Only five days remain until BTS releases the fifth studio album of their career, ARIRANG, and just one day later they will deliver a historic comeback stage at the historic landmark Gwanghwamun. On this day, excitement has reached its peak thanks to a series of promotional activities coordinated by BTS and their media partners.

In particular, attention has been focused on the Gwanghwamun area, where BTS will hold their first live performance in more than three years after their hiatus. Netflix has even added to the buzz by taking over a mαѕѕive Billboard in the area with posters of the group and its members. This also marks the first time fans have witnessed such a large-scale promotional campaign funded by Netflix for a K-pop group.

Meanwhile, the city of Seoul is moving just as quickly, having begun preparations for the stage in the square on the afternoon of the 16th. кσяєαn media have reported the first images showing the urgency of the construction team as they install the stage and plan the surrounding area, along with early placement of signage, even though the performance will not take place until the weekend.

Right in front of the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a large stage is being set up, with a sizable crew of workers and tons of equipment already transported to the site. At the same time, multiple restriction signs have been placed around the area, explaining that roads around Gwanghwamun Square will be closed from Friday to Sunday due to BTS’s events. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes as кσяєα remains on high alert.

Witnessing these scenes reported by кσяєαn media, fans could not help but remark that this is truly a national- and international-level event. Across social media, comments such as the following have appeared: "This shot is insane", "I’m getting goosebumps reading about these articles it’s history in the making", "they is so big that they really can’t hide anything", "it’s looks huge OMG", "We are always at the spot", "No K-pop idol is more relevant than BTS",...

Many others have also raised their expectations for the group’s performance this weekend, saying: "this is going to be BIG BIG", "omggg im literally gonna pe* myself, d-day coming soon", "The comeback stage is going to be legendary", "If the stage looks this grand, imagine how incredible the performance will be", "This feels like a national-level event. I can’t wait", "The anticipation just keeps growing. This is going to be unforgettable",...

Meanwhile, with an estimated 260,000 people expected to attend BTS’s comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 21st, downtown Seoul is entering a large-scale safety management system. The city is mobilizing about 6,500 ρσℓι¢є officers and 5,400 pieces of equipment to ensure comprehensive safety management. Police are expected to regulate crowds around the venue through 31 official gates, monitor congestion in real time, and control entry and exit if necessary.

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik described the concert as an opportunity for South кσяєα to reaffirm its status as a global hub for popular cultural exchange. Meanwhile, Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed a similar view on the event’s importance: “Let’s ensure a seamless safety system so that global fans leave with the impression that ‘Seoul’s safety is in a league of its own.’”

On the other hand, the celebration will not last just one week. The city of Seoul will commemorate BTS’s return and new album with a month-long festival titled “BTS The City Arirang Seoul” across the entire city, featuring large-scale public events and fan programs at major landmarks in the capital. The festival will run from March 20 (the album release date) until April 19.

Several key events have already been announced, including a lighting festival illuminating 15 iconic Seoul landmarks on March 20–21, the “Arirang Lightwalk” walking route, a Spring Festival and Han River Experience from April 10 to May 5, the “Arirang on Seoul Stage” program, and a Music Light Show, among others. The city is also developing and operating K-pop themed walking tour routes, including BTS music video filming locations and the headquarters of the group’s management company.

This event series is being organized through cooperation between the Seoul Metropolitan Government, HYBE, and many other partners. Organizers also revealed that the project involves numerous major collaborators such as Samsung, Shinsegae, Kakao, the Seoul City Tour Bus, Paradise City, and JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, elevating this comeback by the global superstars BTS into a “MEGA Event,” comparable in scale to the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup.