BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Sells 3.98 Million Copies on Day 1 Ahead of Gwanghwamun Comeback Show BTS is back, and the group’s first-day numbers underscored the scale of the return after a 3-year, 9-month wait. According to Hanteo Chart on Friday, BTS’ fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” released at 1 p.m. Thursday, sold 3.98 million copies on its first day to top the daily chart. The figure surpassed the previous record first-week opening tally set by the group’s 2020 album “MAP OF THE SOUL : 7,” which sold 3.37 million copies, in just one day. The new album reached million-seller status within 10 minutes of release and went to No. 1 on iTunes’ Top Albums chart in 88 countries and regions. The title track, “SWIM,” also led iTunes’ Top Songs chart in 90 countries and regions, including the United States and Japan, as of 9 a.m. Friday. In South Korea, it topped Melon’s Top 100, while B-side “Body to Body” ranked No. 2. Kim Hyeon-jeong, a vice president at BigHit Music, said the album was built from the members’ roots and was produced to help global fans follow the message. “We used Korean and English in alternation so fans around the world can understand the message and enjoy it across generations,” she said, calling it the result of intense deliberation over what the members and Bang Si-hyuk, the company’s chairman, wanted to convey. The choice of Gwanghwamun as the concert venue was also tied to the group’s identity, said Yoo Dong-ju, HYBE’s APAC representative. He said Bang’s view was that if BTS, which began in South Korea and became global superstars, returned, “the starting point must be South Korea’s most symbolic space.” He said the aim is to share a rare cultural experience in an iconic Korean setting where people of all nationalities and generations raise a toast together. The buildup is set to peak Friday night with “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” scheduled for 8 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square. The roughly hourlong show is expected to feature large-scale staging using a route from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gwanghwamun, often referred to as the “King’s Road.” With large crowds anticipated, the members urged fans to prioritize safety. Leader RM asked attendees to “please follow the guidance of on-site staff and safety personnel” and said he hoped for orderly conduct. Jin said it was an honor to greet fans again in a meaningful place and repeatedly emphasized safety. Police expect as many as 260,000 people to gather from the stage area to Sungnyemun. That would be the largest crowd since the 2002 World Cup street cheering, when about 250,000 people assembled. The Seoul city government said that as of 3 p.m., about 23,000 people had already gathered near Gwanghwamun and Deoksugung Palace, up about 23.8% from three hours earlier. Officials said the atmosphere remained festive under organized safety management. The event will be livestreamed via Netflix to more than 190 countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 15:51:19

BTS Live Update: AJP joins purple, BTS members share mix of nerve and excitement SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -AJP and its sister publication Aju Business Daily joined the wave of anticipation in Gwanghwamun, distributing special BTS editions in Korean, English and Chinese to fans gathering ahead of the evening concert. More than 20,000 copies were handed out, quickly drawing crowds as fans flocked to pick up the editions featuring the latest group photo on the front page. “I love the photo. It’s something I don’t have,” one fan said, asking to take multiple copies. Others followed, collecting extras to share with friends. “I love that it’s a different kind of purple,” another fan said. Members share a mix of excitement and anxiety BTS members shared a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of their first full-group return in nearly four years, while urging fans to prioritize safety amid the unprecedented scale of the event. “Finally, it’s today, ARMY. I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited,” Jimin wrote on Weverse on Friday, adding that he felt both excited and anxious as thousands prepared to attend. “If you feel unwell during the show, please let nearby staff know. Let’s move a little slower, look out for each other, and make sure no one gets hurt. Safety was front of mind for the group. RM urged fans to follow staff and security instructions to ensure an orderly and safe concert environment. ARMY fans complied, adjusting with good humor to multiple layers of security. To enter the plaza, attendees had to pass through 31 gated checkpoints installed along perimeter fences. Each gate was equipped with walk-through metal detectors to screen for hazardous items, while police conducted physical and bag inspections on site. Most of the officers deployed were women, reflecting the predominantly female composition of the ARMY fan base. The tight controls, however, created bottlenecks. Some fans who arrived at dawn were seen circling the area, unable to secure a spot inside the venue. 2026-03-21 12:26:37

