While ARMY may be overjoyed with the opportunity to see the free BTS concert in Gwanghwamun, citizens are expressing opposition to the public event, effectively transforming a significant portion of Seoul’s downtown into a massive outdoor concert.
As global sensation BTS and Netflix prepare for their free concert, BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG, on March 21st at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, the public appears to be stretched thin as Korean citizens voiced concern over the event. The first issue comes with concerns for safety and extensive deployment of public resources for what is essentially a private corporate event. Authorities anticipate up to 260,000 attendees, prompting a decision to deploy specialized unit forces to ensure safety and manage potential chaos.
The BTS concert is designed to boost the group’s profile and profitability through tourism. However, unlike controlled stadium environments, the open nature of Gwanghwamun Square necessitates heightened vigilance. The use of city resources angered citizens and police. Such a large-scale event of this magnitude requires police to sacrifice personal time for the country’s benefit, work excessive hours, and bear full responsibility for any potential accident, not Netflix or BTS.
To counter risks, police will deploy officers from nine precincts and 13 special investigation teams to handle unforeseen incidents. The police special forces will also conduct bomb threat assessments and identify suspicious individuals on site. A dedicated cyber investigation unit will counteract any false bomb threats posted online on the day of and in advance.
HYBE stated they pledged to contribute to safety management by securing 3,553 safety personnel. However, Seoul Metropolitan Police Chief Park Jeong Bo requested additional personnel, given the expected crowd size, suggesting current allocations are insufficient and inadequate for the police.
The second burden comes from fans unable to secure tickets engaging in ‘collective overnight camping’ the night before to claim prime viewing spots on the square and its surrounding sidewalks. Evidence of this tactic can be seen in online fan communities, where posts seeking fellow campers for advice or asking for information on the best vantage points are surfacing. Hotels in the vicinity of Gwanghwamun have already reported full bookings since the concert announcement.
A police official commented on ways to move fans, saying, “Unless we obstruct roadways, it’s difficult to apply the Road Traffic Act or general obstruction of traffic charges. Moreover, considering fans as participants in an illegal assembly and dispersing them is impossible. So, we are facing difficulties in crowd control due to the lack of legal grounds.” It is possible to issue fines for disorderly conduct or disobedience, but it remains difficult with such large numbers.
Lastly, citizens argue that excessive traffic generates extreme commute times and driving hazards, residents cite noise pollution alongside the possibility of excessive litter, while small businesses voiced issues with blocked entry to their work, access to customers, or closing altogether. The use of tax dollars toward the event also aggravated citizens.
The Cultural Heritage Administration has announced that Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Palace Museum of Korea will be completely closed on the day of the concert, with parking facilities also unavailable. The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts has canceled all scheduled musical, ballet, and theater performances for that day.
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What do you think of the negative impacts the free BTS concert has created on the Korean police force and citizens? Will you be attending the concerts? Be sure to watch the event on Netflix and don’t forget to watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
