Government Raises Terror Alert from 'Attention' to 'Caution' Starting March 19 Ahead of BTS Concert

On March 18, the government announced that it would raise the terror alert level to "Caution" in the Jongno-gu and Jung-gu areas of Seoul ahead of the BTS Gwanghwamun concert scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on March 21.

A road closure notice has been installed at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 16th ahead of the full-group comeback performance of BTS. 2026.3.16 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

The Counter-Terrorism Center under the Office for Government Policy Coordination will issue the "Caution" level alert from midnight on March 19 until midnight on the day of the concert, March 21. The terror alert system has four levels—'Attention,' 'Caution,' 'Alert,' and 'Critical'—and this adjustment raises the alert by one level from the lowest. An official from the Office for Government Policy Coordination stated, "Given the current instability in the international situation, we cannot rule out the possibility of terror threats at large-scale events like the BTS concert," adding, "We have decided to take proactive measures to ensure the highest level of public safety."

In connection with this, President Lee Jaemyung also mentioned the upcoming BTS concert at the Cabinet meeting the previous day, urging, "I ask that you make every effort to establish thorough safety measures." He further emphasized, "Although the likelihood is not high, please be fully prepared for the possibility of terrorism as well," and requested, "I hope everyone will pool their efforts to ensure the event is both successful and safe."

With the upgrade in the terror alert level, relevant agencies will implement response measures according to each alert stage, and will strengthen security and patrols at major event venues and multi-use facilities. The joint response system will also be reinforced to enable immediate action in the event of any situation. An official from the Office for Government Policy Coordination stated, "All relevant agencies will cooperate to maintain thorough preparedness," adding, "We plan to do everything possible to ensure the concert is held successfully by responding swiftly and seamlessly to any situation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.