BTS Live: Global fans brave biting winds to witness K-pop legend's Seoul comeback SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -Thousands of spectators are currently gathering in central Seoul under a clear spring sky, enduring a sharp 6 kilometers per hour southwest wind that has kept temperatures at a persistent 12 degrees Celsius. The conditions, while visually brilliant, present a physical trial for international fans who have occupied the open stone expanses of Gwanghwamun Square since the early morning hours. The massive assembly serves as the live launch for "Arirang," the group’s fifth studio album released only yesterday. Fans have traveled from dozens of countries to witness "The Comeback Live | Arirang," a free, 60-minute spectacle that marks the first time all seven members will perform together since 2022. The choice of venue—the historical gateway to Korea's royal past—was designed to underscore the national significance of their return to civilian life. The arrival of the septet ends a hiatus defined by mandatory military service and a shifting global music landscape. Today's showcase is not merely a concert but a calculated reassertion of dominance by the most significant cultural export of Seoul. As the sun maintains a 14-degree Celsius peak, the real test of endurance will arrive after sunset when the temperature is forecast to plunge to a low of 5 degrees Celsius for the 8 p.m. start. The atmosphere at the square is defined by 39 percent humidity, creating a crisp, high-visibility environment ideal for the Netflix global broadcast but demanding for those standing in the long shadows of the surrounding government buildings. Security personnel and medical units have been deployed across the plaza to monitor the crowd as the wind chill remains a persistent factor for those waiting in the open air. Voices from the cold For those embedded in the crowd, the plummeting temperature is secondary to the emotional weight of the reunion. Aung Pyae-hein, a 30-year-old fan from Myanmar, arrived heavily prepared for the shift in weather. "It's not too cold today, but I am wearing long johns to brace the weather, just in case," he said. Aunge added that he even created handmade merchandise to attach to his traditional Hanbok for the occasion. Others are relying on the sheer density of the 200,000-strong crowd to provide physical warmth. Olivia Lim, 31, who traveled from Singapore, expressed confidence that the collective energy would help her bear the chilly weather. "I think the crowd and the heat of the moment will protect us," Lim said. "It is chilly, but I will be fine. I think the crowd will protect us and we will be too busy focusing on the stage." Her sentiment was shared by Charlotte Tang, 28, also from Singapore, who was dressed in a red Korean traditional dress, Hanbok, to match the new album cover. "I will make it through with the heat of the crowd," Tang said. The performance has even attracted those in Seoul for other purposes. Emma, 43, from England, found herself at the square despite being in the city on a business trip. "It is a bit chilly, but I can handle the cold, being with the fans vibing through the concert. I will make it out alive," she said, noting she is content to watch the performance on the massive digital screens installed across the venue. High-pressure return under clear skies Despite the 12 degrees Celsius chill, the energy at the site remains absolute. The clear conditions have allowed for the deployment of sophisticated crane cameras and drones, which are capturing the scale of the 200,000-strong crowd against the backdrop of the Gyeongbokgung Palace gates. This visual symmetry between Korea's dynastic past and its modern pop royalty is expected to be a central theme of the evening broadcast. As the afternoon progresses, the southwest winds are expected to continue, with the temperature beginning its steady descent toward the 5-degree Celsius evening low. For the fans who have traveled from across the globe, the cold is a secondary concern to the impending performance, yet it remains the primary environmental obstacle for a city currently under a total cultural lockdown. 2026-03-21 12:18:33

BTS Live: Seoul fights to ensure "bangtan" - bulletproof and safe show SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -BTS, the English acronym for Bangtan Sonyeondan — “bulletproof” — will return to the stage in a city determined to live up to the name. Seoul authorities are moving to ensure that the group’s largest-ever crowd show at Gwanghwamun ends, quite literally, bulletproof. Security has been dialed up to an extraordinary level, shaped by the lingering trauma of the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush and rising geopolitical risks, from Middle East tensions to the persistent threat posed by North Korea, with which South Korea remains technically at war. Authorities will deploy about 15,000 personnel across Gwanghwamun and surrounding districts on March 21, turning the historic heart of Seoul into what officials describe as a “virtual stadium” under one of the most comprehensive security operations in recent years. Police estimate up to 260,000 people could gather between Gwanghwamun and Sungnyemun — exceeding the scale of the 2002 World Cup street rallies and the 2014 visit by Pope Francis — with a significant influx of foreign fans adding to both the energy and complexity of the event. More than 6,700 police officers, including 72 mobile units and 35 investigative teams, are being deployed, supported by 8,200 personnel from city authorities, fire services and organizers. A 1.2-kilometer stretch from across Gwanghwamun Woldae to City Hall Station on Lines 1 and 2 — about 200 meters wide — was encircled by fencing, effectively sealing off the plaza. To pass through, visitors had to enter via 31 designated gates lined along the perimeter, each equipped with walk-through metal detectors. Police on-site conducted physical and belongings checks, with a large number of female officers deployed in consideration of the predominantly female BTS fan base, known as ARMY. Under the tight controls, some fans who had arrived from early morning were seen circling the area, unable to secure a spot inside. The security architecture is deliberately