With just two days left until BTS’s live performance at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, fans from all over the world have already begun flooding into Incheon International Airport in preparation for this major event. Surprisingly, the sheer number of arrivals has led to severe overcrowding at the airport over the past few days—so much so that it has been compared to a bustling marketplace. Many travelers reported waiting between one to two hours and experiencing chaotic conditions, especially at Terminal 2.

One foreign traveler, identified as A, who arrived at Incheon on a кσяєαn Air flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, said the arrivals hall was packed with seemingly endless lines. It took them more than two hours to complete immigration, customs, and baggage claim, causing them to miss their pre-booked bus.

Another foreign traveler, B, said that immigration alone took over an hour, describing a chaotic scene with hundreds of people pushing and shouting in line. They added that there were no staff members guiding or managing the crowd, making them feel as if they could be crushed at any moment.

The situation has worsened since Asiana Airlines moved from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 on January 14. During peak hours at Terminal 2—especially from 5 PM to 7 PM—long lines stretch from immigration counters to quarantine checkpoints, further aggravating congestion. The overcrowding has even spread from parking areas and departure zones to the arrivals hall.

In addition, prolonged immigration procedures have resulted in unattended luggage piling up on baggage claim belts, adding to the chaos in the arrivals area.

The congestion is believed to stem from a shortage of immigration officers. Even during peak arrival times, only three to four counters are open for foreign pαѕѕengers. Although there are 26 staffed counters across the east and west sides of Terminal 2, the utilization rate remains at just 30–50%, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing the surge of international arrivals.

A government official acknowledged the issue, stating: “Pαѕѕenger numbers keep increasing, but staffing has not. We are aware of the congestion and are implementing early opening and flexible operation of counters, among other measures, to ease the situation.”

Immigration control is often the first impression visitors have of a country. However, long waits in overcrowded arrival halls can create a negative experience even before the event begins. Critics warn that if procedures at Incheon Airport are not improved, visitors’ enthusiasm for Seoul could diminish despite BTS’s strong appeal. Moreover, the situation serves as a warning sign for the city’s preparation and crowd management on the day of BTS’s event at Gwanghwamun, which is expected to attract around 260,000 people at once.

Meanwhile, even the members of BTS are aware of the mαѕѕive “pilgrimage” of ARMYs traveling from across the globe. Some members have expressed concern days ahead of officially meeting fans on stage on the 21st.

On March 19, Kim Seokjin advised fans on Weverse: “If you're watching on the spot, please pay attention to your safety!” Minutes later, leader Kim Namjoon also emphasized in another post: “As it is a gathering place for many people, please make sure that everyone can enjoy the performance safely and joyfully. Please follow the guidance of the field staff and safety personnel on the day and show an orderly appearance. I think a better performance can be completed only when there is order and consideration made by each ARMY.”

Even so, one undeniable reality is that the current situation clearly reflects just how immense BTS’s appeal and influence are, especially with their return after three years. It only heightens the anticipation and excitement within the fandom as the big moment draws closer!