In a significant show of support for South Korea’s cultural diplomacy, President Lee Jae Myung addressed the nation regarding the historic “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” concert held at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026.
Recognizing the group’s global influence and the symbolic importance of their first full-group performance in years, the President utilized both official State Council meetings and social media to emphasize the event’s role in showcasing “the great power of Korean culture.”
A Call for Safety and Mature Civic Awareness
On March 18, 2026, three days prior to the event, President Lee Jae Myung issued a detailed statement through his official social media channels.
His address focused heavily on the logistical and safety challenges posed by an event expected to draw upwards of 260,000 people to the heart of Seoul.
While expressing excitement for the performance, the President’s primary message was one of caution and public cooperation.
The President noted that the government had mobilized a massive inter-agency task force involving the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the National Police Agency, and fire authorities. He stated:
“We are making thorough preparations together with relevant ministries, local governments, and safety agencies so that this event can proceed without a single accident.
I trust that our citizens will show mature civic awareness by being considerate of one another and observing order.”
In his address, he specifically urged fans to follow the guidance of on-site safety personnel and issued a stern warning against illegal activities that could mar the celebration. He added:
“Please report any ticket scalping that disrupts market order. Let us make this a special moment that people around the world will remember for the right reasons.”
Culture as a National Strength: The “Arirang” Theme
The choice of “Arirang” as the theme for the 5th full-length album and the accompanying concert was a focal point of President Lee’s remarks.
During the 10th meeting of the State Council, the President highlighted how BTS continues to reinterpret traditional Korean sentiments for a modern, global audience.
He characterized the group as “proud artists of the Republic of Korea” who act as a cultural bridge.
President Lee’s administration has consistently linked cultural output to national prestige, and his address framed the Gwanghwamun concert as a “proof of cultural power.” He remarked:
“With ‘Arirang’ as its theme, I hope this will be a meaningful time to share the beauty of our tradition with the world.
This concert will once again prove the strength of the culture created by the ROK.”
The President’s high-level involvement- including his decision to raise the official terror alert by one notch in central Seoul for the duration of the event- underscored the event’s status as a matter of national importance rather than just a musical performance.
As of April 2026, following the successful conclusion of the concert and its global broadcast on Netflix, the President’s proactive stance is viewed as a key factor in the event’s safety and its multi-billion dollar projected economic impact.
