Arzen Rose Dulzura

BTS’ Gwanghwamun comeback concert to run for around 1 hour over safety concerns

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>The long-awaited free comeback concert of BTS at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 will run for around an hour due to safety and operational considerations.  </p><p>According to a statement released by HYBE, as reported by The Korea Times on February 28, the decision was made to ensure a smooth and secure experience for everyone involved. </p><p>“The performance time has been set at an appropriate duration to ensure safe and smooth operations,” HYBE said in a release. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2026/2/3/netflix-to-live-stream-bts-the-comeback-live-arirang-concert-0927"><strong><u>READ: Netflix to live stream BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG concert</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>“The Gwanghwamun concert is being held in a unique setting at a public outdoor venue rather than a conventional concert hall,” the agency said.  </p><p>“Accordingly, we have set the performance time after taking various factors into consideration, including stage management, audience safety and on-site control,” it added. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2026/1/18/bts-shares-more-facts-about-comeback-album-arirang-answering-fan-theories-and-questions-1527"><strong><u>READ: BTS shares more facts about comeback album ARIRANG, answering fan theories and questions</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Despite the limited runtime, fans can still expect a powerful set. This free concert will feature new songs from BTS’ upcoming fifth full-length album, <em>Arirang</em>, alongside some of the group’s most beloved hits. Interest has been overwhelming, with all 13,000 available tickets snapped up shortly after reservations went available.  </p><p>Authorities are also preparing for the massive turnout. Police estimate that as many as 260,000 people could gather around the area, prompting organizers to review additional measures, including the installation of large screens near City Hall so more fans can enjoy the show safely. </p><p>Meanwhile, Netflix has announced a major partnership with HYBE that will bring BTS’ return to fans worldwide. Straight from Seoul, <em>BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG</em> will stream globally on Netflix on March 21 at 8 p.m. KST or 7 p.m. Philippine time. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/1/25/bts-v-and-jungkook-win-3-4-million-in-legal-case-against-a-youtube-channel-operator-1522"><strong><u>READ: BTS’ V and Jungkook win ₱3.4 million in legal case against a YouTube channel operator</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Following the livestream, Netflix will also premiere the documentary <em>BTS: THE RETURN</em> on March 27. The film chronicles the making of <em>Arirang</em>, capturing the seven members’ reunion in Los Angeles as they created new music after time apart and personal changes. Directed by Bao Nguyen and produced by This Machine and HYBE, the documentary offers an intimate look at BTS’ journey back to the global stage. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/12/27/bts-v-reflects-on-his-career-and-personal-growth-this-2025-i-want-to-become-someone-unshakeable-1156"><strong><u>READ: BTS V reflects on his career and personal growth this 2025: ‘I want to become someone unshakeable’</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>The free Gwanghwamun concert comes just a day after the release of <em>Arirang</em>, which drops on March 20. Earlier announcements from BigHit Music confirmed that the album will feature 14 tracks, with the members taking an active role in shaping the music. </p><p>“The members were deeply involved in the creation of the songs, infusing their own thoughts and colors into them while musically expressing the emotions and struggles they have experienced along their journey,” BigHit said. </p><p>“Filled with the music that’s most true to BTS, the album is their heartfelt way of saying thank you to ARMY, who have been there this whole time,” the label added. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2026/1/13/bts-to-bring-bts-world-tour-to-the-philippines-in-march-2027-2319"><strong><u>READ: BTS to bring World Tour to the Philippines in March 2027</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Looking ahead, the group is also set to embark on a massive world tour spanning 34 regions and 82 shows across Asia, North and Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East through 2027. The tour will include a Philippine stop scheduled for March 13 to 14, 2027, with ticketing details yet to be announced.</p>

<p>The free comeback concert of BTS in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul will run for around 1 hour over safety concerns, according to their agency HYBE. </p>

The free comeback concert of BTS in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul will run for around 1 hour over safety concerns, according to their agency HYBE.