Seoul: At 7 a.m., two dozen BTS fans were already lined up against a barricade with a view of the stage where the K-pop group will perform Saturday. The concert, marking the release of BTS' new album, "Arirang," will begin at 8 p.m., but the hourslong wait is nothing compared to the more than three years they have waited for the band's full-group comeback, said one Danish fan.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 30-year-old Danish fan, who arrived with a friend, expressed excitement about the concert. "We've been waiting here since 6 a.m. because we weren't able to get tickets," she explained, adding that she believes her spot will be closer to the stage than the seats behind it. She also mentioned that her decision to come to South Korea on a working holiday program was partially influenced by BTS. "I'm looking forward to seeing all the members together. I'll be waiting while listening to their new album," she added.
Two friends from the Philippines had traveled to South Korea to witness the return, sacrificing comfort to secure a good spot. They woke up at 4 a.m. and equipped themselves with essentials to last through the day, as the weather was chilly. "We waited four years for their comeback, so 12 hours is nothing," one of them commented. They also plan to explore BTS-related sites across the country after the concert.
The authorities anticipate a large turnout, with an estimated 260,000 people expected to gather from Gwanghwamun Square to Sungnye Gate. In response, around 15,000 safety management personnel, including approximately 6,700 police officers, will be deployed, and some public transport routes have been altered to manage the crowds.
Alejandra Bernal, a 28-year-old Mexican residing in South Korea, positioned herself near the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, hoping to catch the performance on a screen. "We don't have tickets, but we plan on staying here until 9 p.m.," she stated, identifying herself as a fan since 2019.
Pamela Prado, who traveled from Bolivia, acknowledged the possibility of not seeing the band up close. Yet, the experience of being near them was overwhelming for her. "It feels like they are here in front of us ... I'm going to cry a lot," she confessed.