"BTS Comeback, I Can't Miss This Historic Moment"... Fans Gather in Gwanghwamun from Around the World
Fans from across the globe gathered at Gwanghwamun in Seoul, South Korea, to witness the historic comeback performance of the K-pop group BTS, highlighting the event's significance to their fandom.
As the countdown to BTS's comeback concert ticks down, fans flocked to downtown Seoul, particularly Gwanghwamun, to experience what they believe to be a historic moment in K-pop history. Agnes, a 61-year-old fan who flew in from Canada, expressed the importance of being present at the event, stating that even without a ticket, witnessing such a significant occasion is meaningful. The energy among the gathered fans is palpable, showcasing the strong emotional connection BTS has with their global fanbase, known as ARMY.
As performance time approached, the crowd in downtown Seoul thickened, leading to heightened police presence and crowd management efforts. The police had set a limit for the number of attendees in the concert area to 100,000, though city estimates suggested that overall numbers in the downtown area might reach 260,000. By 6:30 PM, however, only 34,000 to 36,000 were reported to be in the concert vicinity, indicating a well-managed entry despite initial expectations of larger crowds.
With only 22,000 tickets available for seating and standing, many fans opted to enjoy the concert atmosphere outside the venue. Notably, a large number set up in front of the Kyobo Building to watch the concert's live feed on the big screen, celebrating the event in their unique way. Fans from different countries, including Maria from Uruguay and Li Siwei from China, expressed their excitement at experiencing BTS's energy firsthand, even if it meant waiting five hours or impromptu changes in their viewing plans. This collective gathering at such an iconic location underlines the power of music and the shared experiences it fosters among international fans.