SEOUL – HYBE, the agency representing the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has refuted claims circulating online that the Seoul Metropolitan Government imposed a one-hour time limit on the group’s upcoming comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square. The performance, titled “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,” is scheduled for March 21, the day after the release of their fifth studio album, “Arirang.”
“The city of Seoul has never limited the performance time at Gwanghwamun Square to 1 hour,” HYBE stated Friday, adding that the duration of the concert is a decision for the agency and its subsidiary, Considerable Hit Music, to determine. The statement addressed online speculation that administrative regulations from the Seoul Metropolitan Government had prompted a reduction in the performance length.
HYBE clarified that the approximately one-hour runtime was a deliberate choice, factoring in the unique challenges of staging an event in a public, outdoor space. Considerations included visitor safety, site control, public transportation convenience and minimizing noise disturbance during late hours.
The Gwanghwamun Square concert marks BTS’s first full-group performance since October 2022, and their first since all members have completed their mandatory military service, with Suga’s discharge in June 2024 paving the way for the group’s reunion. The event is expected to draw an estimated 260,000 fans, prompting authorities to prepare extensive safety measures, including adjustments to subway schedules and road closures, according to reports.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government conditionally approved HYBE’s application to use Gwanghwamun Square for the concert on January 22, 2026, with final approval contingent upon a safety management review and plans to mitigate traffic disruptions. This marks the first time the city has conditionally approved the exclusive use of the square by a single artist or group.
Beyond the on-site performance, “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” will be broadcast live to over 190 countries via Netflix and the Weverse platform. The staging concept for the concert is rooted in Korean cultural heritage, combining historical symbolism with contemporary performance elements, and is being directed by Hamish Hamilton, known for his work on the Super Bowl halftime show.
Prior to the concert, HYBE also received conditional approval from the Korea Heritage Service to use and film at Gyeongbok Palace, Gwanghwamun, and Sungnyemun, though detailed plans are still under review to assess potential impact on the cultural heritage sites. Fans are also anticipating related events at Seoul Plaza and Yeouido Park before and after the main performance.
Tickets for the standing zone within Gwanghwamun Square are being distributed through a raffle system, with applications open from February 16 to February 18, and winners announced on February 25. The ticketing process has been streamlined with the rebranding of Interpark Global to NOL World.
