Police Step Up Preparation for BTS Gwanghwamun Concert... Kickoff Meeting Held with HYBE

 Around 200,000 people expected to gather on the day; police devise measures to prevent crowd congestion
"Crowd surges must be anticipated from the day before" — non-stop subway pass-through at nearby stations under review






As BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) has announced a full-grown comeback concert to be held this March at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, police are preparing comprehensive safety management measures to handle the massive crowds expected before and after the event.

According to News1 on the 23rd, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency held a kick-off meeting with HYBE on the 21st to discuss safety management plans to the BTS Gwanghwamun concert.

With the Gwanghwamun concert virtually confirmed, it is reported that the police first proposed the meeting to HYBE. Police anticipate that a crowd far exceeding the number of seats provided by HYBE will gather at Gwanghwamun Square.

Previously, when applying to the Seoul Metropolitan Government for permission to use Gwanghwamun Square, HYBE expressed its intention to hold a concert for approximately 18,000 attendees. However, as the concert will be a free outdoor event, concerns have been raised that the crowd could easily exceed 200,000 people.

Fans planning to stay overnight to secure entry are expected to begin gathering at Gwanghwamun Square from the high before the concert. During the meeting, police reportedly emphasized to HYBE that "crowd congestion must be anticipated starting from the day before, not just the afternoon of the event." 

Police also stated during the meeting that, for safety management on the day of the concert, it may be necessary to implement non-stop train pass-through measures at nearby subway stations.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and HYBE are reportedly giving serious consideration to non-stop subway pass-through operations at stations near Gwanghwamun Square, including Gwanghwamun Station, Gyeongbokgung Station, and City Hall Station.

One proposal under discussion is for trains to pass through those near by stations without atopping starting one hour before the concert begins, with normal operations resuming after the concert ends.

Police plan to coirdinate a second meeting to share detailed safety preparations with HYBE and to continue holding meetings with related agencies.

The final safety management plain is expected to be revealed at the Seoul City Management Committee meeting scheduled for February 24. Officials from the Seoul Metropolitan Government,police, fire department, and other related agencies will attend.

A police official stated, "We are focusing on ensuring that citizens who come to enjoy the BTS event are not injured under any circumstances, and we are revising safety management measures with that as our top priority." 

With the Seoul Metropolitan Government having decided the previous day (the 22nd) to grant conditional approval for the use of Gwanghwamun Square for the concert requested by HYBE and BigHit Music, the event is now effectively confirmed. BTS will unveil their new album "ARIRANG" for the first time at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, marking their first full-grown release in three years and nine months.


Original article: News1




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nicole Kim, BTS's interpreter makes a return to Big Hit Music in a high-profile role

Image
For long-time ARMYs, Nicole Kim is no stranger. She is best known as the group's official interpreter at many international events, behind-the-scenes programs, and especially during their meeting with famous Western artists such as Charlie Puth and MAX.   Producer MAX once described her as an amazing person who played an important role in helping BTS and other artists feel comfortable and engaged. In a letter Megan Thee Stallion shared when announcing her collaboration with BTS on the "Butter - Remix," she also revealed that it was Nicole Kim who sent the invitation on behalf of BTS.   Kim rarely appears in public. One of the most notable occasions was when she accompanied V to the Celine event in 2022, where ARMYs could clearly see her elegant appearance and professional demeanor as she assisted the idol in conversations with the company's executives.     Although ARMYs often referred to her as BTS's interpreter, Nicole Kim served as A&R and creative directo...
Read more

ARMYs defend J-Hope after he was criticized for his recent "skinship" with the bride

Image
  Recently, the wedding of renowned fashion stylist and visual director Kim Youngjin, also known as Kim Venchy, has gone viral on social media, thanks to its star-studded guest list featuring none other than BTS and NCT. While NCT surprised attendees with a live performance to celebrate newlyweds, BTS leader RM took center stage as the official MC of the event, charming guests with his wit and presence. Joining RM at the wedding were fellow BTS members J-Hope and Suga, were seen laughing, chatting and fully enjoying the joyful atmosphere of the ceremony. With so many A-list stars coming together in one place to celebrate one love, fans couldn't help but call it a "dream wedding." They said, considering the status of stylist Kim and his wife in the industry, such a high-profile guest list comes as no surprise. Kim Venchy as long been one of South Korea's top fashion stylists and has served as BTS's main stylist for years. He's the creative mind behind many of t...
Read more

TXT moves fans by revealing how Jin inspired them amid HYBE's scandal turmoil

Image
The bond between BTS and TXT goes far beyond the typical senior-junior dynamic within the same company. At its heart, it is a warm and sincere relation—one where the older artists consistently uplift their genuine care and support. Numerous stories have surfaced showing that although BTS and TXT are two separate K-pop groups, the BTS members are willing to step in and help TXT, especially during their most challenging moments. When TXT was preparing for their first U.S. showcase, all BTS members came to cheer them in after heartfelt advice. One particularly memorable moment was when J-Hope humorous gesture that has since become symbolic of the two groups' close friendship. Leader Soobin once revealed that BTS leader RM kindly told him, "Since you're also a leader, there will definitely be tough days, so contact me anytime." Soobin then actually visited RM's house for a personal conversation when he was feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of leadership during the ...
Read more