NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 21: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook of K-Pop band BTS are seen during an interview at the ‘Today’ Show on February 21, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
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BTS is planning a large scale free concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square in March 2026, marking the K-pop group’s first full performance in nearly four years. The Seoul Metropolitan Government granted conditional approval for the show on Thursday, January 22, following a review by the Gwanghwamun Square advisory committee.
The exact date of the concert has not been finalized, though reports indicate BTS is targeting March 20, 21, or 22 to coincide with the release of their fifth studio album ARIRANG on March 20. HYBE, BTS’s parent company, stated that an official announcement will be made once details on the venue and schedule are confirmed.
Conditional Approval Requires Safety Management Review
The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s approval is contingent on HYBE passing a safety management review. Authorities called for additional measures to prevent overlap between performer and audience exit times and to minimize traffic disruption in the surrounding area.
A city government official said in a statement that they will thoroughly review and implement safety management plans to ensure the protection of everyone gathering at Gwanghwamun Square. The official added that the city will prepare events and experiences that allow visitors to fully enjoy Seoul’s appeal, using this opportunity to help Gwanghwamun Square establish itself as a global hub for K-pop.
15,000 To 20,000 Attendees Expected Through Advance Registration
According to HYBE’s application, the concert will be free admission with 15,000 to 20,000 attendees selected through advance registration. The Korea Times reported that the agency applied for a free concert with pre filming and media facade production. The Seoul Plaza is also being considered for a separate event on Saturday of that weekend with an expected attendance of 30,000.
HYBE identified Gwanghwamun Square as its top candidate venue to present the group’s return in a culturally and historically significant setting. Gwanghwamun Square occupies a central place in Korea’s modern civic identity, having hosted major public gatherings, demonstrations and national celebrations, including street cheering for the World Cup and the Olympics.
Cultural Heritage Sites Approved For Filming
The Korea Heritage Service’s Cultural Heritage Committee granted conditional approval on January 20 for BTS to film at major historic sites in central Seoul. The approval allows BTS to use Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Gate, the Woldae platform area, and the Sungnyemun Gate vicinity for pre recorded videos and media facade projections during the comeback show.
The approval requires a subcommittee to assess the project’s impact on cultural assets. HYBE applied to use the performance title K-Heritage and K-POP fusion performance and included these historic locations as proposed spaces for filming and production elements.
Global Streaming To Reach 300 Million Viewers
HYBE officials told Seoul Economic Daily that the concert will be broadcast live to 300 million viewers across 190 countries through global OTT platforms. A HYBE official said this could be a live broadcast event on a scale similar to the World Cup or the Olympics.
During the concert, media facade projections will be displayed on the walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate. This marks the first time a solo concert by a specific artist or group will be held at Gwanghwamun Square.
ARIRANG Album Drops March 20
BTS will release their fifth studio album ARIRANG on March 20, 2026. This marks the first new album with all members participating in three years and nine months, since the anthology album Proof was released in June 2022. The album reportedly features 14 tracks and will come in multiple versions. Target announced ten exclusive vinyl versions and two special CD editions featuring unique photocards.
The album is being promoted as a project that reflects the members’ experiences during their break and their return to group activities. The title ARIRANG references Korean folk culture, which has generated significant curiosity among fans.
World Tour Begins In April
Following the album release, BTS will launch their largest world tour to date, beginning April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea. The tour is scheduled to span 79 shows across 34 cities on five continents through 2027. The tour will feature a 360 degree stage setup planned for many venues.
BTS will perform at multiple major stadiums in the United States for the first time, including stops in cities such as Tampa, El Paso, Foxborough, Arlington, and Baltimore. The North American leg kicks off April 25 in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium and wraps in September 2026 with four shows at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. European dates have been confirmed for Madrid and Brussels.
Previous Free Concert Drew 100,000 Attendees
BTS has held large scale free concerts before. In 2022, ahead of starting their military service and solo music plans, BTS held a free Yet to Come in Busan concert at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium as part of South Korea’s bid for the 2030 World Expo. An estimated 100,000 BTS ARMY members attended in person, and millions watched it online via live streams.
The group completed South Korea’s mandatory military service in 2025, allowing all seven members to return to full group promotions. The Gwanghwamun Square concert will mark their first full member appearance in Korea before they embark on their worldwide tour.