The U.S. Embassy in Korea and the Japanese Embassy urged their citizens to stay safe ahead of a large-scale concert by BTS to be held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
The Japanese Embassy in Korea advised caution about the surrounding situation in a notice on its website on the 18th, saying the BTS concert will be held at Gwanghwamun Square from 8 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, the 21st this month. It also emphasized, "Make your own safety the top priority."
With about 260,000 people expected to flock to the concert that day, it appears to be urging caution for Japanese residents in Korea and tourists.
The Japanese Embassy in Korea also explained traffic controls. It said the section of Sejong-daero (Gyeongbokgung to City Hall) will be controlled from 9 p.m. on the 20th, the day before the concert, and that on the day of the concert, Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun, and City Hall stations on the Seoul subway will pass through without stopping.
The U.S. Embassy in Korea also issued a "safety caution" alert on the 17th ahead of the BTS concert.
The U.S. Embassy in Korea said the government of the Republic of Korea decided to apply the "caution" level of the crowd disaster crisis alert on the day of the BTS concert, and that a significant police presence will be deployed for order maintenance and counterterrorism. It also explained that it may be difficult to visit the embassy due to traffic controls.
The U.S. Embassy in Korea urged its citizens to stay aware of their surroundings and secure escape routes in case of emergencies. It also advised keeping cellphones charged at all times and checking that they work.