BTS Gwanghwamun Square Concert Turns ROYAL With 'King's Road' - HYBE's Plan For 'K-Pop Icons' Comeback REVEALED

BTS comeback show at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, titled BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang, is not going to be anything less than magical. And adding to the fiesta is the band's seven members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook opening their performance by walking down the historic road from Geunjeongnum Gate to the Gwanghwamun Woldae, known as the Royal Road. As per a new update, the septet will receive a treatment nothing short of a King, on the path which was historically reserved for the royalty. BTS is making its highly awaited return to active music with their new album ARIRANG on March 20, following by an extensive world tour that kicks off in April this year. On March 21, they will hold a free concert at the Gwanghwamun Square.

BTS to walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace's three royal gates

On February 4, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that BTS will walk through the three gates within Gyeongbokgung Palace, namely the Geunjeongmun Gate, Heungnyemun Gate, and Gwanghwamun Gate, on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square in Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The show is expected to draw over 200,000 fans worldwide, marking an unprecedented milestone in South Korea and the global K-pop scene. This will be one of the largest concerts globally in recent years, showcasing BTS' incredible international impact and scale.

Plan for Gwanghwamun Square concert

BTS agency HYBE sought permission to use and film in the areas around the Gyeongbokgung Palace. In its application, it claimed that an opening sequence will have the OT7 walk from the three gates out to the square and Gwanghwamun Woldae zone. Following this, the members will perform on stage at Gwanghwamun Square along with 50 dancers and a 13-member Arirang traditional music ensemble. As per Korean media, the state property authorities granted conditional approval for the use of the sites.

History of Gwanghwamun Square and 'King's Road'

The gates are a sacred axis within Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally designed in the 14th century to connect the main administrative gate (Gwanghwamun) to the inner throne hall. According to Korean historical accounts, the route connecting the three gates and the Woldae has been known as the "King’s Road." The central, slightly raised section was exclusively used for the King, while the surrounding Woldae platform, built in the 19th century, was used for state ceremonies, royal communication and receiving foreign envoys.

Return of 'Kings of K-pop'

BTS' performance at Gwanghwamun will mark a historical moment. Fans are even calling it symbolic of the return of the 'Kings of K-pop' following their almost 4-year hiatus due to the mandatory military service.On February 3, Netflix announced that it would live-stream the BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang and later release the BTS: The Return documentary.