Signboards in front of Gwanghwamun Square display a countdown to K-pop group BTS’ Saturday concert to be held at the square in central Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Jane, a 67-year-old American, flew to Seoul specifically for K-pop juggernaut BTS’ concert this Saturday.
As a longtime BTS fan, she attended Jin’s solo concerts in Tampa and London, and J-Hope’s in San Antonio — but has never seen all seven of them together on one stage.
When BTS announced its return as a full group for the first time in nearly four years with a comeback concert set for central Seoul’s iconic Gwanghwamun Square, she booked a flight. “This is my first BTS group concert,” she told The Korea Times at the square, Thursday, two days before the show.
“BTS is paving the way. This is amazing what they’re doing with the hallyu (Korean wave) — they’ve really taken it to the next level,” she added.
The venue reflected the scale of what was coming — stage nearly complete, steel barriers extending well beyond the square into surrounding streets, crew members speaking a mix of languages rushing around with quiet urgency.
Gwanghwamun Square, a space more often used for protests and public rallies, was now operating under unprecedented restrictions, with up to 260,000 people expected to gather for the group’s first full reunion show since all members completed their mandatory military service.
Steel barriers line Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, Thursday, amid preparations for crowds of up to 260,000 people ahead of BTS’ Saturday concert. Korea Times photo by Park Ung
Jane was among the many foreign visitors who appeared to outnumber locals at the square, with many visibly excited, some already raising their cameras toward the stage that was nearly ready.
Whether seeing BTS live, watching from home on Netflix or returning for another concert, all shared the same anticipation and the sense that Saturday’s event would not just be a concert, but a moment for Korea to show the world what it has become.
Jaden’s family — all devoted ARMY, the official fandom of BTS — traveled from Australia to attend their first concert by the group. “I expect lots of happiness, lots of dancing and everyone coming together just to celebrate BTS,” he said.
Excitement was also visible among Koreans across age groups. Oh Ki-soon, 56, a retiree from Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, stopped by the square during his stay in Seoul to see how the venue was taking shape ahead of Saturday’s concert.
“Even though I’ll be watching on Netflix, I wanted to get a feel for it beforehand,” Oh said, adding that the square looked well-organized and calling the concert a chance to put Korea in the spotlight.
The stage takes shape at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, Thursday, two days before BTS’ concert. Yonhap
William H. Warren, a 73-year-old American, said both he and his Korean wife have been BTS fans for years and that Saturday would mark his second concert.
“I hope to at least be able to hear it. I don’t know how close you can get to the stage,” Warren said, adding that it seems Korean authorities are preparing for the event with deep experience managing large crowds.
Throughout the event period, traffic controls will be in place for safety. Those planning to attend can find information at seoul.go.kr/welcome2026.
A roughly 1.2-kilometer stretch from the northern end of Gwanghwamun Square to City Hall Station will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday. All Seoul and Gyeonggi Province bus routes passing through the area will be diverted during that period.
At the Gwanghwamun, City Hall and Gyeongbokgung subway stations, all exits will be closed and trains will pass without stopping from approximately 2 p.m. to as late as 10 p.m. Saturday.
Attendees may walk from nearby stations such as Jonggak, Euljiro 1-ga or Seodaemun, though those stations may also see service disruptions if crowds grow. Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, police will deploy 31 metal detector gates to screen for firearms, explosives and other prohibited items. In ticketed areas, attendees may bring only smartphones, water bottles up to 500 milliliters, light sticks and small handbags.
The stage takes shape at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, Thursday, two days before BTS’ concert. Yonhap