drawn by artist choi kyung hwa
Global superstar group BTS is set to transform the heart of Seoul into a massive concert venue for their upcoming event, "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG," scheduled for March 21 at 8:00 PM.
According to Big Hit Music, additional standing tickets for approximately 7,000 seats will be released today at 8:00 PM on the NOL Ticket platform, bringing the total official audience capacity to 22,000.
This expansion extends the performance zone south toward the area between Gwanghwamun and City Hall stations to accommodate the overwhelming demand following the first round of ticketing, which saw over 100,000 people in the digital queue.
The excitement is also visible in the surrounding arts district, where Gallery 5 is hosting a special exhibition of BTS-related oil paintings by artist Choi Kyung-hwa alongside works by masters like Kim Whanki and Yoo Youngkuk.
Gallery 5 is well-known as a permanent exhibition space for moon jars by artist Lee Sang-phil, as well as prints by renowned artists Yoo Young-kuk and Kim Whanki.
Because the concert is an all-standing event, large LED screens will be installed throughout the square to ensure visibility for the massive crowd, which authorities estimate could reach up to 260,000 people in the general vicinity.
To manage this unprecedented influx, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and police are implementing a "stadium-style" management plan where spectators must enter through 29 designated checkpoints to control density.
Furthermore, major subway stations such as Gwanghwamun and City Hall will skip stops during the event, and HYBE has committed 4,300 safety personnel to assist on-site.
Several major landmarks, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and various national museums, will close for the day, and even the KT Headquarters building—a prime viewing spot—will be entirely shut down to prevent safety accidents.
In a historic move for the digital era, Netflix will livestream the entire performance globally, marking the first time the platform has ever broadcast a solo artist’s concert in real-time.
This grand celebration follows the release of BTS's fifth studio album, ARIRANG, which drops on March 20 at 1:00 PM.
The title track, "SWIM," features lyrics written by leader RM and delivers a poignant message about persevering through the waves of life.
drawn by artist choi kyung hwa
To protect the integrity of the event, Big Hit Music is also implementing strict identity verification and real-time monitoring to prevent the illegal resale of tickets.
