The Seoul city government said on the 22nd that it held the "2026 1st Gwanghwamun Square advisory panel meeting" and decided to grant conditional use approval for BTS's comeback concert, "BTS 2026 Comeback Show @ Seoul."
The city plans to issue final approval once supplements are made, on the condition that the safety management plan passes review, to prevent overlap in exit times for performers and spectators and minimize traffic inconvenience.
BTS will return in March with its fifth full-length album, "Arirang (ARIRANG)," about 3 years and 9 months since the last release. The Gwanghwamun Square concert will be the first stage to unveil it. HYBE‧BigHit Music, BTS's agency, also applied to the Korea Heritage Service for permission to use venues in the areas of Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun and Sungnyemun.
The city said it will closely review safety management plans and work with related agencies, including police and Jongno District, as a large crowd is expected to gather in downtown areas such as Gwanghwamun Square on the day of the BTS concert.
It will also conduct advance on-site inspections for unfair practices such as hotel rate gouging. The inspection targets are 280 locations in Jongno District adjacent to Gwanghwamun Square and 411 locations in Jung District.
The city also plans to prepare a variety of hands-on programs for ARMY, BTS's fan base, and foreign tourists on the day of the concert. Kim Chang-gyu, head of balanced development at the Seoul city government, said, "We will prepare a wide range of events and experiences that allow people to fully feel Seoul's charm and beauty, and make this an opportunity for Gwanghwamun Square to rise as a K-pop holy site."