BTS successfully held their “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG” concert on the afternoon of the 21st in the area surrounding Gwanghwamun Square, with approximately 104,000 fans and members of the public in attendance. Despite the large crowd, order was maintained without any major disruption thanks to carefully planned safety control and management measures implemented in advance. Combined with the mature concert-going culture of fans, the event concluded without any significant incidents.
On the 22nd, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young stated on his social media (SNS), “BTS’s ‘ARIRANG’ Gwanghwamun concert concluded safely without a single safety incident,” adding, “The voices of BTS, returning as a full group after 3 years and 5 months, resonated throughout Gwanghwamun Square, which was dyed in purple. The dynamic stage created by all seven members drew gasps of admiration from fans.”
While the Seoul Metropolitan Government praised the event as a major opportunity to showcase кσяєα’s beauty to the world and highlighted its enormous economic impact, some local residents expressed mixed reactions—particularly regarding concerns over the infringement of basic rights. The traffic restrictions imposed for BTS’s comeback concert at Gwanghwamun on the 21st were reported to have caused inconvenience for couples holding weddings in nearby areas.
Mr. A (35), a groom who planned his wedding near Gwanghwamun Square for noon that day, moved the ceremony an hour earlier to 11:00 AM upon hearing news of the traffic control. "Although the restrictions start at 3:00 PM, I heard the schedule could be moved up if variables arise. I adjusted it fearing that even walking to the venue might become impossible," he said.
The process of notifying guests was difficult, and several guests who were confused about the time arrived just as the wedding was ending. Mr. A added, "During the preparation, I worried about not meeting the minimum guest count for the venue, and some flower delivery companies even canceled, saying it was impossible to deliver wreaths."
Another groom, Mr. Son (36), who also got married on the same day, told Kyunghyang Shinmun on the 19th: "The biggest reason we chose this venue was for traffic convenience, but the situation has completely changed. This is a wedding we prepared with tens of millions of won—is our marriage nothing while BTS is so great that it’s okay?" Mr. Son is even considering filing a lawsuit for damages against the concert organizers.
As reactions intensified, HYBE issued an official statement on the 22nd following the concert. The company acknowledged the inconvenience caused and expressed a sincere apology: "We would also like to both apologize to and thank the citizens in the Gwanghwamun area, along with the local merchants, office workers, and visitors. Because we absolutely needed to ensure the safety of this event that was receiving attention from all over the world, we inevitably had to implement certain [safety] measures, such as traffic and building restrictions or searches for dangerous items.”
They continued: "We would like to sincerely apologize to those who commute through Gwanghwamun Square and everyone who experienced inconvenience in their precious personal schedules or daily routines because of these [measures]. It was thanks to your generous understanding and consideration that we were able to create this meaningful occasion".
Following HYBE’s statement, some local residents called for understanding, noting that both the company and local authorities had implemented support measures rather than ignoring the situation. For example, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency deployed ρσℓι¢є buses from 3 PM to 4 PM to transport wedding guests. Alternative traffic routes had also been announced several days in advance.
Meanwhile, not only HYBE but also the BTS members themselves continuously expressed sincere apologies and gratitude both during and after the concert. SUGA delivered a message of appreciation: “We also thank Seoul City and all the people who made it possible for us to perform here, as well as the ρσℓι¢є and many others who worked so hard on-site.” Following him, Jimin expressed similar gratitude and even personally apologized for the inconvenience: “We’re really grateful. You all worked hard. We’re sorry.”
Leader RM also shared a message of thanks and apology on behalf of BTS to organizations, residents, and local merchants. He wrote, “We deeply thank the ρσℓι¢є, fire department, government, and local authorities who worked hard to ensure the performance ended without major incidents,” and added, “We also feel sorry and grateful to the citizens and merchants who endured traffic controls and noise inconveniences.”
Notably, while some residents complained about the inconveniences caused by the event, many others praised it and even expressed gratitude toward BTS and ARMYs for its significant economic impact. Kyunghyang Shinmun reported, “Thank You, BTS! Sales Soar at Convenience Stores and Department Stores Near Gwanghwamun and Myeongdong.” Yonhap News Agency wrote, “‘ARMY-nomics Becomes Reality’… Retail Sector Hits the ‘Jackpot’ Following BTS Gwanghwamun Concert,” while The кσяєα Economic Daily noted, “Convenience Stores in Gwanghwamun and Jongno See 7-Fold Sales Spike Due to the ‘BTS Effect.’”
