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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider BTS plans to hold comeback concert for new album at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul

BTS plans to hold comeback concert for new album at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul

Published Jan 19, 2026 10:49 am
BTS and the statue of King Sejong the Great (inset) at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Photos: Big HIt Music, Jonathan Hicap)
BTS and the statue of King Sejong the Great (inset) at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Photos: Big HIt Music, Jonathan Hicap)
If approved by authorities, K-pop superstars BTS will be holding their first comeback concert for the release of their new album in March at the famous Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. 

Ahead of their world tour in April, BTS will release their new album, “Arirang,” on March 20. 

Korean media outlet Yonhap News published an exclusive report on Jan. 19 that this will be their first full-group performance in Korea ahead of their large-scale world tour. 

The report said HYBE, the parent company of BTS, has prioritized Gwanghwamun Square as a venue to showcase BTS' comeback. 

The statue of King Sejong the Great at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Jonathan Hicap)
The statue of King Sejong the Great at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Jonathan Hicap)
Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Jonathan Hicap)
Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Jonathan Hicap)
BTS (Big Hit Music)
BTS (Big Hit Music)
Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Jonathan Hicap)
Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Jonathan Hicap)

The company has applied for permission to use Gwanghwamun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Sungnyemun Gate area, and is currently in discussions with relevant organizations, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the police, and the Korea Heritage Service, the report stated. 

It applied to the KHS for permission to use and film locations including Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Sungnyemun Gate area.

The Cultural Heritage Committee will review the matter on Jan. 20. 

It added that HYBE applied for permission to use the concert titled "K-Heritage and K-Pop Fusion Performance." The venues include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun, the Gwanghwamun Woldae area, and Sungnyemun Gate.

The company also applied for permission to use Gwanghwamun Square. While the exact attendance has not been confirmed, it plans to select between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees through advance applications. The concert is planned to be free of charge.

Probable dates for the concert include BTS’ return date, March 20, and the weekend of March 21 and 22. 

With thousands of fans expected to gather on the day of the concert, HYBE will be focusing particularly on safety measures, the report added, as Gwanghwamun Square is an open space. 

In 2022, the Seoul Metropolitan Government approved the use of Gwanghwamun Square, subject to conditions such as ensuring safety at night and smooth movement of people, following a review by the Gwanghwamun Square Advisory Committee, which reviews permits for events held at the square.

HYBE, in its application to use Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate, stated, "We prioritize the preservation of the original heritage and the safety of citizens. We will establish an on-site management system centered on experienced professionals and thoroughly implement heritage protection measures and crowd safety management manuals to responsibly promote exemplary use of the square."

BTS previously performed in front of the national treasures Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Sungnyemun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace, promoting Korea as cultural ambassadors.

An outdoor installation for BTS' upcoming album at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts near Gwanghwamun Square (Big Hit Music)
An outdoor installation for BTS' upcoming album at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts near Gwanghwamun Square (Big Hit Music)
Gyeongbokgung Palace across the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Jonathan Hicap)
Gyeongbokgung Palace across the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul (Jonathan Hicap)
An outdoor installation for BTS' upcoming album at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts near Gwanghwamun Square (Big Hit Music)
An outdoor installation for BTS' upcoming album at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts near Gwanghwamun Square (Big Hit Music)
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