BTS Returns as a Full Group for First Time in 3 Years and 9 Months with Large-Scale Concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza on March 21

The group BTS will hold a concert marking its first return as a full group in 3 years and 9 months at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul on March 21. On January 22, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held a meeting with the advisory panel for Gwanghwamun Plaza and decided to grant conditional permission for the “BTS 2026 Comeback Show @ Seoul” event applied for by HYBE and Big Hit Music.

This is the first time a specific singer or group has performed at Gwanghwamun Plaza. BTS is preparing this concert as the stage to debut their new album “ARIRANG,” scheduled for release on March 20. It is expected to be their first full-group activity since the members completed their military service.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to issue final approval promptly once conditions such as passing safety management plan reviews, preventing overlapping exit times for performers and attendees, and minimizing traffic disruptions are addressed. Given the expected large crowd gathering in the city center, including Gwanghwamun Plaza, the government has decided to prioritize audience safety through cooperation with agencies such as the police and Jongno-gu.

To prevent excessive pricing by lodging businesses, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will conduct preliminary on-site inspections mainly in areas adjacent to Gwanghwamun Plaza (280 locations in Jongno-gu and 411 locations in Jung-gu). Additionally, K-pop experience events will be organized for foreign fans and ARMY, the BTS fandom, to create a welcoming atmosphere across Seoul.

Meanwhile, the National Heritage Administration granted conditional permission on the 20th for BTS’s use of areas around Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate as part of the global cultural event “K-Heritage and K-POP Fusion Concert.” BTS has planned to perform in the Gwanghwamun area, as well as at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate.

On January 21, during a visit to HYBE’s headquarters, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok spoke about BTS’s concert at Gwanghwamun, stating, “The roots of Hallyu are freedom and democracy.” He added, “The world is asking about the power of Korean culture and the secret behind Hallyu, and the answer lies in the cultural energy that has grown on the foundation of a history that has protected freedom and democracy.”

He further emphasized, “At the center of popularization and globalization lies Korea’s fandom culture. It holds great significance that BTS will hold its comeback stage at Gwanghwamun Plaza, a place defended by Lightstick.” He also said, “Amidst the new wave of progress brought about by BTS’s full-group return this year, K-pop will once again surprise the world,” adding, “The government will spare no effort to support South Korea in establishing itself as a global cultural leader.”

Gwanghwamun Plaza is considered the heart of Seoul, carrying symbolic significance in terms of politics, culture, and history in Korea. It is regarded as a space where citizens gather and interact.