▲ Staff install the stage at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 16, 2026, five days ahead of the comeback concert by BTS. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- Parts of Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul were partially closed Monday as stage installation began for an upcoming concert by BTS.

 

The performance is scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. on upcoming Saturday at the square in Jongno District.

 

Stage construction began late Monday night, with staff from Korea and abroad moving busily around the site while wearing safety gear. Fences were installed around the stage area, restricting pedestrians and some vehicle traffic.

 

Around the Gwanghwamun area, banners put up by the district office reading “Welcome BTS and everyone” and notices about traffic controls were visible.

 

▲ Staff install the stage at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 16, 2026, five days ahead of the comeback concert by BTS. (Yonhap)

 

Although five days remain until the concert, excitement is already building. Overseas members of the group’s fandom, ARMY, were seen taking photos outside the fences facing the stage area or on the steps of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, where signs announcing BTS’ comeback have been installed.

 

Passersby reacted with curiosity, saying, “I guess they’re performing here,” and “This is fascinating.”

 

Abigail, a fan from the Philippines who was visiting the area, said she arrived in Korea on March 5 to see BTS.

 

“I came early to attend a fan event celebrating Suga’s birthday on March 9,” she said. “What I’m most excited about is seeing the members perform their new songs. It’s their first comeback album in a while, and fans are really looking forward to seeing all seven members together again after completing their military service.”

 

Asked what message she would like to share with the group, she said, “I want to thank them for sharing great music. BTS is not only Korea’s pride but also Asia’s pride. As an Asian, I’m truly proud of them. Through their music, they show that we are not a minority in the world but a driving force that leads it.”

 

With 31 nearby buildings expected to be subject to restrictions on the day of the concert, merchants in surrounding areas that remain open are preparing for a large influx of visitors.

 

An employee at a convenience store near Gwanghwamun Square said the shop will operate as usual on the day of the event.

 

“There aren’t many ARMY here yet, but we expect crowds to start gathering from Thursday, so we’re preparing in advance,” the employee said.

 

BTS will release its fifth full-length album, "ARIRANG," at 1 p.m. on Friday. The comeback concert will be livestreamed on Netflix.

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