NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 21: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook of K-Pop band BTS are seen during an interview at the ‘Today’ Show on February 21, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
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Seoul is gearing up for a massive free concert by BTS in March 2026, marking the K-pop sensation’s first full performance in almost four years. The Seoul Metropolitan Government gave the green light on Thursday, January 22, after a review by the Gwanghwamun Square advisory committee. But will the logistics of a show this size—and the security surrounding it—work out?
Conditional Approval Requires Safety Management Review
Table of Contents
- Conditional Approval Requires Safety Management Review
- 15,000 To 20,000 Attendees Expected Through Advance Registration
- Cultural Heritage Sites Approved For Filming
- Global Streaming To Reach 300 Million Viewers
- ARIRANG Album Drops March 20
- World Tour Begins In April
- Previous Free Concert Drew 100,000 Attendees
The city’s approval isn’t a blank check. Authorities are demanding a robust safety plan from HYBE, BTS’s parent company, to prevent bottlenecks during entry and exit, and to minimize traffic disruptions. A city official stated that safety management plans will be thoroughly reviewed and implemented to protect everyone at Gwanghwamun Square, adding that the event will be leveraged to establish the square as a global K-pop hub.
15,000 To 20,000 Attendees Expected Through Advance Registration
HYBE anticipates between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees, selected through a pre-registration process. The Seoul Plaza is also being considered for a separate event the following Saturday, potentially drawing 30,000 fans. HYBE chose Gwanghwamun Square specifically for its cultural and historical significance, a location central to Korea’s modern identity and a frequent site for major public events, from World Cup celebrations to Olympic rallies.
Cultural Heritage Sites Approved For Filming
The Korea Heritage Service’s Cultural Heritage Committee conditionally approved filming at several historic sites on January 20. BTS will be permitted to film at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Gate, the Woldae platform area, and near Sungnyemun Gate for pre-recorded videos and media facade projections. A subcommittee will assess the project’s potential impact on these cultural assets. HYBE proposed a performance concept titled “K-Heritage and K-POP fusion.”
Global Streaming To Reach 300 Million Viewers
The concert won’t just be for those in Seoul. Officials from HYBE told Seoul Economic Daily that the performance will be live-streamed to an estimated 300 million viewers in 190 countries via global OTT platforms—a scale comparable to the World Cup or the Olympics. During the concert, dazzling media facade projections will illuminate the walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate. This will be the first solo concert by an artist or group ever held at Gwanghwamun Square.
ARIRANG Album Drops March 20
The concert coincides with the release of BTS’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, on March 20, 2026. This marks the group’s first new album in three years and nine months, following the release of Proof in June 2022. ARIRANG is expected to feature 14 tracks in multiple versions, with Target offering ten exclusive vinyl editions and two special CD versions with unique photocards. The album is framed as a reflection on the members’ experiences during their recent break and their anticipated return to group activities, with the title itself referencing Korean folk culture.
World Tour Begins In April
The concert is just the beginning. BTS will launch their largest world tour to date on April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea. The tour is scheduled to include 79 shows across 34 cities on five continents through 2027, featuring a 360-degree stage setup at many venues. The group will perform at major U.S. stadiums for the first time, including stops in Tampa, El Paso, Foxborough, Arlington, and Baltimore. The North American leg begins April 25 in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium and concludes in September 2026 with four shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. European dates are confirmed for Madrid and Brussels.
Previous Free Concert Drew 100,000 Attendees
BTS isn’t strangers to large-scale free concerts. In 2022, before beginning their mandatory military service, the group held a free “Yet to Come in Busan” concert at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium as part of South Korea’s bid for the 2030 World Expo. Approximately 100,000 ARMY members attended in person, with millions more tuning in online. Having completed their mandatory military service in 2025, all seven members are now available for full group promotions, making the Gwanghwamun Square concert their first full-member performance in Korea before embarking on their global tour.
