Police will deploy 6,500 officers and restrict the Sejong-daero area in preparation for the BTS Gwanghwamun concert on the 21st.
According to police on the 15th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to deploy more than 70 riot police units, about 6,500 officers, and around 5,400 pieces of equipment including elevated observation vehicles, broadcast lighting trucks, and folding fences on the day of the concert.
Police estimated that up to 260,000 spectators could gather that day. In response, they decided to apply a "stadium-style crowd control method."
They plan to install gates at 31 entry points leading to the venue to carry out systematic crowd dispersion and safety management. For example, if the crowd exceeds a certain level, gates will be controlled to block the inflow of people into the area around the venue.
They will also prepare for potential terror scenarios. To prevent vehicle ramming, tire deflation mats, signboard cars, barricades, and police buses will be placed on roads around the event site. Walk-through metal detectors will be installed at each gate, and searches of personal belongings will be conducted to block dangerous items from being brought in. Detective teams will also be stationed around the venue to prepare for contingencies.
The area around Gwanghwamun, where the event will be held, will come under control starting on the 20th, the day before the event. Sejong-daero, from the Gwanghwamun intersection to the City Hall intersection, will be restricted from 9 p.m. on the 20th to 6 a.m. on the 22nd; Sajik-ro and Yulgok-ro in front of Gwanghwamun, from Government Complex Seoul to Dongshipja, will be restricted from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the day of the event; and Saemunan-ro and Jongno, from in front of the Four Seasons Hotel to the Seorin intersection, will be restricted from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the 21st.
Police also plan to work with the organizers to guide people to leave in stages so crowds do not disperse all at once after the concert ends. They will direct movement to nearby subway stations and, if necessary, request trains to pass through without stopping at stations where homebound crowds surge.