Police ramp up security for BTS comeback, warn against potential terrorist, bomb threats

Ahead of BTS's comeback performance scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, the Seoul police announced plans to strengthen security measures, citing concerns, including the possibility of a terrorist attack.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated that a terrorist incident cannot be completely ruled out, especially considering international tensions, such as the conflict in the Middle East, in a press release on Friday. Police said they will mobilize all available special operations units to conduct advance security inspections across the entire event site.

“There could be significant disruption to the event if a bomb threat is reported on the day of the concert,” police said. “We plan to operate an analysis and response team to proactively assess the risk level of reported threats and respond accordingly.”

“We will track down and arrest anyone who makes a public threat and causes a waste of police resources or disrupts the event,” police added. “We will also pursue civil liability for damages.”

Police plan to place police buses and water-filled barricades on major roads near Gwanghwamun Square to guard against possible vehicle attacks.

Additionally, arched metal detectors will be installed at 30 venue entrances to notify police of dangerous items.

Police warned that enhanced security screenings may cause entry delays and asked attendees to minimize the number of items that they bring with them.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.

BY HAN YOUNG-HYE [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]