Approximately 15,000 tickets were almost entirely sold out shortly after becoming available at 8 PM on 23/2. At one point, over 100,000 fans flooded the booking website, causing the system to collapse. Fans rushed to internet cafes, known for their fast network speeds, to gain an advantage in the ticket hunt. On online forums, many reported that their families used multiple electronic devices simultaneously, but screens froze or displayed "no seats available."

City authorities warned of rampant scams as numerous posts offering tickets appeared on social media before sales began. According to police chief Park Jeong-bo, they requested the removal of approximately 34 posts advertising ticket purchasing services for fees ranging from 10,000 won to 300,000 won (over 180,000 dong to nearly 5.5 million dong), or reselling tickets at prices from 100,000 won to 1.2 million won (1.8 million dong - 21.8 million dong).

Fans purchase souvenirs at a BTS pop-up store in Seoul. Photo: AFP

The concert, titled BTS Comeback Live: Arirang, is scheduled to last one hour at Gwanghwamun Plaza in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on 21/3. This concert marks BTS's return after nearly four years, during which all members completed military service. It also promotes their new album, Arirang, released on 20/3. This event will also kick off the group's world tour, featuring 82 shows in 190 countries, running from April to 3/2027.

Officials anticipate that around 260,000 people will visit Seoul for the BTS concert. Police plan to control crowd flow through 29 entry gates at the venue and warned that metro stations and roads near the performance area could experience congestion on that day.

Several fan events are organized across the city, attracting around 30,000 participants. The Sejong Center for the Arts, adjacent to Gwanghwamun Plaza, canceled all performances on 21/3, while the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History closed for the entire day.

Members of the group BTS. From left: V, Suga, Jungkook, J-Hope, RM, Jin, and Jimin. Photo: Big Hit Music

The Guardian noted that BTS's return breathes new life into "BTS-nomics," a term analysts use to describe the economic impact the group has on tourism, accommodation services, and retail sectors.

During this period, hotel room prices in central Seoul surged, with some locations charging five times the normal rate. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, a similar situation occurred in Busan in January when the group announced a concert there for the summer. A report indicated that local room rental costs increased from 100,000 won to 900,000 won (1.8 million dong - 16.4 million dong) following the concert announcement.

Korean President Lee Jae Myung condemned the issue of "price gouging," calling it "unconscionable profiteering that disrupts market order and causes significant harm to everyone." He suggested that penalties should far exceed any illicit gains. Also in January, the Korean government passed a law against black market ticket speculation, allowing fines up to 50 times the original ticket price for reselling activities.

BTS, an acronym for Bangtan Sonyeondan, debuted in 2013 with seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Their music spans genres like hip-hop and R&B, often exploring social issues, inner struggles, romantic love, and self-love, creating resonance with young audiences.

Industry experts consider the group a significant force in the entertainment industry, contributing billions of USD to the Korean economy. Their music has achieved global success, consistently breaking sales and streaming records. In recent years, BTS has become a media darling in Europe and the United States, frequently appearing at major awards ceremonies.

Phuong Thao (according to Guardian)