BTS to Rehearse in Secret Location Ahead of Gwanghwamun Comeback Concert

A week before BTS's highly anticipated comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square, it has been revealed that rehearsals will take place in a private, undisclosed location.

According to industry sources on the 13th, BTS plans to conduct pre-show rehearsals for their concert scheduled for 8 PM on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square in a separate venue due to security and safety concerns.

Typically, rehearsals occur on the actual stage, but the open structure of Gwanghwamun Square raises concerns about potential leaks of the concert's details, including new songs. To prevent information leaks, ensure safety amid large crowds, and minimize noise complaints, the management has opted for a different location.

BTS aims to enhance the performance quality by practicing in a venue that replicates the concert environment.

The concert, set for 8 PM on the 21st, will be held for free at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. In collaboration with Netflix, the event will be broadcast live to over 190 countries and regions worldwide. This marks the first time Netflix will live-stream a solo artist's concert.

The venue will accommodate 22,000 attendees with both standing and reserved seating areas. Large screens and access gates will be installed, and from the 18th, attendees can check the locations of facilities like restrooms and information desks via Naver Maps.

The government anticipates a crowd of up to 260,000 and has initiated safety measures. On the 12th, President Lee Jae-myung instructed the establishment of thorough on-site management plans during a senior aide meeting. Approximately 4,800 police officers will be deployed on the concert day.

Big Hit Music and HYBE have also devised measures to prevent unauthorized entry and ticket scalping. They plan to monitor and block illegal ticket transfers online in real-time.

Additionally, they will strengthen identity verification for all attendees and apply extra verification procedures in areas prone to fraudulent transactions. Detailed verification methods will be announced on the official website to prevent confusion at the venue.

Min-Kyung Lee, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr