Seoul City Becomes Official Sponsor of BTS Comeback Concert

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has officially become the sponsor of the BTS comeback concert to be held at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, Korean time. This decision was made after an application and internal review process conducted together with the organizers.

This support allows the use of the phrase “Sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government” in all promotional materials for the BTS comeback project. This step also reaffirms the city government's direct involvement in supporting this international-scale event.

In preparation for the concert, the Seoul City Government is also preparing various security and monitoring measures. From inspections of public facilities to actions against price hikes in tourist areas, everything is done to ensure the smooth running of the event. Check out the full explanation below.

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1. HYBE Requests Use of Sponsor Name from the City Government

(credit: X/bts_bighit)

The sponsorship process began when HYBE submitted a request to use the name of the Seoul Metropolitan Government for BTS's comeback project. The request was then reviewed by the government before it was ultimately approved.

A Seoul City official on February 10, Korea time, stated that HYBE requested to use the name “Sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government” for the BTS comeback project. After review, the city government decided to approve the use of the name and had notified HYBE of the approval on January 29.

2. Government Evaluates Event as Having Public Interest Value

After conducting an internal evaluation, the city government concluded that the concert and its accompanying program series have public interest value. The event is considered aligned with the city's policy goals and provides broad benefits to the community.

In a report prepared last month, it was explained that the event consists of a concert and various supporting programs for local residents and international tourists. The program offers opportunities to enjoy experience-based cultural content and performances and is expected to attract foreign visitors, thus deemed to have public interest value.

3. Inspection of 127 Elevators Around Gwanghwamun Begins

(credit: X/bts_bighit)

To ensure safety ahead of the concert, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will conduct a special inspection of elevators in multi-purpose facilities around Gwanghwamun from February 24 to March 6. The inspection covers a total of 127 elevators within a 1-kilometer radius of the event location.

The areas inspected include several stations such as City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, Anguk Station, Gyeongbokgung Station, and Gwanghwamun Station. Additionally, six cultural facilities and five hotels including New Seoul Hotel, Koreana Hotel, and Four Seasons Hotel Seoul are also on the inspection list.

4. Detailed Inspection and Enforcement of Violations

A total of eight inspectors from the Korea Elevator Safety Agency and the local district office will conduct joint inspections. If any non-compliance is found, the management will be asked to make repairs and fines will be imposed for legal violations.

The inspection includes elevator door locking devices, abnormal motor sounds, brake installation conditions, emergency communication systems, call button functions, and the installation of tactile paving for persons with disabilities. For escalators, the focus of the inspection includes landing plate locking, installation of emergency stop devices, and the condition of safety panels.

5. Crowd Monitoring and Accommodation Price Regulation

(credit: X/bts_bighit)

Anticipating a surge in global visitors, Mayor Oh Se Hoon on February 4 KST led a meeting to review key issues related to the BTS comeback concert. The meeting discussed comprehensive response measures to ensure public safety and comfort.

The city government will strengthen the review of safety management plans through expert consultations and monitor crowd density in real time using urban data and CCTV through the Disaster and Safety Situation Room. In addition, the city will also check compliance with accommodation rates and deploy mystery shoppers to address price gouging practices in traditional markets and major tourist areas.

6. Questions Regarding Seoul City Becoming the Official Sponsor of BTS Comeback

Q: When will BTS's comeback concert be held in Seoul?
A: The BTS comeback concert is scheduled to take place on March 21 KST at Gwanghwamun Square.

Q: Why did the Seoul City Government become a sponsor of the BTS concert?
A: The city government considers the event to have public interest value, the potential to attract international tourists, and to support the revitalization of local tourism and economy.

Q: What security measures are being prepared ahead of the concert?
A: The government is inspecting 127 elevators around the venue, monitoring crowd density in real time, and cracking down on price hikes in tourist areas and accommodations.

Q: Can HYBE use the name of the Seoul City Government in promotions?
A: Yes, after obtaining official approval, HYBE can use the phrase “Sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government” in promotional materials for the BTS comeback project.

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