Korea's fire agency defends its resource allocation for BTS concert, clarifying differences in emergency response needs compared to a factory fire.
March/23/2026 11:11Related Groups & Members
The Korean Fire Agency rebutted discussions raised by some regarding the 'appropriateness of resource allocation' after deploying a large number of firefighters to the BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) concert at Gwanghwamun. The agency clarified that simply comparing the number of personnel deployed to the fire scene at a factory in Daejeon with that at the concert venue is a factual error, and that the deployment was based on a scientific assessment considering the characteristics of each site. On the 22nd, the Fire Agency published explanatory materials through official social media in response to an article reported by the Seoul Economic Daily on the 21st. The report indicated that while about 200 firefighters were deployed to the factory fire in Daejeon, which resulted in 14 fatalities, approximately 800 were mobilized for the BTS concert, a private event, which was deemed inappropriate. In response, the Fire Agency corrected that 'the actual number of firefighters deployed to the Daejeon fire scene was 733, which differs from the article's figures.' They added that 'the approximately 200 mentioned in the article refers to the initial response phase of the fire' and emphasized that 'it is a clear factual error to simply compare personnel at both sites.' The Fire Agency particularly highlighted that 'post-disaster response' and 'pre-event crowd control' have different spatial constraints and nature of risks. According to the Fire Agency, the Daejeon factory fire was a disaster that occurred in a 'localized single building,' and deploying thousands of personnel simultaneously in a limited space could create bottleneck phenomena, potentially hindering rescue operations. Consequently, they explained that they concentrated on deploying the maximum tactical personnel allowed in that space and advanced special equipment like unmanned firefighting robots. On the other hand, the BTS concert venue was an 'open large space' where hundreds of thousands gathered, and an uncontrolled massive crowd poses risks of secondary large-scale disasters such as crush injuries. The Fire Agency clarified that 'the approximately 800 personnel deployed at the scene were essential defense personnel needed to form physical control lines in the wide space and disperse crowd density to prevent unforeseen secondary disasters.' The 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' held on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square attracted many people, but thanks to thorough safety management, no incidents occurred. The Fire Agency stated, 'We will do our utmost to manage the Daejeon factory fire while also fulfilling the national duty of pre-event safety management at venues where large crowds gather,' and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims of the Daejeon fire.
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