Seoul to enforce strict security on 31 buildings for BTS 'ARIRANG' concert

Seoul is preparing for an unprecedented security operation as BTS prepares for a full-group comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square. With crowd projections reaching up to 260,000 people, authorities have designated 31 nearby buildings as high-priority management zones. According to reports from Yonhap News on March 15, 2026, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and the Seoul Metropolitan Government are coordinating with building security managers to implement rigorous safety protocols.

To prevent "unauthorized viewing" and unofficial crowd bypasses, police have requested that six buildings directly adjacent to the square close their main entrances and only operate via back doors on the day of the event. Special measures are being applied to the Korea Press Center, which has scheduled weddings on the same day; guests will be required to undergo additional security screenings. For the remaining 25 buildings, access to rooftops and upper floors will be strictly restricted to prevent accidents caused by fans attempting to view the concert from high-risk vantage points. The Seoul Architectural Planning Division is currently conducting on-site inspections to finalize management plans for buildings where automatic rooftop locking systems are unavailable.

The security logistics for the event are massive in scale. A total of 6,500 police officers, including riot police units, will be deployed alongside 5,400 pieces of safety equipment such as high-altitude observation vehicles and foldable fences. Starting at 7:00 AM on the day of the concert, metal detectors will be installed at 31 official entry points to mitigate potential terror threats, while anti-vehicle ramming barriers will be placed around the perimeter. Traffic will be suspended on Sejong-daero from 9:00 PM the night before until 6:00 AM the following day. Following the performance, police will also be stationed in popular districts like Itaewon, Hongdae, and Seongsu to manage the expected outflow of crowds. This operation comes as BTS prepares to release their fifth full-length album, 'ARIRANG', at 1:00 PM on March 20, 2026, followed by the 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG' event on March 21, which will be broadcast globally on Netflix.