With BTS’s comeback performance scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21, preparations by the government, Seoul Metropolitan Government, police, private companies, and nearby businesses have already begun affecting the surrounding area. Subway trains will pass through nearby stations without stopping from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the day of the event. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has designated the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History as the control tower to manage on-site situations. Police plan to deploy around 4,800 personnel to prepare for various potential incidents. Meanwhile, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will cancel some performances or adjust exhibition schedules.
In particular, the response from private companies and nearby businesses has drawn attention. KT plans to completely close its Gwanghwamun headquarters building in Jongno District on the day of the event. Several stores inside the building including Starbucks Reserve Gwanghwamun, the underground KT Gwanghwamun West shops, and the bakery Paris Baguette 1945 will suspend operations that day. Nearby cafés and bakeries are also reportedly considering temporary closures.
As these measures become known, complaints have appeared in some online communities. Comments such as “Do they really have to go this far?”, “Who is going to compensate the nearby businesses?”, and “Why not just hold the concert at a regular venue?” have been raised.
Amid the discussion, BLACKPINK’s Lisa’s past actions have been brought back into the spotlight. On May 3, 2024, from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., Lisa filmed a music video on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok, Thailand. Although the filming took place during late-night hours when most shops were already closed, all businesses in the area halted operations entirely for the shoot.
Lisa reportedly compensated each shop owner with 20,000 baht and also offered 1,000 baht to pedestrians as an apology for the inconvenience caused by restricted access. In Thailand, 20,000 baht is considered more than the average monthly salary.
Netizens reacted by praising the gesture, leaving comments such as “This is what a true world-class star looks like,” “The shop owners probably helped happily,” and “She’s very considerate.”
However, some commenters also used the comparison to criticize the situation surrounding BTS’s concert. Remarks such as “Shouldn’t BTS at least compensate for a day’s business?”, “It’s not about the amount of money but about consideration for others,” and “This could be a good example to learn from” also appeared.
Meanwhile, BTS’s comeback live concert “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” will take place on March 21 at 8 p.m. in the Gwanghwamun Square area of Seoul.
Sources: Nate
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