layered. Five major roads and 15 side streets will be sealed off with triple barricades using police buses and barriers to prevent vehicle-ramming attacks. Around the main stage, access will be tightly controlled with multiple rings of fencing creating a near-sterile zone. Authorities have divided the area into 15 sectors, each led by a senior police commander, establishing a clear chain of control. Entry will be funneled through 31 designated gates equipped with metal detectors from early morning. Armed officers will be stationed inside, while additional checks using some 300 portable scanners will be conducted outside. Those without identification may be subject to fingerprint verification. Technology forms a critical layer of defense. High-elevation observation vehicles capable of rising more than 8 meters will scan dense crowd zones, with cameras offering up to 30x zoom. Police will also deploy counter-drone systems, including jamming guns to disable unauthorized aerial devices. Only approved drones — such as those used for official monitoring — will be allowed to operate. Access to 31 nearby buildings will be restricted to prevent unauthorized rooftop viewing or entry. Even partial exceptions, including a scheduled wedding at the Korea Press Center, will face additional screening. Subway lockers at 17 major stations — including Gwanghwamun, City Hall and Seoul Station — will be temporarily closed through early March 22 to eliminate potential concealment risks. The operation is equally focused on preventing crowd accidents. Authorities are modeling the area as a controlled stadium, with defined entry gates and movement corridors. Seven mobile patrol units, including foreign affairs teams, will assist international visitors and manage risks. Emergency response capacity has been expanded. On-site medical clinics will operate near key landmarks, while 102 fire vehicles and multiple medical booths will remain on standby. For Seoul, the event is more than a concert. It is a stress test of its ability to host a massive, open urban gathering in a period of elevated global risk — balancing celebration with control, openness with vigilance. This time, the goal is clear: to make the spectacle unforgettable, and the system invisible. 2026-03-21 11:08:27

BTS Live: Seoul rehearses for comeback show with own digital and drone spectacle SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -The city did not wait for the real show. On the eve of BTS’s comeback show Friday, Seoul became the stage itself — a vast, breathing amphitheater where sky, stone and river moved in sync to a rhythm already familiar to millions. Above Gwanghwamun, the night opened like a screen. Drones gathered in disciplined silence before bursting into motion, sketching constellations that resolved into faces, logos, fragments of memory. Nearly 2,000 points of light hovered and turned, then dissolved again, as if the sky were thinking out loud. Fountains rose in timed arcs, catching light and music — “SWIM” first, then “Body to Body” — the title tracks from the album released just hours earlier. Water became choreography. Light became pulse. The square, long a place of history and assembly, shifted into something fluid, almost weightless. Tourists stopped mid-step. Citizens who had crossed the plaza a thousand times found themselves looking up, phones forgotten in their hands. Then the first screams came — not of panic, but of recognition. Along the Han River, the reaction rippled outward. At Ttukseom Hangang Park, the crowd had already begun its own concert. Light sticks — thousands of them — flickered in synchronized waves, turning the riverbank into a field of moving stars. When the music reached them, people did not hesitate. They danced where they stood: teenagers, office workers, visitors who had arrived curious and found themselves converted. Back at the city’s historic core, Seoul staged a quieter, more improbable conversation. Media facades washed over the old gates — Gwanghwamun, Sungnyemun — their surfaces carrying images that belonged unmistakably to the present. Digital color clung to wood and stone shaped by centuries. The effect was not collision, but layering: heritage holding the projection steady, technology giving it motion. For a moment, the past did not recede. It absorbed. This was the rehearsal before the spectacle — a city testing its voice before the main performance. Not confined to a single venue, but distributed across landmarks, riverbanks and sky, the pre-event unfolded as a networked celebration, where tradition, technology and fandom met without hierarchy. By midnight, Seoul had already crossed the threshold. The concert had yet to begin. But the city — lit, singing, and unmistakably alive — had already started. 2026-03-21 10:30:22

Animuscure receives FDA orphan drug designation for ALS treatment candidate SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Animuscure, a biotech startup founded by Sookmyung Women’s University (SWU) Pharmacy Professor Bae Gyu-un, announced that its drug candidate AMC6156 has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug is currently being developed to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual damage and loss of motor neurons. This leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis. The disease typically affects middle-aged and older adults, with a survival period generally estimated between two and five years after the onset of symptoms. Current medical options to fundamentally stop the progression of ALS remain extremely limited, representing a significant unmet medical need. AniMusCure Inc. (Animuscure) is developing AMC6156 as an oral medication featuring a new mechanism of action aimed at improving muscle