Heading to Gwanghwamun for BTS? Here’s how to stay safe amid expected crowd of 260,000

Officials from the Seoul Metropolitan Government inspect safety measures near Gwangwhamun Square in central Seoul, March 19, ahead of the BTS comeback show. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

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The full-group comeback of K-pop phenomenon BTS at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square is drawing global attention to Korea.

More than 260,000 people are expected to gather at the iconic spot in the Korean capital this Saturday. To ensure public saftey, the police and the Seoul Metropolitan Government plan to control access to 31 nearby buildings to prevent overcrowding.

In places where large crowds gather, special caution is needed to avoid crowd crush incidents.

Why do crowd crush incidents occur?

First, let’s look at why crowd crush incidents happen. A crowd crush refers to death caused by pressure.

When a large number of people gather in a confined space, the pressure exerted on each individual increases. In particular, if excessive pressure is applied to the chest, it can lead to rib fractures or oxygen deprivation.

When oxygen supply decreases, brain activity stops. An adult consumes about 0.2 to 0.3 liters of oxygen per minute, with the brain using the most amount. If deprived of oxygen for two minutes, cerebral cortex cells begin to be damaged. After six to eight minutes, the effects spread throughout the body.

During a crowd crush, a person's ability to respond to the situation diminishes. If one person falls, others are pushed and fall like dominoes. However, if internal organs are damaged or oxygen supply is cut off, securing the “golden time” is critical. Missing this window can lead to brain death or death.

Tourists visit Gwangwhamun Square in central Seoul on Friday, two days before the BTS comeback show. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Call emergency services (119) and perform CPR

According to the Korean Association of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR consists of the following steps:

- Check responsiveness

- Call 119

- Check breathing

- Perform chest compressions

- Provide rescue breaths

- Repeat compressions and breaths

First, approach the person, tap their shoulder and ask loudly if they are okay. If there is no response, cardiac arrest is likely.

Next, ask someone nearby to call 119. It is more effective to point to a specific person rather than addressing a crowd.

After calling, check for breathing by observing the person’s face and chest.

For chest compressions:

- Perform 30 compressions.

- Lay the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.

- Place the heel of your hands (interlocked) on the lower half of the sternum.

- Keep your arms straight and vertical over the body.

Then:

- Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.

- Pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs and give a breath over one second, watching for chest rise.

- If you do not know how to perform rescue breathing, perform chest compressions only.

- Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive. If the person regains consciousness, place them on their side.

Prevention is key

Preventing a crowd crush is most important.

To avoid danger, try to secure space in front of your chest. Stand with your legs spread apart to better withstand pressure from the front and back and allow the ribs and diaphragm to move.

A digital screen displays a welcoming message for BTS and its fans, ARMY, in Myeong-dong, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

If you have already fallen:

- Protect your head.

- Pull your arms and legs close to your body to shield vital organs.

- Curl into a position that reduces pressure on the abdomen.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.