BTS comeback performance rehearsal to be held in a separate space… 'Safety and Security Considerations'

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Sun-woo = With the group Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS)'s Gwanghwamun performance eight days away, it has been reported that members will hold rehearsals in a separate space.

According to the music industry on the 13th, BTS plans to conduct pre-rehearsals at a separate location for the comeback performance to be held at 8:00 PM on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square, taking safety and security into consideration.

While rehearsals are generally held at the main venue, for the Gwanghwamun performance the stage is outdoors, and this appears to be a measure to guard against the possibility of performance details such as the setlist, including new songs, being exposed.

It also appears to be a choice made with safety concerns about large crowds and surrounding noise from the sound system in mind. However, BTS is reportedly creating an environment in the separate space as similar to the concert venue as possible to enhance the performance's overall quality.

An industry insider said, "Holding rehearsals at a separate venue may incur additional costs, but this seems to be a choice made with both safety and performance quality in mind," adding, "As BTS's upcoming performance is perceived as a national-level event beyond a typical pop concert, you can feel that they are paying close attention even in rehearsals."

The scale of the performance is also exceptional, fitting BTS's full-group comeback after 3 years and 9 months.

A large viewing area of about 1 km will be created, starting from Gwanghwamun Samgeori and stretching to the area near Sicheong-yeok.

With a total capacity of 22,000 seats, it will be divided into Area A (standing), Area B (reserved seats), and Area C (additional seats), and several large screens and gates for passage will be installed. From the 18th, Naver Map will display major amenities such as restrooms, gates, screens, and information desks.

With up to 260,000 people expected to gather for the performance, BTS's agency BigHit Music will spare no effort to ensure safety.

The government will also step up safety management. On the 12th, President Lee Jae-myung, at the 27th Senior Secretaries' Meeting held at the Blue House, ordered, "Many crowds will gather, so thoroughly establish and implement on-site management measures in advance." About 4,800 police officers will be deployed on the day.

Ahead of the performance, BTS will release their fifth full-length album "Arirang" (ARIRANG) at 1:00 PM on the 20th. The comeback performance will be broadcast live on the OTT streaming service Netflix.

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