function. As an oral formulation, the drug is expected to improve patient convenience, and the company plans to explore combination therapies and commercialization strategies based on future clinical results. The FDA grants ODD to drugs intended for the treatment of rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. This designation provides several incentives for developers, including tax credits for clinical trials, eligibility for federal grants, a waiver of prescription drug user fees, and seven years of market exclusivity upon regulatory approval. This marks the second FDA ODD for the company. In September 2025, Animuscure received the same designation for AMC8012, a treatment candidate for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare congenital muscle disorder. By securing consecutive designations for muscle and neurological conditions, the company is strengthening its position in the global drug development market. "With this orphan drug designation as a stepping stone, we will accelerate global clinical development," said CEO Bae Gyu-un. "Our goal is to provide new options for ALS patients who currently have very limited treatment choices." 2026-03-21 10:15:52

BMW 520i M Sport Review: Smooth Turbo-Hybrid Power, Stable Ride and More Space BMW’s 520i, a core model in the 5 Series lineup, aims to balance two traditional sedan priorities: driving enjoyment and comfort. A recent test drive showed how closely it can hold that line. On March 14, the BMW 520i M Sport was driven about 200 kilometers (124 miles) round trip from Seoul to Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi province and Cheorwon in Gangwon province. The exterior matched expectations for a premium sedan, and on the road it delivered performance that went beyond first impressions. At highway speeds, the car’s character became clear. Pressing the accelerator brought a smoother-than-expected surge forward, with power building steadily rather than abruptly. The 520i M Sport pairs a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Output is rated at 190 horsepower and 31.6 kg·m of torque, with 0-100 kph acceleration in 8.1 seconds. Stability stood out on highway ramps and during quick lane changes, with little sense of body roll or shake. Ride comfort remained steady enough for passengers to notice. On regular roads, the auto start-stop system operated smoothly during stop-and-go driving, helping preserve the quiet feel expected of a sedan. Fuel economy also held up: the official combined rating is 12.1 km per liter, while the test drive recorded 13.7 km per liter. Design cues stayed true to BMW’s identity, including twin headlights and the kidney grille up front. A rising character line along the side emphasized a sportier profile, and the Hofmeister kink at the C-pillar incorporated a stylized “5.” The body is larger than before without feeling sluggish. Compared with the previous seventh-generation facelift model, overall length is up 95 millimeters, width 30 millimeters and height 35 millimeters, while the wheelbase grows by 20 millimeters. The added size translates into a roomier cabin, especially in the second row, with ample legroom and headroom. Trunk capacity is 530 liters, enough for golf bags or travel luggage. Long-distance driving fatigue was limited, helped by Driving Assistant Professional, which managed following distance and lane assistance and reduced workload in congestion. Over the drive, the 520i M Sport made a clear case for its popularity, combining the fundamentals of a German sedan with a satisfying feel behind the wheel. It is positioned for buyers seeking a balance between sedan comfort and sport-oriented driving.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 09:03:12

GULF CRISIS: Trump signals "winding-down" , Seoul joins statement on Iran SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a potential shift toward winding down military operations against Iran while he continuing to press key Asian allies, including South Korea, to take a more active role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy artery. South Korea belatedly joined a statement by Japan and other non-Gulf countries condemning Iran for weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said Washington was “considering a gradual wind down” of its large-scale military campaign in the Middle East, adding that U.S. forces were “very close” to achieving their objectives. He outlined five core goals of the operation: neutralizing Iran’s missile capabilities, dismantling its defense industry, incapacitating its naval and air forces including air defense systems, permanently blocking its nuclear capabilities, and ensuring maximum protection for U.S. allies in the region. The remarks suggested that Washington may be exploring an exit strategy after nearly three weeks of escalating conflict. However, Trump’s messaging remained contradictory. Hours earlier, he dismissed the idea of a cease-fire, saying, “You don’t do a cease-fire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.” The ambiguity has left markets and allies uncertain whether the U.S. is genuinely preparing to de-escalate or simply attempting to stabilize oil prices and financial volatility without a concrete disengagement plan. But developments on the battleground pointed to continued escalation rather than de-escalation. The Pentagon is deploying additional Marines and three more warships to the region, marking the second reinforcement in a week and fueling speculation over a potential ground operation. Iran remains defiant. Its newly installed supreme leader warned that “safety must be taken away” from its enemies, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rejected claims that