Police: "Up to 260,000 Expected at BTS Gwanghwamun Concert... Special Forced to Be Deployed in Advance"

 Original article: Yonhap News

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Authorities will deploy special forces and strengthen counterterrorism measures in anticipation of up to 260,000 people gathering for BTS's comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 next month. 

At a regular press briefing on the 9th, Park Jung-bo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated, "We have appointed the Deputy Commissioner for Public Safety as the head of a task force, and all departments are preparing to ensure the event proceeds safety."

Police estimate that around 230,000 people will gather from the main stage at the northern entrance of Gwanghwamun Square—across from the Woldae platform—to Deoksugung's Daehanmun Gate, and up to 260,000 as far as Sungnyemun Gate. 

Commissioner Park explained, "We are not certain whether it will reach that number, but we are preparing under the assumption that the maximum possible crowd will gather."

Based in crowd density, authorities will divide the venue into four major zones—and further subdivide them into 15 sections. Each section will be overseen by a senior police officer of superintendent rank. 

To respond swifty to potential incidents such as assaults, disturbances, or terrorist threats, police will deploy 13 major crime units from nine local police stations. Special police units will also be positioned in advance to conduct bomb inspections and identify suspicious individuals as part of preventive and response measures. 

Authorities also anticipate the possibility of threatening posts appearing on online communities. A dedicated cyber investigation team will monitor such content and take immediate legal action against offenders. 

HYBE, the event organizer, has announced that it will secure 3,553 safety personnel. However, police are requesting stronger safety measures based on the "beneficiary pays" principle for event management. 

"We will request additional personnel depending on the crowd situation," Commissioner Park said. "Many people are expected to gather on the roads, so thorough preparation are essential for public safety."

The use of macro programs to unfairy obtain free tickets or disrupt ticket sales by causing server failures will be punished under the information and Communications Network Act and on charges of obstruction of business. Police are also preparing for scams involving ticket or accommodation sales. 

2nd photo caption:

[Graphic] Route for BTS's "King's Road" Procession at Gyeongbokgung Palace

BTS's comeback concert on March 21, celebrating the release of their fifth full-lengfull-length album ARIRANG, is expected to be a festival blending tradition and modernity by utilizing Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace

According to the music industry and the Seoul Metropolitan Government in the 4th, BTS is discussing plans to appear through all three gates of Gwanghwamun, which will be opened for the occasion, during the "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG" concert scheduled for 8 p.m.

Meanwhile, police announced that from today through the 18th, they will implement a 10-day "Lunar New Year Holiday Special Security Plan," focusing on relationship-based crimes such as child abuse, domestic violence, and stalking. 

High-risk cases will be re-evaluated, and officers will be instructed to familiarize themselves with response manuals. Mobile patrol units will be deployed in areas with a high concentration of women living alone. 

During the holiday period, special police units will also be stationed in advance at major stations, terminals, and department stores for counterterrorism operations. 

Police presence with be strengthened in popular tourist areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu, with additional patrols and the deployment of multilingual officers from the tourist police unit.