further encouraged fans to cooperate with on-site security and staff. “A truly memorable performance is only possible when there is mutual respect and order among the ARMY,” he noted, while also extending his gratitude to the police, fire departments, and local government officials working behind the scenes to secure the venue.
Jin echoed this sentiment, marking the one-day countdown to the group’s official return. He reflected on the significance of the venue and the long wait fans have endured. “It has been a significant amount of time since we last greeted you as a full group,” he wrote. “We are committed to delivering an incredible show, but please, if you are joining us in person, keep your safety and the safety of those around you in mind.”
These precautionary messages coincide with a heightened security environment in the capital. Seoul recently adjusted its internal terror alert level as it prepares for an influx of approximately 260,000 people to the Gwanghwamun area. The free concert serves as a global celebration for their latest studio album, ARIRANG, which is set to debut the day before the show.
To manage the unprecedented crowds, local authorities plan to deploy 6,500 police officers and over 70 specialized riot control units. This level of preparation reflects the magnitude of the event, which marks the first time the septet has performed together since their October 2022 appearance in Busan. Following that performance, the members initiated a planned hiatus to complete their mandatory military service while pursuing individual creative endeavors.
For those unable to navigate the crowds in Seoul, the concert will be accessible via a global livestream on Netflix. Following the Seoul festivities, BTS will head to New York City for a dedicated Spotify fan event on March 23. The group’s promotional tour will culminate in a highly anticipated appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, marking their first late-night television interview as a reunited group, featuring consecutive nights of performances from the new album.
