Seoul tightens safety oversight for BTS 10th anniversary fireworks

The South Korean government is stepping up safety oversight ahead of the BTS Festa fireworks show. This is in response to last year's massive crowd crush in Itaewon.

"Large crowds are expected to gather to watch the BTS festival fireworks, and as accidents are likely to occur as large numbers of people move across bridges and roads late at night, relevant departments should pay attention to safety management," Prime Minister Han Deok-soo said on Friday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Commission said it is conducting safety checks at the BTS 10th anniversary Festa fireworks event in Yoido on Saturday , expecting 300,000 people to attend.

The police will place 374 signboards and banners around the event area and deploy 630 traffic police and management personnel to ensure smooth traffic control.

A BTS history wall, "Run Bulletproof" stage costumes, 10th anniversary Festa commemorative sculptures, a tattoo sticker experience booth and a BTS live screen will be installed at Yeouido Hangang Park on Saturday.

Write to So-Yeon Kim at sue123@hankyung.com