All articles tagged with #seoul
Seoul city data puts the March 21 BTS Gwanghwunam/City Hall crowd at about 76,000 (75,927 from 8–9pm), with around 19,000 foreigners in attendance. This contrasts with earlier estimates ranging from 48,000 to 260,000 and HYBE's 104,000, highlighting notable inconsistencies in crowd-size reporting for the event.
Authorities planned for about 260,000 fans to attend BTS’s first full-group show in four years at Gwanghwamun Square, livestreamed by Netflix, but turnout appeared far lower with figures ranging from around 48,000 (Seoul city) to 104,000 (Hybe), depending on counting methods and included sites; the gap has sparked debate over crowd estimates and whether public resources were justified for a private event, as businesses reported slower foot traffic and officials defended extensive security measures.
BTS thrilled tens of thousands in Seoul with their first concert in nearly four years after completing military service and solo projects, staging a high‑energy comeback at Gwanghwamun Square with a drone show, red landmarks, and purple branding tied to their Arirang album.
BTS makes a highly anticipated full-group return in Seoul, drawing up to 260,000 fans to Gwanghwamun Square with 22,000 entering a concert area, while Netflix streams the show globally and authorities deploy 7,000 police with anti-drone tech and strict access controls. The event, tied to the release of their new album Arirang, underscores Korea’s soft-power push and the tourism/economic impact around the capital, as city services and transit are rerouted in a bid to safely manage the crowd ahead of their world tour.
Apple is kicking off its 50th-anniversary celebrations with events around the world, including what appears to be a plaza performance at Chengdu’s Taikoo Li store amid a temporary closure, and a sold-out Today at Apple session featuring the K-pop group CORTIS at Seoul’s Myeongdong store, as part of March festivities ahead of its April 1, 2026 milestone, with photos promised on Apple Newsroom.
North Korea fired about 10 missiles toward the sea in a show of force, according to Seoul, amid ongoing U.S.-South Korea Freedom Shield exercises; no immediate casualties were reported and tensions on the peninsula remain high.
South Korea's National Assembly passed a law establishing a governance framework to implement Seoul's pledge to attract about $350 billion in U.S. investments, creating oversight and mechanisms to steer the plan.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is coordinating a broad safety plan for BTS's comeback, including crowd-control zoning, real-time monitoring, emergency readiness, subway and bus adjustments, and inspections to curb price gouging, as officials expect large crowds and aim to ensure safe, accessible celebrations for fans.
An elderly taxi driver in Seoul was arrested after a deadly crash that killed one person and injured 13 others, with tests indicating morphine use, raising concerns about elderly drivers' safety.
An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul made an emergency landing in Shanghai after a lithium battery in a passenger's luggage caught fire, but no injuries were reported.
Son Heung-min is set to leave Tottenham after a final open training session in South Korea, where he received a warm farewell from fans. The session included a match, drills, and a humorous moment involving martial artist Choi Hong-man. Striker Dominic Solanke missed the session due to injury, and young player Will Lankshear impressed with his shooting skills, potentially earning a spot in the upcoming match against Newcastle.
Son Heung-min announced his decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur, with interest from MLS side Los Angeles FC, during a press conference in Seoul. He expressed that it was the most difficult decision of his career, citing a desire for a new challenge after achieving everything at Tottenham. The club and Son are navigating the transition as he prepares for his final game with Tottenham.
FC Barcelona is in Seoul for a preseason match aiming for their second win, following a victory against Vissel Kobe, with notable players like Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard reuniting, and fans eager to see the new kit.
South Korea, particularly Seoul and Incheon, is experiencing a severe outbreak of lovebugs, driven by rising temperatures due to climate change and urban heat effects. While these insects are not harmful to humans, their swarms have caused public nuisance and increased complaints. Authorities are responding with measures like water spraying and sticky pads, and natural predators are helping control the population. The outbreak highlights the impact of climate change on ecological stability in urban areas.
South Korea, particularly Seoul and Incheon, is experiencing a severe outbreak of lovebugs, driven by rising temperatures and climate change, leading to increased public complaints and efforts to control the swarm, while experts note the insects are ecologically beneficial and their numbers are beginning to decline naturally.