As BTS wrapped up its comeback concert held around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 21st, major Japanese media on the 22nd rolled out in-depth coverage analyzing from multiple angles the political symbolism and historical background of the venue. There was also notable focus on safety management measures to control the crowds.
According to a compilation of major foreign reports on the 22nd, including the Sankei Shimbun and the Mainichi Shimbun, Japanese outlets first zeroed in on the historical weight of Gwanghwamun as a physical space. The Nikkei said BTS showcased Korean identity in front of the main gate of a Joseon-era royal palace, taking K-pop to a global audience. The Nikkei introduced Gwanghwamun Square as "a meaningful place symbolizing Korean democracy," explaining in detail that it is a hub where large numbers of citizens gather whenever political controversy flares. Kyodo News likewise spotlighted the site as a core tourist destination and historical center where many cultural properties are clustered. The Yomiuri Shimbun placed the candid reflections shared by the seven members who took the stage prominently on its homepage, signaling strong interest.
Japanese outlets also devoted substantial coverage to crowd control measures for a turnout that was expected to reach up to 260,000. The Mainichi Shimbun reported that 7,000 police officers were deployed on the day, encircling the stage area with multiple layers of fences and effectively turning the vicinity into a fortified stronghold. The report also noted that, after the 2022 Itaewon disaster heightened sensitivity around safety, Korean authorities installed metal detectors at entrances, mobilized special units, and mounted an exceptional security posture. The Yomiuri Shimbun likewise reported that police dispersed crowds at multiple points to keep pedestrian flow from stalling. The Sankei Shimbun placed emphasis on the fact that a large-scale fire mobilization order was issued, immediately deploying more than 100 fire engines.
Ahead of the concert, the Japanese BTS fandom was abuzz on social media. Oricon News reported, "BTS expressed sincere thanks to Japanese fans for waiting patiently for a long time without change," conveying a moving mood.
Sports Hochi closely analyzed the members' flamboyant stage costumes, describing member V as a "prince from a fairy tale." The outfits used in this concert were custom-made by the renowned Korean designer brand Songzio. Song Jae-woo, creative director at Songzio and successor to his father, designer Songzio, said, "We three-dimensionally expressed in the costumes the image of new heroes who engrave the turbulent past in their hearts and open a new future."
After the performance, BTS will kick off a major world tour with a two-day show at the Tokyo Dome starting on Apr. 17, staging 82 concerts across 34 cities worldwide.