The BTS comeback concert held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, was completed without incident and attracted an estimated 100,000 attendees, though initial predictions had suggested a crowd of approximately 260,000. The event saw heavy security and mobility restrictions, including the deployment of over 10,000 personnel from various public agencies to manage access and ensure safety. While the concert brought together fans from around the world, the intense logistical efforts raised concerns about the social costs associated with such public gatherings.

The massive presence of police, fire, and transportation authorities turned downtown Seoul into a heavily controlled area, limiting car access and causing significant disruption to public transport. Local residents and businesses expressed frustration, with reports of wedding guests being transported by police buses due to the overwhelming measures in place. Experts noted that the large-scale mobilization could potentially compromise emergency response times in other parts of the city, highlighting the delicate balance between safety and public inconvenience during such high-profile events.

Critics like music journalist Lim Hee-yoon pointed out that despite the national resources dedicated to the concert, it failed to deliver a significant public or artistic value that matched the investment. The absence of a cohesive cultural philosophy guiding the event was emphasized, suggesting that the costs incurred by the public sector warranted a greater emphasis on public meaning and aesthetic quality in cultural policies. As such, while the concert showcased BTS’s global appeal, it also sparked an important discourse about the operational and societal implications of hosting large-scale public events in urban centers.