BTS will stage its long-awaited comeback concert on Saturday night at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. The square is one of South Korea’s most famous landmarks, representing its royal heritage as well as its political and cultural life. Some 20,000 fans are expected to pack the square.
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Here's how to do itTwitter shareholder case accusing Musk of driving down stock goes to juryVatican appeals court declares mistrial in the 'trial of the century' against a cardinalUnos 90 barcos cruzan el estrecho de Ormuz e Irán exporta petróleo en plena guerraLIVE Here's how to do itTwitter shareholder case accusing Musk of driving down stock goes to juryVatican appeals court declares mistrial in the 'trial of the century' against a cardinalUnos 90 barcos cruzan el estrecho de Ormuz e Irán exporta petróleo en plena guerraEntertainmentA couple takes a selfie photo near a banner promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. People take photos of a screen promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. People take photos of a screen promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. People take photos of screens promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, March 17, 2026. A man hangs a banner at a convenience store near the stage for a free concert by K-pop group BTS in Seoul, South Korea, March 18, 2026. A couple takes a selfie photo near a banner promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. A couple takes a selfie photo near a banner promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. People take photos of a screen promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. People take photos of a screen promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. People take photos of a screen promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. People take photos of a screen promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. People take photos of screens promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, March 17, 2026. People take photos of screens promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, March 17, 2026. A man hangs a banner at a convenience store near the stage for a free concert by K-pop group BTS in Seoul, South Korea, March 18, 2026. A man hangs a banner at a convenience store near the stage for a free concert by K-pop group BTS in Seoul, South Korea, March 18, 2026. on Saturday night at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, one of South Korea’s most famous landmarks that represents its royal heritage and political and cultural life.seven members, all South Koreans, will perform songs from their first album in nearly four years, “ARIRANG,” whose title is taken from the most beloved traditional folk tune on the Korean Peninsula. “‘ARIRANG’ is an album that embodies the origin and identity of BTS and carries the message that they want to convey now,” Hybe Corp., the parent company of BTS’ management agency, said in response to questions by The Associated Press. “Considering the symbolic significance of the word ‘Arirang,’ we’ve decided to hold a performance at Gwanghwamun, a place that represents Korea.”Gwanghwamun Square is named after the huge main gate of nearby Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace for Korea’s Joseon dynasty, which ruled the peninsula for more than 500 years until its collapse in 1910. Located in the heart of Seoul, the sprawling square is home to cultural and art events. It hosts giant statues of two of Korea’s most respected figures — King Sejong, who invented the Korean script in 1443, and navy admiral Yi Sun-shin, who defeated the Japanese invasion in the 16th century. The square is also a symbol of South Korea’s young, resilient democracy, the site of massive rallies in times of political upheavals in recent years.martial law imposition in late 2024 triggered the most severe crisis for the country’s democracy in decades, protesters gathered in the square, calling for his ouster. Rallies blended politics and pop culture, with demonstrators wavingidentity as a group that expanded from Korea to the world stage. BTS had been on hiatus because its members had to complete their Ha Jae-keun, a cultural critic, said that no matter where the BTS holds its comeback concert, it would be successful. But as the biggest stars of K-pop, BTS likely determined that appearing at a symbolic Korean site would be “most meaningful,” he said. Jung Dukhyun, a pop culture commentator, said the selection of Gwanghwamun likely reflected a view that Korean traditional culture and local elements can resonate on a global scale, as seen in the success of the Netflix sensationOfficials believe the concert will likely enhance South Korea’s international cultural influence.In a message posted on X on Wednesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called BTS “a proud artist of the Republic of Korea” and expressed hope that the concert will show “our beautiful cultural heritage and the charm of K-culture.” Besides about 20,000 ticketed fans at the square, about 240,000 others are expected to fill nearby areas to watch the concert on temporary screens. Authorities plan to block roads, have subway trains pass through some stations and close the Gyeongbokgung place. Some residents criticized what they saw as preferential treatment given to BTS and potential inconvenience to the public. But many experts say the concert has a big public aspect. “BTS is the nation’s band. Now they intend to hold an open performance for the public free of charge. I think it would be very natural for the government to support it,” Ha said.Hyung-jin is an Associated Press reporter in Seoul, South Korea. He reports on security, political and other general news on the Korean Peninsula.
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