BTS is asking fans to prioritize safety as the group prepares for its first concert in years. Members RM and Jin took to the fan communication platform Weverse on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to address the ARMY ahead of the highly anticipated performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul this Saturday, March 21. The concert will celebrate the release of the group’s new album, ARIRANG, dropping the day before.
The messages from RM and Jin come as Seoul city officials are preparing for a massive turnout, estimating up to 260,000 people will gather in the area surrounding Gwanghwamun Square, according to Billboard Korea. In light of the expected crowds, Seoul has similarly raised its terror alert level to the second-lowest of four steps, as reported by The Guardian.
“Everyone in ARMY! We are also very excited to meet you,” RM wrote, according to Weverse’s English translation. “As it is a gathering place for many people, please produce sure that everyone can enjoy the performance safely and joyfully.” He continued, emphasizing the importance of order and consideration, stating, “Please follow the guidance of the field staff and safety personnel on the day and demonstrate an orderly appearance. I think a better performance can be completed only when there is order and consideration made by each ARMY. I would like to say thank you so much to the police officers who are working hard for safety, as well as to the fire department, the government and local governments.”
Heightened Security Measures for the Seoul Concert
The city is taking extensive measures to ensure public safety. Authorities will deploy 6,500 police officers, 70 riot control units and 5,400 pieces of specialized equipment on the day of the show, as previously reported by Billboard Korea. This significant mobilization underscores the scale of the event and the potential for large crowds.
Jin echoed RM’s sentiments, writing, “There’s only one day left until our comeback.” He expressed gratitude to those who have supported the group, adding, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to greet you all together in a meaningful place, and I seek to say thank you so much to those who helped and everyone who understood.” He concluded with a plea for fan safety: “We’ll do our best to show great performances! If you’re watching on the spot, please pay attention to your safety!”
A Long-Awaited Return to the Stage
This concert marks BTS’s first performance as a full group since October 2022, when they performed in Busan as part of South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo, according to Billboard. Following that performance, the members began fulfilling their mandatory military service obligations, even as also pursuing individual projects.
The return to the stage is being made accessible to a wider audience, as the Seoul concert will be livestreamed on Netflix for fans unable to attend in person, as Billboard reported. This allows the global ARMY to participate in the celebration of ARIRANG.
Expanding the Reach: New York and The Tonight Show
The group’s activities won’t be limited to Seoul. Following the concert, BTS will travel to New York City for a Spotify event on March 23, where they will perform and engage in a Q&A session with fans, as detailed by Billboard. They are also scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 26 and 27, marking their first late-night television appearance as a group since completing their military service, Billboard confirms. The band will perform songs from ARIRANG on both episodes of the show.
RM, born Kim Nam-joon in 1994, is the leader of the group and has also established himself as a successful solo artist. He released his first mixtape, RM, in 2015 and followed it up with Mono in 2018, and his official studio album Indigo in 2022. His most recent album, Right Place, Wrong Person, released in 2024, has also garnered critical acclaim.
As BTS prepares to share their new music with the world, the group and city officials are prioritizing the safety and well-being of the ARMY. The next confirmed event is the release of the ARIRANG album on Friday, March 20, followed by the livestreamed concert in Seoul on Saturday, March 21.
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