Lee urges thorough security measures ahead of BTS concert in Seoul

▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the government complex in the central administrative city of Sejong on March 17, 2026. (Yonhap)

▲ Workers install an outdoor stage at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul on March 17, 2026, the venue for BTS' comeback concert. (Yonhap)

Lee-BTS concert

Lee urges thorough security measures ahead of BTS concert in Seoul

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday urged authorities to step up security ahead of a comeback concert by K-pop juggernaut BTS in downtown Seoul later this week to ensure the event is held safely.

Lee underscored the importance of security as BTS is scheduled to hold a free comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, with police estimating that as many as 260,000 people could gather in the surrounding area that day.

"BTS' concert, which is drawing global attention, is only a few days away," Lee said during a Cabinet meeting held in the administrative city of Sejong. "The key issue is safety, and I ask that every effort be made to establish thorough safety measures."

Lee urged the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, police, fire authorities and other relevant agencies to maintain heightened vigilance and prepare thoroughly for all possible situations.

"Preparations should also be made for the possibility of terrorism, although the likelihood may not be high," he said.

Lee also called for a review of safety conditions at accommodation facilities across the city to ensure the successful hosting of the event.

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