its missile capabilities had been crippled. Israel said it had eliminated key leadership figures within the Basij militia, including its intelligence chief, in targeted strikes. The conflict has already begun spilling across the region. Gulf states reported intercepting drones and missiles, while NATO withdrew all personnel from Iraq to Europe, underscoring rising security risks. Oil markets remain on edge. Brent crude settled at $112.19 per barrel — the highest close since 2022 — after briefly spiking to $119 intraday, reflecting fears of prolonged disruption to global energy supply. Even as he hinted at a drawdown, Trump renewed calls for U.S. allies to shoulder more responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively choked off. “We don’t use the strait. We don’t need it,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Europe needs it. Korea, Japan, China — a lot of other people — so they’ll have to get involved.” He added that countries dependent on the route should “guard and police” it themselves, with the U.S. offering support only if requested. The remarks reflect Washington’s growing push to shift the burden of maritime security to energy-importing economies, particularly in Asia, even as it continues military operations against Iran. Seoul has responded cautiously, seeking to balance alliance coordination with domestic and regional constraints. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry late Friday said it would join a joint statement issued by seven countries — including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan — condemning Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and calling for the protection of freedom of navigation. “The decision reflects our fundamental position on ensuring safe maritime routes and the direct impact of disruptions on our energy security and economy,” the ministry said. The move signals diplomatic alignment with the U.S. and European partners while stopping short of committing to direct military participation such as dispatching naval forces. The joint statement itself was widely interpreted as a symbolic show of support rather than a binding operational commitment. Public sentiment in South Korea remains a key constraint. A Gallup Korea poll released Friday showed that 55 percent of respondents oppose sending naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, compared with 30 percent in favor. Opposition was particularly strong among centrists and progressives, while conservative voters were more evenly split. The data highlights the political risk for Seoul in responding to Washington’s request for military involvement, particularly amid heightened uncertainty over the trajectory of the conflict. Still, some ruling party lawmakers have suggested leveraging potential participation as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the U.S., including securing greater autonomy over nuclear-powered submarine development. 2026-03-21 07:57:25

BTS Set for Full-Group Gwanghwamun Square Return After Military Hiatus After 3 years and 9 months away, BTS is set to reunite on stage as the seven members, who had been separated by mandatory military service, come back together at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. The planned comeback is being framed as more than a pop event, with the group’s walk from Gyeongbok Palace’s Geunjeongmun Gate along the raised stone path known as the “King’s Road” to the stage presented as a symbol of how far K-culture has traveled. Ahead of the full-group return, this report looks at the seven members and their individual paths. ◆ RM, the group’s message architect and compass RM is described as the group’s philosophical anchor, shaping BTS’ worldview by weaving questions of identity and solitude into the conventions of idol pop. In 2025, he spoke about the soft power of K-culture at the APEC CEO Summit, a moment the article cites as reflecting his evolution beyond an artist. Known as an art enthusiast, RM has also helped extend fan culture into galleries, popularizing what fans call an “RM tour.” ◆ Jin, praised for a “silver voice” Jin, the oldest member, is portrayed as a steady emotional center for the team. Popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo has praised his tone as a “silver voice,” and the article says it deepened further on Jin’s 2025 mini-album “Echo.” His music is described as favoring sincerity over vocal showmanship, with restrained emotion in songs about love and separation. ◆ Suga, a meticulous builder bridging tradition and modern sound Suga, also known as Agust D, is credited with sharp lyrics and detailed production that help define the group’s musical finish. The article highlights his work combining Korean traditional sounds — including daechwita and the haegeum — with hip-hop as a distinctive modern reinterpretation. It also notes that in 2025 he donated 5 billion won to Yonsei Severance to establish the “Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center.” ◆ J-Hope, the energy that drives the stage J-Hope is described as the group’s pulse, having started as a street dancer and long served as a performance anchor. The article says his solo work broadened his musical range, spanning lo-fi hip-hop and R&B. It points to his 2025 releases “Mona Lisa” and “Sweet Dreams” as examples, and says his stage energy is expected to be a major force in the full-group performance. ◆ Jimin, a performer shaped by modern dance Jimin’s stage presence is described as narrative-driven, rooted in his background in dance, including entering Busan Arts High School’s dance department as the top student. The article notes his Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “Like Crazy,” and cites his more