The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced the issuance of the first-ever disaster warning for a concert venue, specifically for a BTS performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. This warning, classified as 'caution', will be in effect from 7 AM on the day of the performance, August 21, until 7 AM the following day. The ministry has estimated that while the concert seating can accommodate around 27,000 people, the total number of attendees, including those outside the concert area, could range between 170,000 to 260,000, raising significant safety concerns and necessitating precautionary measures.

To ensure safety, the ministry has established a situation management center at the nearby National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. Minister Park Hwi-young visited both the center and the concert site to assess preparations and safety management systems in place. To facilitate a safe experience for attendees, he emphasized the government's commitment to collaborating closely with event organizers and relevant agencies, highlighting the necessity for concertgoers to be cautious of counterfeit tickets that might restrict access to the event.

The unprecedented issuance of a disaster warning reflects the increasing attention to public safety at large-scale events in South Korea, especially in light of past incidents at crowded events. The anticipated high turnout for the BTS concert necessitates heightened security protocols and emergency readiness to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, indicating a shift towards more proactive measures in public event safety management.