A free comeback concert by global K-pop group BTS in central Seoul next week is expected to attract up to 260,000 people, according to South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The concert will take place on March 21 to celebrate the release of the group’s first new album in more than three years. The one-hour event will be held in the city centre, stretching from Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul City Hall.

Officials said about 22,000 people will attend the concert with free tickets. However, the surrounding areas will remain open to the public, meaning many more fans could gather to watch the event.

The concert will also be streamed live on Netflix in around 190 countries, bringing global attention to the event before the group begins its worldwide tour in April.

Authorities are preparing major security and crowd-management measures. Around 4,800 police officers and about 3,400 officials from Seoul city and related organisations will be deployed to manage the large gathering.

Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung said the government is taking a “safety-first” approach. Preparations include structural safety inspections before the event, a real-time joint command centre during the concert, and immediate cleanup operations after it ends.

Police also said overnight camping cannot be fully prevented, but large tents will not be allowed in the area.

To support visitors, the city will provide multilingual guides, medical stations, and access to 894 public toilets in nearby buildings.

South Korea has strengthened safety planning for large events since the deadly Seoul Halloween crowd crush that killed 159 people in 2022. Officials say the upcoming concert will highlight both K-pop culture and improved crowd safety measures.

If attendance reaches expected numbers, it could become one of the biggest public gatherings in central Seoul since the 2002 FIFA World Cup celebrations.