On the morning of March 20 (Friday), Minister CHAE Hwi-young of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) visited the Gwanghwamun concert site, where the BTS comeback concert will take place on March 21, and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, where the MCST Emergency Operations Center will be established, to inspect preparations and the safety management system.

The inspection was conducted to review crowd control measures, stage safety, and emergency response systems in advance of a large-scale event drawing global attention. With an estimated 170,000–260,000 attendees expected to gather around Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace, the inspection focused on strengthening on-site coordination among organizers and relevant agencies and ensuring a safe viewing environment. To further strengthen safety preparedness, the MCST will issue a “Caution” level concert-venue disaster crisis alert in Seoul’s Jung-gu and Jongno-gu districts from 7:00 a.m. on March 21 (Saturday) to 7:00 a.m. on March 22 (Sunday). This measure is being taken pursuant to the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety, and it marks the first time such a crisis alert has been issued specifically for a concert venue.

Safety Management Reviewed from Concert Site to Emergency Operations Center

Minister CHAE first visited the Woldae platform of Gyeongbokgung Palace to review key support measures by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and inspect safety management plans in the palace vicinity. He then moved to the Gwanghwamun stage site, where he received a briefing from the organizers on the overall concert plan, crowd management, and measures to prevent illegal ticket resale. Minister CHAE, together with relevant officials, also inspected the installation status of stage equipment, including sound and lighting systems, to identify potential risks and confirm accident-prevention measures related to crowd congestion. He then visited the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, where he toured the organizers’ rooftop filming area for concert video production and the EOC. He reviewed the overall emergency-response operation plan, including the reporting and command system for a swift response in the event of an emergency and cooperation with related agencies.

Minister CHAE stated, “As this event is a symbolic occasion that draws the attention of K-Culture fans around the world and the public alike, and an opportunity to share the appeal of ‘K-Culture,’ safety must remain our top priority.” He added, “The government will work closely with the organizers and relevant agencies to do its utmost in on-site safety management so that spectators can enjoy the concert safely and comfortably.” He further stated, “Illegal ticket resale not only undermines a fair concert culture, but those who purchase such tickets may still face entry restrictions or be unable to attend the concert because of on-site identity checks, so extra caution is needed. I urge the organizers to ensure thorough oversight and ask fans for their active cooperation.”

Meanwhile, the MCST and the Korea Tourism Organization will roll out a wide range of welcome campaigns to mark the concert and promote Korean tourism. In the Gwanghwamun area, promotional videos showcasing Korean tourism will be aired on outdoor digital billboards, and a large welcome banner greeting fans from around the world will be displayed on the exterior of the Government Complex Seoul. Near Exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station, adjacent to the standing section on Sejong-daero, a promotional booth will be operated together with the Korea Creative Content Agency, providing fans with information on K-content and travel essentials, as well as interactive programs and souvenirs. HiKR Ground, the Korean tourism promotion center near Gwanghwamun Square, will be transformed into a purple-themed space and will offer a variety of events, including beverage discounts and dance and singing challenges. On the concert day, it will extend its operations until midnight and provide access to restrooms, phone charging, and free Wi-Fi. In addition, services through the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline and tourist information centers will be expanded to provide essential information, including transportation and nearby medical facilities, in multiple languages for greater visitor convenience.