BTS Comeback Stage Sparks Controversy Over Off-Duty Female Officers Deployment

BTS is facing challenges as Seoul police prepare for their comeback live stage at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21.

Police substations across Seoul are stretched thin due to a shortage of officers this week. One station even reassigned three female officers specifically for the BTS concert site.

According to Yonhap News, nearly 7,000 police officers will be mobilized nationwide to maintain order. This includes 72 riot units and 35 investigation teams.

The focus is on deploying female officers. Since most of the expected ARMY attendees are women, female officers are needed for body searches.

However, this shift is putting pressure on local police stations responsible for neighborhood security. A team leader explained the strain:

“It seems like they are bringing in officers who are off duty on the day of the performance. While it doesn’t seem like the number of staff on duty is being reduced, it’s a burden because those being mobilized will have to work without getting any rest.”

Another challenge is managing the many wedding venues in the Gwanghwamun area. Police must carefully check guests to prevent unauthorized concert watchers from sneaking in.

“When checking guests, we will tell them to verify by showing the wedding invites. They say mobile invitations are acceptable, but those can be forged. The challenge is to distinguish between whether an investigation has been forged in a chaotic situation.”
— police officer B

Fans and netizens hope the event runs smoothly despite these logistical hurdles.