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The investigation follows a request from the ticket platform Nol Universe, which flagged signs of automated programs being used to secure tickets, the Korean Herald reported.

Police are looking into three suspected criminal cases tied to ticket sales. Scammers claim to secure tickets for buyers using automated input programs and attempt to steal personal information during transactions. Some victims, who paid between 150,000 won and 300,000 won (around US$102–$204), did not receive the promised tickets.

On Wednesday, the country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it found 1,868 posts offering tickets to the event for sale on major online secondhand trading platforms, according to Chosun Daily.

The ministry said it had asked the National Police Agency to investigate four cases involving 105 tickets, where sellers were suspected of illegally reselling tickets by securing multiple seats for the same session and adding premium prices.

Authorities have heightened security measures in the area as nearly 260,000 people are expected to gather around Gwanghwamun Square for the show. Police said about 4,800 personnel, including mobile police units and local officers, will be deployed on the day of the event.

Special police forces will also be stationed nearby to respond to potential threats such as knife attacks, vehicle incidents or terrorism.

Several businesses near Gwanghwamun Square are adjusting operations ahead of the event.

According to insiders, telecommunications company KT Corporation will close its building, which sits directly across from the concert venue, on March 21 due to safety concerns linked to the expected influx of fans. Employee access will be restricted and all commercial facilities inside the building will suspend operations.

The performance at Gwanghwamun Square will mark BTS’ first live show since the seven members paused group activities for mandatory military service.

Formed in 2010 and debuting in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, now part of HYBE, BTS began as a hip-hop group before expanding into a wide range of musical styles.

The group broke into the global market in 2017, becoming the first Korean act to receive a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for the single “Mic Drop.” In 2018, BTS became the first South Korean act to top the Billboard 200 with the album “Love Yourself: Tear.”