Group BTS is set to hold a comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, and police have begun preparing for possible terror threats.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said on the 13th that, given the deteriorating international situation, including in the Middle East, it cannot rule out the possibility of a terror attack and is focusing safety checks with that in mind.
Police decided to deploy the police Special Attack Unit before the BTS performance on the 21st to conduct advance safety sweeps of all areas of the venue. They also decided to place barricades and police buses on major and side roads to prepare for a scenario in which a vehicle rams into the venue.
Police will also install metal detectors at 30 spectator entrances to prevent dangerous items from being brought into the venue.
In particular, because a bomb threat report on the day of the concert could cause major disruptions to the event, an analysis response team will be operated to assess the level of risk in the report.
They also set the principle of applying the offense of public intimidation and conducting an arrest-first investigation for bomb threat perpetrators. A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official said, "We will track and apprehend to the end, handle the case strictly under the law, and seek all civil damages as well." The official added, "Because enhanced screening may cause long waits to enter the concert, please minimize what you bring."