AI-Powered Telecom and Ultra-Precise Mapping Technologies Shine at BTS Concert

BTS Gwanghwamun Concert Ends Safely

AI-Powered Traffic Distribution by Three Major Telecom Companies

Real-Time Congestion Updates and Transportation Information Services

The technological capabilities of domestic telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) companies utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) played a significant role during BTS’s comeback concert.

According to the telecommunications industry on March 23, network traffic around Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 more than doubled compared to the previous weekend. SK Telecom reported that mobile data usage in the area totaled 12.15 terabytes (TB) during the three hours before and after the concert (7–10 p.m.), more than twice the amount recorded during the same time period the previous weekend (5.87 TB).

KT also stated that wireless and online video service (OTT) traffic at Gwanghwamun Square more than doubled. LG Uplus reported that the number of connected devices in the area at 8 p.m., when the concert began, was about twice as high as the previous week.

The reason stable service was possible despite the surge in traffic is attributed to the AI-based network management technologies of the three major telecom companies and pre-concert optimization efforts. SK Telecom’s AI-based network management system, “A-One,” which was introduced for the first time, analyzed traffic in real time every five minutes and within 50-meter intervals. When a potential overload was detected, it immediately redistributed traffic and reallocated resources.

KT applied its AI-based traffic auto-control solution, “W-SDN.” This technology analyzes network traffic in real time, detects and analyzes signs of base station overload in advance, and automatically controls it within one minute. KT also operated “AIONET,” which monitors Netflix traffic at the nationwide router level in real time and performs AI-based anomaly detection.

LG Uplus utilized autonomous network technology. When traffic was concentrated at a specific base station, it automatically adjusted operational parameters such as output and connection maintenance time to distribute the load to nearby base stations. LG Uplus commented, “Our technology and people worked together to support the event stably,” and added, “We will continue striving to provide seamless telecommunications services at large-scale events in the future.”

Domestic platforms such as Naver and Kakao took responsibility for the safety of the BTS concert by adding congestion information to their ultra-precise public transit services to help disperse user movement. The “Ultra-Precise Bus” service in Jongno-gu, operated in collaboration between Kakao Map and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, saw usage spike by 250% compared to its launch day and by 83% compared to the previous day as of 10 p.m., when the concert ended. Including the “Ultra-Precise Subway” service, the increase reached up to 280%. Kakao Map also provided information on road closures, congested areas, temporary restrooms, and on-site medical stations on the day of the concert.

Naver Map contributed to crowd management by launching its “Indoor Venue Map” for the concert. In addition to seating locations, the map provided easy-to-understand information on major amenities such as restrooms, gates, information desks, and medical support booths. It also offered real-time updates on road closures and public transit detours near the concert venue, helping users choose their travel routes. Additional features included multilingual support for foreign visitors and the “Street View 3D” service for the Gwanghwamun area.

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