BTS Receives Conditional Approval for Free Comeback Concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza on March 21

The comeback concert by the world-renowned K-pop group BTS at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza is practically confirmed. This will be the first time a specific artist holds a solo concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza.

On the afternoon of the 22nd, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held the “1st Gwanghwamun Plaza Advisory Committee Meeting in 2026” and decided to grant conditional approval for “BTS 2026 Comeback Show @Seoul,” submitted by HYBE and Big Hit Music. The city plans to issue final approval only if conditions such as passing safety management plan reviews, avoiding overlapping exit times for performers and attendees, and minimizing traffic disruptions are met.

Earlier, the National Heritage Administration also conditionally approved preliminary video shooting at Gyeongbokgung (Geunjeongmun and Heungnyemun gates), the Gwanghwamun and Gwanghwamun Moondae areas, and the vicinity of Sungnyemun on the 20th.

**Free Concert with OTT Live Streaming**

BTS plans to release its fifth studio album, “ARIRANG,” on March 21 after a three-year and nine-month hiatus, and hold a free comeback concert in the Gwanghwamun area as the starting point for a world tour scheduled to consist of 79 shows starting in April.

HYBE intends to stream live via OTT the process of BTS members traveling from Gyeongbokgung to the stage at Gwanghwamun Plaza. The stream is expected to reach approximately 190 countries with around 300 million viewers, with HYBE estimating around 50 million people watching in real time.

HYBE has stated it will hold a concert for 18,000 people at Gwanghwamun Plaza and another event for 30,000 people at Seoul Square. However, since up to 100,000 people could gather if the events proceed as planned, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is conducting comprehensive reviews regarding safety management, traffic issues, and accommodation services.

**Comprehensive Safety Management Plan**

Gwanghwamun Plaza, as well as Gyeongbokgung and Sungnyemun, are spaces accessible to everyone freely.

Kim Chang-kyu, head of Seoul’s Balanced Development Bureau, said, “We gave top priority to ensuring the safety of concert attendees as well as citizens and tourists who visit Gwanghwamun Plaza for various events.” He added, “We will create a variety of events and experiences that allow people to fully appreciate Seoul’s charm and beauty, turning Gwanghwamun Plaza into an opportunity for it to become a K-pop holy land.”

The city also plans to conduct preliminary checks on surrounding traffic, citizen safety, and unfair practices such as excessive accommodation prices. Additionally, on the day of the concert, various experience events will be organized for foreign tourists, including BTS’s fandom, ARMY.