Police announced a security plan that mobilizes all available personnel ahead of K-pop group BTS's performance in Gwanghwamun.
On the 13th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it would conduct pre-event safety inspections of all areas of the venue by mobilizing available personnel, including the police special forces, in relation to BTS's performance.
The police have established a preemptive response system especially for the recent surge in aerial threats. If a bomb threat report is received on the day of the event, an analysis response team will be deployed immediately to manage the situation so that the performance proceeds without disruption.
The police also made clear a strict response policy toward acts that disturb public order, such as false bomb threats, saying, "If aerial threats such as bomb threats cause a waste of police resources or disruption of the event, we will in principle conduct arrests and pursue and apprehend suspects to the end," and stressed, "We also plan to thoroughly pursue civil liability for damages."
In addition, physical safety measures around the venue will be significantly strengthened. To prepare for vehicle-ramming incidents, police buses and water-filled barricades will be installed on roads near the venue, and walk-through metal detectors will be installed at 30 spectator entrances to block the entry of dangerous items.
The police said strengthened screening procedures may cause considerable delays in entering the venue and asked attendees to minimize personal belongings as much as possible.
Meanwhile, BTS will release their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, at 1 p.m. on the 20th and make a full-group comeback. Then on the next day, the 21st, they will hold "BTS comeback live: ARIRANG" around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul for about an hour starting at 8 p.m. The performance will be broadcast live online not only offline but also through Netflix.
[Photo] BigHit Music
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