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Seoul Grants Conditional Approval for BTS March Comeback Show at Gwanghwamun

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BTS Announces March 20 Album Release and Global Livestream Plans BTS will drop its fifth studio album Arirang on March 20, marking the group’s first full‑group release in nearly four years, and the performance will be streamed to an estimated 300 million viewers in 190 countries [1][2].

Hybe Seeks Dual Concerts for 18,000 and 30,000 Attendees Hybe’s application requests an 18,000‑person concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 and a 30,000‑person event at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, both tied to the album launch [1][2].

Seoul Government Issues Safety‑Driven Conditional Approval for Gwanghwamun Show The metropolitan government approved the Gwanghwamun concert contingent on crowd‑flow rules, staggered exit times, traffic‑impact mitigation, and on‑site checks to prevent inflated hotel prices and other unfair practices [1].

Cultural Heritage Committee Grants Conditional Filming Permission at Palaces The Korea Heritage Service’s Cultural Heritage Committee allowed pre‑recorded filming at Gyeongbok Palace and Sungnyemun gate on a day the palace is closed to the public, with a subcommittee to evaluate impact on cultural assets before any footage is used [2].

Event Will Blend Heritage Sites with K‑Pop, First Solo Act at Square The proposed “K‑heritage and K‑pop fusion concert” aims to merge traditional Korean settings with BTS’s music, and, if approved, would be the first solo K‑pop performance at Gwanghwamun Square, accompanied by city‑run fan and tourist programs on the comeback day [3][4][1].

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Timeline

Dec 16, 2025 – Culture Minister Chae Hwi‑young announces a national policy to boost K‑pop concerts, pledging a 50,000‑seat dome stadium and new arena‑style halls in Seoul, Goyang and other cities, with regional sports facilities slated for short‑term concert use starting next year[6]. This plan signals government backing for large‑scale live events such as BTS’s upcoming comeback, and sets a infrastructure backdrop for future mega‑concerts.

Dec 31, 2025 – Seoul launches a city‑wide New Year countdown at Gwanghwamun Square as part of the Seoul Light festival, projecting visuals on nine major screens—including the LUUX tower—and drawing “nearly 2 million visitors in two weeks”[5]. The massive public‑art gathering demonstrates the square’s capacity to host huge crowds, foreshadowing its selection for BTS’s March performance.

Jan 19, 2026 – Hybe files an application with the Korea Heritage Service to stage a “K‑heritage and K‑pop fusion concert” at Gyeongbok Palace, Gwanghwamun, the Woldae area and Sungnyemun gate, aiming to blend traditional Korean culture with BTS’s music ahead of their March 20 album release[3][4]. The proposal builds on BTS’s 2020 NBC Tonight Show performance at the palace, highlighting a history of using heritage sites for global exposure.

Jan 21, 2026 – The Korea Heritage Service’s Cultural Heritage Committee grants conditional filming permission for Hybe to shoot pre‑recorded footage at Gyeongbok Palace and Sungnyemun gate, to be used in the comeback show; filming will occur on a day the palace is closed to the public[2]. This approval clears a key logistical hurdle while preserving cultural assets, and the application still envisions a “global livestream to roughly 300 million subscribers in 190 countries.”

Jan 22, 2026 – Seoul’s metropolitan government conditionally approves BTS’s request to hold an 18,000‑person comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 and a 30,000‑person event at Seoul Plaza, imposing safety rules on crowd flow, exit timing and traffic impact[1]. The approval makes BTS the “first solo K‑pop act at Gwanghwamun Square,” marking a milestone for the historic venue and underscoring the city’s strategy to leverage the group’s global draw for tourism and cultural programming.

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