▲ Boy group BTS is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, March 13 (Yonhap) -- Members of BTS will conduct rehearsals for their upcoming comeback concert at a separate venue for safety and security reasons, industry sources said Friday.

 

According to the sources, BTS plans to rehearse for the comeback concert scheduled for March 21 at 8 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at an undisclosed location.

 

Rehearsals are typically held at the actual concert venue, but the decision was made to prevent the performance details — including the set list and new songs — from being revealed in advance, as the Gwanghwamun stage will be set up outdoors.

 

▲ This undated file photo shows street installation promoting BTS' comeback at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. (Yonhap)

 

The move is also believed to reflect concerns over safety due to large crowds and potential noise from sound checks in the surrounding area. BTS is said to be recreating an environment similar to the actual venue at the separate rehearsal space to maintain the performance’s quality.

 

"Rehearsing at a separate location may incur additional costs, but it appears to be a decision that takes both safety and the quality of the performance into account," an industry official said. "As BTS’ concert is widely seen as more than an ordinary pop concert and closer to a national-level event, it shows the group is paying careful attention even to the rehearsal stage."

 

The scale of the concert will also be unprecedented as it marks BTS’ first full-group comeback in three years and nine months.

 

A large viewing zone stretching about 1 kilometer will be set up from the Gwanghwamun intersection to the area near City Hall Station.

 

The venue will have about 22,000 seats, divided into three sections: Zone A for standing, Zone B for reserved seats and Zone C for additional seating. Multiple large screens and entry gates will also be installed.

 

Starting March 18, Naver Map will display the locations of major facilities, including restrooms, gates, screens and information desks.

 

With up to 260,000 people expected to gather for the event, BTS’ agency BigHit Music plans to implement extensive safety measures.

 

The government is also preparing safety management plans. During a meeting of senior presidential aides Thursday at the Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee Jae-myung ordered officials to establish and implement thorough on-site management measures in advance, noting that large crowds are expected.

 

About 4,800 police officers will be deployed on the day of the concert.

 

Ahead of the show, BTS will release its fifth full-length album, "ARIRANG," at 1 p.m. on March 20. The comeback concert will be livestreamed on the streaming platform Netflix.

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