BTS is “thrilled” to meet fans again at the megagroup's concert in central Seoul, said members in online messages expressing gratitude ahead of the event to public officials working to ensure public safety on Saturday.

The septet is scheduled to make its long-awaited return by performing at Gwanghwamun Square at 8 p.m. Saturday to mark the release of its long-awaited new album, “Arirang.”


As the concert is expected to draw some 260,000 people to the area — far exceeding the 22,000 ticket holders — the band called for fans' cooperation in maintaining order and safety.

“Since many people will be gathering, we ask that everyone enjoy the show safely,” leader RM wrote on K-pop fan community platform Weverse. “Please follow the instructions of staff and security personnel. I believe that the respect and consideration of each fan make for a better performance.”

“We are sincerely grateful to police officers, firefighters, officials from central and local authorities and everyone else who is working to ensure safety,” added the leader.

Eldest member Jin also wrote, “Thanks to the many people who helped and supported us, we're able to hold our comeback show at Gwanghwamun.”

“It's an honor to greet everyone again at such a meaningful place, and we're truly thankful to everyone who helped and understood.” He continued, “We'll do our best to deliver a great performance, and ask everyone on-site to stay safe.”

Police will step up stop-and-search checks around the venue of BTS’s comeback concert set to take place at Gwanghwamun Square.

A crowd control line set up outside the concert viewing area will limit capacity to about 100,000 people and deploy around 300 portable metal detectors outside the control line to inspect the belongings of any individuals suspected of carrying weapons in bags. People without identification may be asked to provide their resident registration number and undergo fingerprint checks.

BY YOON SO-YEON, YONHAP [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]