Government Raises Terror Alert Ahead of BTS Concert in Seoul

Seoul: The government announced on Wednesday that it will increase the official terror alert by one notch in preparation for K-pop group BTS' comeback concert scheduled for this weekend in central Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the alert is set to be raised to "caution," the second-lowest level on a four-tier scale. This heightened alert will apply to the Jongno and Jung wards, starting from midnight on Wednesday and lasting until midnight on Saturday. The Office for Government Policy Coordination confirmed this change in a press release.

BTS' highly anticipated concert is set to occur at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno on Saturday. The event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors from across the globe, necessitating enhanced security measures.

The decision to adjust the alert level was made following directives from Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. He emphasized the need for adequate safety measures due to the possibility of terror threats amid the current global security landscape.

In response, relevant agencies will increase patrols at significant sites and facilities. They will also strengthen joint response systems to ensure preparedness for any potential emergencies.