On the 21st, when BTS is set to perform a full-group concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will suspend all its scheduled performances. However, an exhibition by actor Park Shin-yang nearby will continue as planned.
Ahn Ho-sang, the president of the Sejong Center, addressed this during a press conference for the Seoul Ballet Company on the 10th. He stated, "We are currently observing the situation with caution." He further explained, "All performances in our four theaters scheduled for that day will be canceled, and two theaters will be used directly in relation to the event." Ahn added, "Due to traffic control in the Gwanghwamun area starting at 2 PM, parking and physical access will be challenging, leading to the decision to suspend activities."
However, the ongoing exhibition 'Park Shin-yang's Exhibition Show: The Fourth Wall' will remain open, in line with the actor's wishes. Food outlets within the building will also operate without a break.
Ahn expressed concerns about potential crowding in restrooms and waiting areas, stating, "It's difficult to predict what might happen. We are paying close attention to the possibility of large crowds in these areas." Plans are in place to increase staff to maintain cleanliness in these facilities.
He also mentioned, "We will cooperate closely with the event organizers using some spaces at the Sejong Center to ensure everything runs smoothly."
Given the global attention on BTS's performance, up to 260,000 people are expected to visit the area. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History and Gyeongbokgung Palace nearby will not accept visitors on that day.
The Seoul city government will provide around 2,000 portable toilets in the vicinity of the event. Seoul Metro trains will bypass Gwanghwamun Station from 2 PM to 10 PM and Gyeongbokgung Station from 3 PM to 10 PM. City buses will also skip stops or take alternate routes. Information regarding traffic control will be announced in advance through bus stop displays (BIT), road displays (VMS), and the Seoul Traffic Information Center (TOPIS) website starting from the 11th.
Reporter Min-kyung Lee, Ten Asia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr