Korean netizens split over Seoul's crowd safety plans for BTS's comeback event

There's about a week left until the highly anticipated BTS comeback. Since the group made their announcement of the global comeback, HYBE has been planning a grand event at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. To prepare, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has made continued efforts to ensure the safety of attendees and residents.

On March 11, the Ministry of Interior and Safety held an inter-agency meeting to review the safety measures for the event. To prevent overcrowding, local governments planned to preemptively issue a “Caution” level crisis alert for large crowd disasters. Additionally, they planned a detailed emergency response for crowd safety, with each ministry setting up an interagency countermeasure.

Ministry of the Interior and Safety – Issue a “Caution” level crisis alert for large crowd disasters.
Date: March 21 (Saturday), 00:00–24:00
Location: Jongno District and Jung District.
A joint government safety inspection team will be formed to conduct advanced checks on safety management conditions.

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism – Provide consultation for concert safety and inspecting stage facilities and audience seating areas.

Ministry of Health and Welfare – Establish a rapid response system in preparation for potential medical emergencies, including deployment readiness for Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) and local public health center emergency response units.

Police and Fire Authorities – Maintain order and security around the event venue, carrying out counterterrorism prevention activities, and stationing rescue personnel and ambulances on-site.

Seoul Metropolitan Government – Activate the Citizen Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, checking the implementation of safety management plans, sending public safety guidance text alerts, and encouraging orderly viewing among attendees.

Although the South Korean government is stepping up preparations for the March 21 BTS comeback event, opinions remain divided. Some netizens have praised the authorities for implementing comprehensive safety measures and establishing dedicated programs for the occasion. Others, however, have criticized the use of public funds, arguing that allocating taxpayer money to support a concert is unnecessary.

These netizens gathered in a popular online community and commented:


"Why are they going overboard with this?"
"They should just get a stadium and hold a concert there."
"They're wasting our tax money."
"They're making it more inconvenient for everyone."
"This sucks."
"My tax money..."
"They could've just gotten a venue."
"This is just too much."
"Their comeback isn't something that should be this big in my opinion..."
"The waste of money is ridiculous."
"I think they are doing the best they can."
"I'm just excited."
"I think the Seoul government is setting up good measures for this."
"Who is planning this?"