recent “Who,” saying his music closely translates an inward search for inspiration. His blend of movement and vocal presence is described as an irreplaceable color within the group. ◆ V, an icon across music and visual culture V is portrayed as influential beyond music, with impact in fashion, exhibitions and photography. The article points to his solo album “Layover” as showing a restrained sensibility and a clear artistic stance. Rather than following trends, it says, his image has become a cultural marker shaping how pop culture is consumed in 2026. ◆ Jung Kook, a benchmark for global pop Jung Kook, the youngest member, is described as having set measurable highs for K-pop. With “Seven” and “GOLDEN,” the article says, he broke records as the first Asian solo artist to do so, moving beyond the label of “the group’s youngest” to a global pop-star position. It cites his steady live vocals, performance and songwriting as key drivers of BTS’ continued strength in the global market. The seven members, the article concludes, have each shone on their own paths before converging again. It says 260,000 people are expected to gather at Gwanghwamun Square, where the group will walk the “King’s Road” and perform “Arirang.” The performance is framed not simply as a return, but as a statement of pride built over 13 years of K-culture — and the opening of a new chapter for BTS.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 06:05:28

BTS to Reunite at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square as Police Expect 260,000 After being separated by mandatory military service, seven young men are set to reunite on the stage at Gwanghwamun Square, ending a 3-year, 9-month pause. BTS will return as a full group at 8 p.m. Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, their first complete lineup performance in 3 years and 9 months since the June 2022 anthology album “Proof.” The comeback stage will also open the group’s fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG.” Police estimate as many as 260,000 people will gather at the site. The show will be livestreamed on Netflix to more than 190 countries, with real-time screenings also planned on large outdoor screens in major cities across Asia, the Americas and Europe, according to the report. ◆ From Gyeongbokgung to the main stage, a ceremonial walk Organizers plan an opening that begins not on the stage but on a route through Gyeongbokgung Palace. The members are to start at Geunjeongmun Gate, pass Heungnyemun Gate and the Gwanghwamun gatehouse, then cross the recently restored “Woldae” platform before heading to the main stage — a recreation of the “king’s road” once reserved for Joseon-era monarchs. The report said the members are expected to wear stage outfits that reinterpret traditional clothing in a modern style. The Woldae, which the report said was buried under tram tracks during Japan’s colonial period and restored to its original form after more than 100 years, is described as a key part of the staging. The Korea Heritage Service supported the production by making the unusual decision to close the palace on Saturday, the report said. ◆ A 1-kilometer viewing zone; free admission The stage has been set at the north end of Gwanghwamun Square, and admission is free. Viewing areas stretch about 1 kilometer past the statues of King Sejong and Adm. Yi Sun-sin to near City Hall Station. The report described it as the largest single event since the square opened. For safety, designated seating was expanded from 15,000 to 22,000 seats, but police still expect crowds could approach 260,000. Seoul plans to place large screens and additional high-performance speakers around the square so people outside the main zones can follow the show, the report said. ◆ Subway pass-throughs and heavy security; 14,700 personnel deployed Fans were urged to check transit restrictions. Trains on Seoul Subway Line 5 will pass through Gwanghwamun Station without stopping from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. City Hall Station on Lines 1 and 2 will be pass-through only from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 will also not stop from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the report said. Jonggak and Anguk stations may face additional controls depending on congestion. A total of 14,700 personnel will be deployed, including 6,500 police officers, along with staff from the Seoul city government and Hybe, the report said. Authorities plan to manage crowd density by zone and position emergency medical and rescue teams throughout the area. Access to rooftops and upper floors of 31 nearby buildings will be tightly restricted as part of heightened security measures, the report said. With chilly late-March conditions expected and long waits outdoors likely, the report advised attendees to bring light outerwear and warm items such as scarves and gloves, and to keep belongings to a minimum. ◆ Tour outlook: 34 cities, 79 shows; estimates cite 100 trillion won impact Saturday’s performance is described as a lead-in to the “ARIRANG” world tour, scheduled for 79 shows in 34 cities. The securities industry and the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute estimated direct sales from the tour at 2.9 trillion won and the overall economic ripple effect at 100 trillion won, the report said. The concert will be livestreamed on Netflix to more than 190 countries. The report also noted that, with the show airing during a weekend prime-time slot, delivery demand is expected to surge and viewers at home may want to order at least two hours in advance. Related events under “BTS THE CITY SEOUL” will run across Seoul from Saturday through April 12, the report said. 2026-03-21 06:03:28