SEOUL, South Korea — Following the massive success of BTS’s “The Comeback Live: Arirang” concert at Gwanghwamun Square, HYBE has issued a formal apology to the public for the “inevitable” but extreme security measures that disrupted the daily lives of local citizens.
While the free concert celebrated the release of the group’s fifth studio album, Arirang, the scale of the event required unprecedented coordination with the Seoul city government, leading to significant friction for commuters and local businesses.
- Commuter Impact: From 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the day of the show, metro trains skipped Gwanghwamun Station entirely. Bus routes were also detoured, forcing thousands of office workers to find alternative transportation.
- Intrusive Screenings: Attendees and passers-by reported going through three separate security checkpoints. This included being asked to remove outer jackets and bags for inspection.
- Confiscations: Security officers reportedly confiscated items deemed “fire hazards,” including BTS-themed newspapers and various fan-made merchandise.
- Building Restrictions: Access to certain government buildings and offices within the square was restricted, impacting the “precious personal schedules” of locals.
The K-pop behemoth expressed deep gratitude to the citizens of Seoul for their “generous understanding.”
“Because we absolutely needed to ensure the safety of this event that was receiving attention from all over the world, we inevitably had to implement certain [safety] measures,” HYBE stated. “We would like to sincerely apologize to those who commute through Gwanghwamun Square and everyone who experienced inconvenience in their daily routines.”
HYBE also thanked authorities for allowing the use of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square—landmarks that represent the intersection of Korea’s history and contemporary culture.
The corporation emphasized its commitment to protecting national heritage, noting that K-pop’s growth is built upon the “cultural foundation” of Korean society. Moving forward, HYBE is discussing a long-term support system with related organizations to promote and safeguard South Korea’s cultural assets while continuing to showcase them to a global audience.