HYBE’s Total Payment to Seoul City for BTS’s “ARIRANG” Comeback Revealed

BTS’ comeback concert agency paid around ₩30 million KRW (about $20,100 USD) to use Gwanghwamun Square for one week. This is the first time a solo artist has held a performance at the iconic public space.

A Seoul city official confirmed on March 20 that the fee is set by the city and is lower than typical concert venue costs. The government is responsible for ensuring the event runs smoothly.

“The usage fee that HYBE (which received permission to use Gwanghwamun Square) has to pay is slightly over ₩30.0 million KRW (about $20,100 USD).”

According to the city’s ordinance, the fee is ₩10 KRW (about $0.01 USD) per 1㎡ per hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and ₩13 KRW from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Using the 10,000㎡+ square from March 16 to 22 totaled around ₩30 million KRW. Gwanghwamun Square remains a public space open to all, and the mayor must ensure it supports peaceful civic activities and cultural use.

HYBE also secured permission to film at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate, paying ₩61.2 million KRW (about $41,100 USD) to the Korea Heritage Service. This fee accounts for lost admission revenue. On concert day, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and the National Palace Museum of Korea will be closed.

In total, HYBE will pay roughly ₩90 million KRW (about $60,400 USD) to Seoul and national governments for using public spaces and heritage sites. However, public spending will far exceed this amount. Over 10,000 personnel, including about 6,700 police officers and 3,400 city, district, and fire officials, will manage safety.

There are also indirect social costs. Police have asked civic groups to limit or cancel protests at Gwanghwamun Square starting March 16. Nearby building access will be restricted, and public transportation, bike-sharing, and surrounding roads will face disruptions, impacting daily life for citizens.