Seoul raises terror alert ahead of BTS comeback concert

Seoul has stepped up security ahead of BTS’s comeback concert, raising the terror alert one step to the second-lowest level on a four-step scale for parts of the capital until midnight on Saturday. President Lee Jae Myung said “the issue is safety” and urged heightened vigilance, while police warned an attack could not be ruled out given the worsening international situation, including the Middle East crisis; the US embassy sits about 160 metres from the stage.

The seven-member group will perform at Gwanghwamun square, in front of Gyeongbokgung palace, on Saturday, the day after the release of their fifth studio album, Arirang. It will be their first concert as a complete group since October 2022 after all members completed mandatory military service, and the show will stream live on Netflix to more than 190 countries.

Up to 260,000 people are expected in the area; 22,000 free tickets were made available but most fans are expected to gather in surrounding streets.

South Korea, Seoul

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