SAFETY MEASURES CRITICISED
Saturday’s show precedes an 82-date world tour expected to deliver a major economic boost at home and abroad, potentially outdoing Taylor Swift’s recent Eras Tour.
By Saturday afternoon, the area surrounding the palace was heavily secured with police buses and personnel.
Seoul police told AFP that police vehicles will transport wedding guests affected by the traffic disruptions.
Nearby buildings had their entrances closed, and barricades lined the main roads. Local museums and metro stations were shut.
Medical booths had been set up, while fans in purple – symbolising BTS’s fandom – and carrying merchandise happily streamed in.
Police inspections, including bag checks at multiple points, led to long queues along the roads.
About 6,700 police officers, along with 8,200 security staff from the Seoul city government and the group’s agency Hybe were deployed.
The safety measures have drawn some criticism, particularly following reports that workers were forced to take annual leave and that civil servants were deployed on their day off to assist with the event.
