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Naver to offer dedicated search, maps, membership perks for BTS comeback

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By Park Jae-hyuk
  • Published KST
The Naver Maps, Navigation app shows the location of seats, restrooms, information desks and medical facilities near the venue of the BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul. Captured from Naver Maps, Navigation app

The Naver Maps, Navigation app shows the location of seats, restrooms, information desks and medical facilities near the venue of the BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul. Captured from Naver Maps, Navigation app

Naver said Friday it has updated its search engine, as well as its maps and navigation app, to help BTS fans enjoy the K-pop group’s comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul this Saturday.

The Korean IT giant will also offer Naver Plus Membership subscribers access to BTS-related content on Netflix and Spotify.

According to Naver, concertgoers will be able to locate seats, restrooms, information desks and medical facilities through the Naver Maps, Navigation app, which will provide real-time updates on road closures and public transportation near the venue.

The features were introduced as Naver partnered with Netflix, which will livestream the concert.

“Foreign visitors will find the services convenient since the map is available in multiple languages,” a Naver official said.

Users will also be able to view three-dimensional images of streets surrounding the square by clicking on BTS-related keywords displayed in the app.

In addition, those who search for BTS-related keywords on Naver through March 27 can enjoy interactive content celebrating the band’s comeback.

Next month, Naver plans to update its map service to list event venues for “BTS The City Arirang Seoul,” a citywide project offering fan-focused events through April 12.

Naver Plus Membership subscribers will gain access to Netflix, which will not only livestream the concert but also release a documentary on the production of BTS’ latest studio album. They can also listen to songs from the album on Spotify.

Spotify will host the “Spotify x BTS SWIMSIDE Cruise” on March 27, where participants can listen to BTS' songs while cruising along the Han River. Naver plans to let users experience the event virtually through its map service using virtual reality technology.