ABOUT 40,000 FANS GATHER FOR BTS COMEBACK CONCERT IN DOWNTOWN SEOUL

SEOUL, March 21 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- About 40,000 fans gathered in downtown Seoul on Saturday to watch K-pop group BTS return to the stage after a four-year hiatus, authorities said, prompting authorities to step up security measures, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The seven-member group kicked off the concert at Gwanghwamun Square at 8 pm, drawing an estimated 40,000 to 42,000 people to the area, according to police.

The venue included about 22,000 standing-only spots stretching from Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul City Hall. Many fans also watched the concert on large outdoor screens set up on nearby buildings, while others gathered around the plaza to catch the performance.

Security has been tightened as fans and visitors flock from around the world, with authorities around 15,000 safety management personnel, including some 6,700 police officers.

Traffic controls were stepped up, with vehicle access to the main road at the square blocked from Friday night, and nearby roads restricted from Saturday afternoon until 11 p.m.

Subway operations were also adjusted. Trains have been passing Gwanghwamun Station without stopping since 2 pm., while City Hall Station and Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 have been skipped since 3 pm. The services will resume after 10 pm.

The government has set up an on-site control centre at the government complex to monitor crowd conditions in real time.

Police commandos were seen inspecting the concert's main stage, while various safety personnel were stationed across the area.

As part of safety measures, officials have set up a 200-metre-wide, 1.2-kilometre-long fenced crowd control zone, accessible through 31 entrances installed with metal detectors.

Police have said those without identification could be asked for their resident registration numbers or fingerprints.

Officials have also placed heavy focus on possible terror threats, with the terror alert for the area raised to the second-lowest level in a four-tier system. Police commandos will be mobilised to monitor such threats.

Police also restricted the release of firearms to licensed owners Saturday as a precautionary measure. South Korea requires all gun owners to store their weapons at local police stations.

Subway locker services at 17 stations across Seoul have also been shut down over terror concerns.

Rescue authorities have set up three medical stations near the concert area, while organisers will separately operate 11 medical booths.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP