As anticipation builds for BTS's highly anticipated comeback, rumors of a free concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul have been circulating, exciting fans worldwide. BIGHIT MUSIC, the K-pop group's agency, has responded to the speculation, neither confirming nor denying the possibility.
On January 19, 2026, BIGHIT MUSIC told Newsen that discussions regarding the free concert are currently underway. The agency stated that an official announcement will be made once the venue, schedule, and other details are finalized.
Reports indicate that BIGHIT MUSIC has applied to South Korea's Cultural Heritage Administration for permission to use and film at several significant historical sites, including Gwanghwamun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Sungnyemun Gate. The Cultural Heritage Committee is scheduled to review this request on January 20.
The potential concert is intended to commemorate BTS's comeback after a hiatus due to the members' mandatory military service. The group is set to release their fifth full album, "ARIRANG," on March 20. The album will feature 14 tracks and is named after the famous Korean folk song, reflecting BTS's identity and the emotions they wish to share with their fans.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, HYBE has applied for permission to use Gwanghwamun Plaza for a concert on March 21, tentatively titled "K-Heritage and K-POP Fusion Performance". The concert is planned to be free of charge. A HYBE representative stated that Gwanghwamun Plaza is a symbolic space representing Korea's identity and that they aim to reaffirm BTS's identity as a group born in Korea and express their love for the country through this performance.
BTS is also preparing for a large-scale world tour, set to begin on April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex. The tour will consist of 79 shows across 34 cities, marking it the largest in K-pop history. The tour is expected to expand further with additional concerts planned in Japan and the Middle East. BTS will be the first Korean artists to perform at multiple stadiums in the U.S., including El Paso, Foxborough, Arlington, and Baltimore. They also plan to feature a 360-degree stage production to enhance the on-site experience.
HYBE also submitted applications to the Korea Heritage Service for permission to use Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Gwanghwamun area, and Sungnyemun Gate from March 20–22. The company intends to film an opening video for the plaza concert in these areas and project media art videos onto the walls of Sungnyemun Gate and Gwanghwamun. They plan to livestream the members' journey from Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Gwanghwamun Plaza stage via OTT platforms worldwide.
Since the event is designed to align with the release of BTS' fifth studio album, ARIRANG, on March 20, the gathering will be free for selected visitors. Admission will be handled through a pre-application system.
The possibility of a free BTS concert at Gwanghwamun Square has generated immense excitement among fans. The Seoul Metropolitan Government believes the plaza could become a new "K-pop holy site" through this comeback. If approved, this would be the first time a specific group holds a solo concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza.
