Seoul, South Korea – K-pop supergroup BTS is reportedly planning a free comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul in March, marking their first full-group performance in nearly four years. The concert is slated to coincide with the release of their new album "ARIRANG" on March 20, 2026, ahead of their world tour in April.

HYBE, BTS's agency, has applied for permission to use Gwanghwamun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Sungnyemun Gate area for the event. The application, which is under review, describes the event as a "K-Heritage and K-Pop Fusion Performance". The Cultural Heritage Committee reviewed the application on January 20.

While the exact details are yet to be confirmed, HYBE plans to select between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees through advance applications for the free concert. With a large turnout expected, HYBE is focusing on safety measures, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the police, including separating the performance area and viewing routes.

HYBE has also requested permission from the Korea Heritage Service to film in areas around Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Gate's woljeong platform, and Sungnyemun Gate for pre-concert footage and media art projections. BTS members are expected to start from Gyeongbokgung Palace and proceed to the Gwanghwamun Plaza stage, with the journey streamed live globally via OTT platforms, potentially reaching 300 million people worldwide.

"Gwanghwamun Plaza is a symbolic space representing Korea's identity," HYBE stated. "We aim to reaffirm BTS's roots as a group born in Korea and express our love for the country through this performance". The agency views this performance as the starting point for their 79-show world tour in April.

A source from the Seoul Metropolitan Government noted the potential for Gwanghwamun Plaza to become a new "K-pop holy site" following this comeback concert. The city government also highlighted BTS's role as Seoul's tourism ambassadors since 2017. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and police are preparing crowd management measures. HYBE reportedly stated they would prioritize preserving cultural heritage and citizen safety, managing the site with professional personnel.

BTS has previously performed at significant Korean landmarks, promoting Korea as cultural ambassadors. This performance would mark the first time a specific group has held a solo concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza.