"Foreign media 250,000 VS Seoul city 40,000" Controversy over BTS Gwanghwamun concert audience numbers

SOURCE: "외신 25만명 VS 서울시 4만명", BTS 광화문 공연 '관객 수' 논란[MD이슈]

BTS' comeback concert held at Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st ended successfully, but conflicting analyses are emerging regarding the number of audiences.

The official seating prepared at the venue that day totaled 22,000, including standing (Section A), reserved seating (Section B), and additional seating (Section C). Fans who couldn't secure seats watched the performance from around the square.

Differences in media estimates and the controversy

On the 22nd, global music outlet Rolling Stone reported, "Last Saturday, over 250,000 fans gathered in Seoul, setting a record for the largest public concert in Korean history." However, criticism arose as this figure as simply quoted from the estimated number previously reported by foreign media like The New York Times without any actual verification.

Meanwhile, according to Seoul's real-time city data, the population around Gwanghwamun and Deoksugung Palace as of 8.30 PM (KST) that day was estimated at around 46,000 to 48,000 (classified as crowded). The organizer, HYBE, estimated about 104,000 people gathered based on data from the three major telecommunication providers and the proportion of foreign visitors.

Reason why the crowd was smaller than expected

Some point to strong measures by authorities as the reason why the crowd fell short of expectations. Due to safety concerns, authorities sent multiple emergency alerts requesting people to refrain from visiting. Furthermore, inconveniences such as excessive bag checks, body searches, and subways skipping stops are believed to also have discouraged people from attending.